Organochlorine and Organophosphorus Pesticides Residues in Commercial Poultry Feed Samples in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pesticides are among Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) used in agricultural practices to increase production efficiency. They enter the food chain, bioaccumulate and are toxic to human, animals and the environment. The presence of pesticide residues in animal feeds has been rarely monitored and reported in Nigeria. This study evaluated the levels of pesticide residues in different brands and types of poultry feeds that are produced, marketed and used in Lagos, Nigeria. Five types of five commonly used commercial brands (25 samples) of poultry feeds were purchased from animal feed markets in Lagos, Nigeria. Simultaneous detection and quantitation of selected thirteen (13) OCPs and eight (8) OPs residues in the feeds was carried out using Gas ChromatographyElectron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) respectively. Results revealed that all the feed samples had multiple pesticide residues levels which ranged from 0.10 - 1.83 mg/kg for OCPs and 0.25 - 6.04 mg/kg for OPs. These values were above the Maximum Residual Limit (MRL). The detected pesticide residues order of violation of the MRL was Methoxychlor > Dieldrin >Endrin ketone for OCPs, and Trichlorfon > Malathion > Diazinon for OPs. There was no significant (p>0.05) differences in the pesticide residues levels among the brands and types of the samples. Present study indicates extensive and unwholesome use of pesticides in the agro industry in Nigeria suggesting need to enforce Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Storage Practices (GSP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and constant monitoring of pesticide residues thereby implementing the Good health and Wellbeing (Goal 3) of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal.