Physiochemical characteristics and organochlorine pesticides In surface water and fish, and potential health risk in lower Delta of Ouémé River, Bénin Republic, West Africa

Abstract

This study identified the levels and potential risks of OCP residues in water and Oreochromis niloticus tissues from Adjohoun, Dangbo and Aguégués of the Lower Delta of Ouémé River. The presence of seventeen OCP residues was detected using gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector. The concentration of pesticide residues ranged from below the limit of detection (BLD) to 16.48 μg/L for water samples and BLD to 334.78 μg/kg/ww for fish. Endosulfan sulphate was the predominant residue in all the samples analyzed, at the mean concentrations of 32.2 ± 27.04, 281.91 ± 55.22 and 49.33 ± 5.33 μg/kg/ww in gills, liver and muscle samples respectively. From the health risk analyses, ΣEndosulfan and ΣBHCs were above the Maximum Residual Limit recommended by Codex Alimentarius Commission. The estimated daily intake of all detected OCP residues in fish muscles exceeded the Permissible Tolerable Daily Intake and Acceptable Dietary Intake recommended by WHO/FAO, with exception of ΣEndosulfan. The assessment of the Target Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index indicated no health risk from the consumption of the fish flesh. Routine monitoring of pesticide residues is necessary for the prevention, control and reduction of OCP pollution, and minimizes health risks to humans.