The reality of the use of growth hormones in fish (Rui (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), and Monosex Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production

The unobservable use of hormones in fish production is becoming an alarming issue worldwide. To reveal the fact in Bangladesh, 144 fish samples (rui (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla), and monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)) were collected from different fish farms and markets of Mymensingh district. The market samples had two sources (Mymensingh and Rajshahi district). The steroid hormonal (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone) residue was analyzed by HPLC-UV detection. A standard questionnaire survey was conducted where most farmers (80%) denied using the hormone in fish production. Among the analyzed samples of all three fishes, hormonal residues were detected in approximately 98% of samples, and around 92% contained residues above the ADI. Among the contaminated samples, 70% of samples had a single residue and 30% had multiple residues. The testosterone and progesterone hormonal residue was detected in all three fishes in both farm and market samples and ranged (above ADI) from 2.1 to 16.96 μg/kg and 31.47–731.57 μg/kg (p < 0.05) respectively. The estrogen hormone residue was only detected in market samples (Rajshahi district) of rui and catla and no residue was detected in tilapia fish and the hormone level (above ADI) ranged from 8.23 to 40.13 μg/kg. This study revealed that the use of hormones varies on the attitude of farmers based on the local culture pattern as estrogen hormone residue was only detected in market samples. The consumption of contaminated fish at such concentrations may cause many health hazards in humans, especially in children. Thus, this study reveals a new alarming fact to focus on, and an effective monitoring system should be implemented as soon as possible for public health concerns.