Fatty acids, persistent organic pollutants, and trace elements in small pelagic fish from the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Fatty acids (FAs) composition, 24 persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and 16 trace elements were examined in small pelagic fish (sardine, anchovy, round sardinella, chub horse mackerels) caught by a fishing fleet for more than three years the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Five Unmix source profiles associated with both sources, such as overlapping diet, including low-niche marine organisms inputs from surrounding environmental compartments resolved. Inorganic compounds notably abundant tissue organochlorine xenobiotics. Comparison values of toxicological parameters revealed that species are safe human consumption, while content FAs emphasized studied valuable nutrients. A significant linear correlation was not observed between 18 lipophilic organochlorines. Based on obtained database, future assessments quality edible aquatic environment Sea, which is known an important ground, could be significantly improved.