Assessment of Pesticide Residue Levels in Vegetables sold in some Markets in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated pesticide residue levels in the two vegetables commonly eaten in Lagos state Nigeria. The vegetables (Telfairia occidentalis and Celosia argentea) were purchased from six markets (Oyingbo, Mile 12, Mushin, Ajah, Agege and Festac) in Lagos. The pesticide residue levels were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data obtained were statistically analysed using graph pad prism 6.0 software and were compared with WHO limits. The vegetables from all the markets had pesticide residue level above the WHO lower limit (0.02 mg/kg). The two vegetables from Oyingbo and Mile 12 markets had total pesticide residue levels above the WHO upper limit (0.7 mg/kg). T. occidentalis from Oyingbo market had the highest total pesticide residue level (2.35mg/kg) and the highest number of pesticides while C. argentea from Agege market had the least total pesticide residue level (0.08mg/kg). Aladrin was found in the two vegetables from all markets and generally more pesticide residue was found in the tissues of T. occidentalis than in the tissues of C. argentea. Significant differences (P<0.05; P<0.01) were noticed between some pesticides in T. occidentalis from Oyingbo and some pesticides in the vegetables from the other markets. Although the hazard quotient and hazard index values (being less than 1 and 0.2 respectively) indicate that there will be no health risk in consuming the vegetable, some of pesticides residues were above the maximum residue levels. The presence of pesticides in the vegetables calls for strict regulation of the application of the pesticides in farms and preservation chambers. This will help in preventing some of the diseases and other problems associated with pesticide accumulation.

Keywords: Pesticide, Residue, Vegetable, Health Risk, Monitoring