Detection of organochlorine pesticides residue and trace metals in vegetables obtained from Iwo market, Iwo, Nigeria

The use of agricultural pesticides for agricultural production has led to increase in environmental pollution. Use of pesticides and fertilizers has led to increase in organochlorine pesticides residue concentration and heavy metals. This research is important due to fact that organochlorine pesticides have high resistance to chemical and biological degradation. This study, the trace metals and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residue in vegetables sold in Iwo market were evaluated. Five types of vegetables were used in this study. Gas chromatograph-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) were employed in quantitative analysis. Trace metals analysis revealed that Cd and Cr and were not detected in all the samples, while Pb, Cu, Mn and Zn were above WHO/ FAO limit for food samples. Residues of organochlorine were detected in all the vegetable samples except onions. Fifteen isomers of OCPs were detected at varying concentrations. The total burden of OCPs in the samples was in the following order: Ginger> Carrot> Cabbage> Garlic. Total metal burden of the vegetables in decreasing order of Cabbage > Garlic > Carrot > Onion > Ginger. Human exposure to accumulated concentration of OCPs and heavy metals in food via food consumption can be related to several neurological developmental disorder, infertility, reproductive and immune system disorders.

Automated summary

The use of agricultural pesticides and fertilizers has increased the concentration of organochlorine pesticide residue and heavy metals in vegetables sold in market. The presence of these residues may lead to neurological, reproductive, and immune system disorders in humans through food consumption.