Fish meal derived from trash fish is the major source of protein for fish growth, but it is also the source of contaminants in commercial fish feeds. The major objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using food resources to replace part of fish meal in fish feeds for lowering levels of contaminants in cultured fish, based on a field trial. After feeding 3 different fish species in the field for one year, with food waste pellets (FW A and FW B, with cereal and meat as the major ingredients, respectively) and a commercial feed (control), total and bioaccessible concentrations of methyl-mercury (MeHg) and polycyclic ​aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in bighead carp (BH) (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), grass carp (GC) (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and mud carp (MD) (Cirrhina molitorella) were analysed (using gas chromatography-cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometer (GC-CVAFS) for MeHg, and Hewlett-Packard (HP) 6890 N gas chromatograph (GC) coupled with a HP-5973 mass selective detector (MSD) for PAHs). Subsequently, human health risk assessments were conducted. There seems to be a great potential of using food waste-based pellets to replace commercial feeds for growing safe and quality freshwater fish based on the lower levels of MeHg and acceptable levels of PAHs in fish fed produced by food waste-based pellets, compared with commercial feeds.

 

Dr. Man Yu Bon obtained a B.Sc. in Environmental Science at The University of Nottingham in the U.K, a M.Sc. and a Ph.D. both at Hong Kong Baptist University. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Science and Environmental Studies at The Education University of Hong Kong. He has a board teaching and research interest in the area of Environment Science which included (1) Biogeochemical cycle of Toxic Contaminants in the Environment; (2) Pollutants in wastewater treatment facilities; (3) Health Risk Assessment with focus on food safety; and (4) Using food waste for culturing fish.