Occurrence and Levels of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Maize Samples from Open Markets and Stores in Ile-Ife and Ondo, Southwestern Nigeria
Sosan, M. B., Oyekunle, J. A. O., and Odewale, G. O
NJE Vol. 34: 25-37, 2018
DOI: 10.36108/NJE/8102/43(0140)
Abstract: The levels of organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues in maize grains obtained from open markets and stores in Ile-Ife and Ondo were evaluated and compared with established safety limits. The pretreated samples were Soxhlet extracted and the extracts obtained were analysed for their OCPs content using a Gas Chromatograph coupled with an Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). A total of 17 OCPs and their residues were detected in most of the samples with the percentage occurrence ranging between 20 and 100%, and the levels found exceeding their Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). The mean concentration of l-HCH, Endosulfan II and Endrin aldehyde were 0.118, 0.592 and 1.039 mg kg–1, respectively for maize samples obtained from open markets in Ile-Ife. However, maize samples from Ondo had higher levels of Heptachlor epoxide with a mean concentrations of 13.622 and 18.642 mg kg–1 for open markets and stores, respectively. Amounts of OC pesticide residues detected in the maize samples indicated that samples from stores had higher residue levels than those from open markets. The level of OC pesticides contamination of the analysed maize samples portends both short- and long-term public health concerns, calling for regular monitoring of pesticide residues in maize grains and other food items to ensure higher food quality and safety.
Keywords: Organochlorine pesticides, maize, residues, market, store.