Intakes of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls via consumption of fish from Taihu Lake, China: A risk–benefit assessment

Exposure risks of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) via consumption of nine fish species from Taihu Lake in China and associated benefits, through ingestion of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in fish, were evaluated. The concentrations of PBDEs, PCBs and ω-3 PUFAs in fish from Taihu Lake ranged from 98.2 to 269 pg/g, from 279 to 1071 pg/g and from 0.9 to 2.0 mg/g, respectively. Omega-3 PUFAs accounted for 11.2–20.9% of the total fatty acid amounts. The PBDE/PCB contamination levels were moderate. To achieve the recommended intake of 250 mg/d of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the associated PUFA and PBDE/PCB intakes from the species were estimated. Consumption of the species, to achieve the recommended EPA + DHA intake, did not exceed the allowable daily consumption of contaminated fish. Even though, consumers should make a sensible choice for fish species to maximise benefits and minimise risks.