Pesticides Residue In Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Sold In Major Markets In Abakaliki Area Of Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study is aimed at assessing the level of pesticides residues in cucumbers sold in major markets in Abakaliki area, as well as the associated health risks. Samples of cucumbers were collected from two major markets in Abakaliki and analyzed for pesticide residues using Gas Chromatography coupled to an electron capture detector (GC-ECD).The risk associated with the consumption of cucumber was also evaluated using the health risk index (HRI). A maximum of twenty five (25) pesticides residues were present in samples from both markets. The results showed that samples from both markets were contaminated with multiple pesticides residues, including Chlorothalonil (0.8516 mg/kg and 0.5321 mg/kg) in samples A and B respectively, Lindane (1.4205 mg/kg and 1.2041 mg/kg) in samples A and B respectively,) and Dichlorobiphenyl (0.0013 mg/kg and 0.0002 mg/kg) in samples A and B respectively which exceeded the Maximum residue levels (MRLs) recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). Diazinon, Aldrin, Alpha-endosulfa, Isopropylamine, Deltamethrin were below maximum residue levels recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The HRI of the entire pesticides residue detected were below 1 in adults and children indicating little or no risk for both adults and children.