Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides in Carrot Harvested along the Banks of River Getsi, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Human risk investigation on twenty (20) organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in carrot plant cultivated along the banks of river Getsi, Kano state was undertaken. The samples were collected, stored, later extracted and cleaned up using florisil method. Analysis was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with electron capture detector. Results obtained revealed human risk index of OCPs in carrot to be averagely 30% (which is lesser than 1 but few OCPs) greater than 1 despite the average). Among Human Risk Index greater one (HRI>1) include only delta-BHC (benzene hexachlorate), aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, diedrin, endrin, and endrin aldehyde. Notwithstanding the aforementioned Organochlorine pesticide health risk index greater than 1, are not among the OCPs such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloromethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), heptachlor, endosulfans, and chlordanes that are regarded as endocrine disrupting chemicals. The cumulative health risk assessment associated with pesticide exposure in the vegetables studied shows negligible effects on the consumers. Even though the hazard indices recorded for carrot plant were low (30%) for consumers, does not imply full proof safety. Pesticide residues could accumulate over a period of time and this could have adverse chronic effects on consumers.