Risks associated with the consumption of fish grilled on charcoal in the commune of Man (Côte d’Ivoire)

Braised fish is a cooking method very popular among the people of Man. The survey conducted among the vendors of the large night markets of the city of Man (Côte d’Ivoire) identified three types of fish mainly used in this type of cooking. Among these three types of fish, Cyprinus carpio is the most sold. Thin-layer chromatography analysis of braised fish purchased at night markets revealed the presence of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: benzo(a)anthracene and another unidentified compound. The dosage of heavy metals also showed the presence of certain heavy metals in the muscles of purchased braised fish. The heavy metal levels vary depending on the type of fish. In Cyprinus carpio, the metals found are copper, nickel, zinc and manganese with respective contents of 0.06% ; 0.01% ; 0.13% and 0.48%). In Trachurus trachurus, the metals found are chromium, zinc, nickel, manganese, copper, cadmium with respective contents of 0.09% ; 0.26% ; 0.1% ; 0.1% ; 0.16% and 0.06%. For Scomber japonicus, the same metals are found as in Trachurus trachurus but the contents differ. Regular consumption of braised fish sold in the night markets of the city of Man would present health risks for consumers.