ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7591-9269
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Major(s)
Chemical Engineering
Document Type
Immediate Campus-Only Restricted Access
Abstract
As of 2024, Mississippi has the largest inventory of catfish available to consumers. However, contamination from industrial waste or agricultural runoff can lead to harmful chemical and metal accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. In addition to metals and pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also of concern due to their potential to bioaccumulate and associated health risks. Pesticides can be highly toxic to fish, including catfish, by impairing metabolic processes that may lead to mortality. It is important to ensure safe consumption for public health, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. The purpose of this study was to determine chemical and metal contaminants in frozen and fresh catfish. Twenty-six edible catfish samples, including frozen fillets from local grocery stores and fresh samples from local ponds, were collected and homogenized at the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory. After grinding, QuEChERS extraction was used for organic compounds and microwave digestion for metals. Subsequent analyses were performed using GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS. Results indicated detectable levels of pesticides, including tribufos, bifenthrin, propiconazole, azoxystrobin, diuron (and its metabolites), and thiamethoxam, in some fresh catfish samples. Most pesticides did not exceed United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Part 180) tolerance levels, and no tolerance is established for tribufos. However, thiamethoxam exceeded the tolerance level of 20 ppb (131 ppb) in one pond-raised sample. A panel of metals (Cr, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Ba, and Pb) was also analyzed by ICP-MS, with Hg included but not exceeding action levels (100 ppb). These results highlight the need for continued monitoring of catfish in freshwater sources to protect public health and sustain consumer trust. Future work will include comprehensive PFAS analysis in catfish samples.
Date Defended
5-1-2026
Thesis Director
Dr. Erika Womack
Second Committee Member
Dr. Chiquita Price
Third Committee Member
Dr. Eric Vivier
Recommended Citation
Raynor, Madeline A., "Evaluation of Chemical Contaminants and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Catfish" (2026). Honors Theses. 197.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/honorstheses/197
Rights Statement
"Evaluation of Chemical Contaminants and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Catfish", Copyright 2026 by Madeline Raynor. My thesis may be used for non-profit educational and research purposes.
