Level of aflatoxin residues in mugil cephalus and tilapia nilotica fishes from streams and aquaculture in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

Sixty random samples of Bori [Mugil cephalus] and boulti [Tilapia nilotica] were collected from four aquacultures and streams around Alexandria governorate for detection of aflatoxins residues in their edible parts. Cultured M. cephnlus showed high level of total aflatoxins [27.61, 13.49micro g/kg] than cultured T. nilotica [7.12 micro g/kg] or naturally live T nilotica in water stream [1.81 micro g/kg]. Aflatoxin B[1] was the predominant toxin among others [B2, G 1, and G2] in both species. Generally, aflatoxins residues were higher in cultured M. cephalus and its concentration in one farm reach to above the maximum allowable limits. Efforts should be directed towards decreasing the level of aflatoxins in fish feeds to avoid the hazard effect of aflatoxins on human health