Level of Organochlorine pesticide residues in selected consumable vegetables commonly sold in Benin City Markets

Abstract

This research studied the levels and human health risk assessment of pesticide residues in consumable vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber and onions commonly sold in Benin City markets. A total of twenty-five organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in these samples were analyzed using with gas chromatography- electron captured detector (ECD).The estimated acceptable daily intake (EADI) of gamma lindane concentration in fruit vegetable (watermelon, onions and cucumber) was determined based on European union (EU) and United States Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) standards, using two population age groups (child and adult). The results revealed the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues among the fruit vegetables (watermelon, onions and cucumber). Gamma lindane had the highest value of 0.0002mg/kg among the OCP residues detected in fruit vegetable (watermelon). Onions and cucumber were below detection limit (0.00±0.00). The study, thus suggest that OCPs concentration (gamma lindane) in watermelon is unsafe for human. The study therefore calls for continuous monitoring of agricultural farmlands because continuous exposure to pesticide contaminated food products sold in Benin City markets (watermelon) could affect the health of consumers.

Keywords: Pesticide residues, watermelon, cucumber, onions