Human Health Risk of Organochlorine Pesticides in Foods Grown in Nigeria

Abstract

Background.Production of foods safe for consumption is an important issue worldwide. Organochlorine pesticides (OCP) are often used to preserve crops. Their use can have serious impacts on human health.Objectives.This research aims at assessing OCP residues in food samples from markets in Lagos in southwestern Nigeria and their risk to human health.Methods.Sixteen food samples were collected from Lagos, Nigeria and analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues. Extraction was performed using an ultrasonicator, and analysis was carried out using a gas chromatograph-electron capture detector. Risk assessment was carried out by determining the hazard quotient.Results.Results of the OCP residues found in the foods were generally low, with dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) having the highest residue concentration. The concentration of p,p'-DDE was as high as 110 ng/g in pulses and 123 ng/g in Cameroon and chili peppers. The risk index was <1 in most cases, with the exception of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p'-DDD) in fruits for children.Discussion.The results were generally lower than what has been documented in other parts of the world and suggest that consumption of the foods investigated in the present study in Nigeria may be considered safe for the 13 OCPs investigated.Conclusions.There is a need for continuous monitoring of these OCPs and investigation of carbamate and phosphate pesticide residues since they are more widely used in farming practices in Nigeria.

Occurrence and Human Health Risk of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) Pesticide Residues in Commonly Consumed Vegetables in Southwestern Nigeria

“…The consumption rate for vegetables for adults was considered to be 89.3 g/person/day and 140 g/person/day for children 18,24,25. The potential non-carcinogenic health risk was assessed by calculating the hazard quotient 18,19 …”

“…The average adult's body weight of 60 kg and 16.7 kg for children were considered as standard body weight 18,26. The reference dose was obtained from the United States Environmental Protection Agency Integrated Risk Information System 27.…”

“…The reference dose was obtained from the United States Environmental Protection Agency Integrated Risk Information System 27. When the health risk index > 1, the food in question is considered to be a risk to consumers; when the index < 1, the food is considered acceptable for consumption 18,19…”

“…A study by Oyeyiola et al . assessed the potential health risk of contaminated vegetables in Lagos such as cabbage, carrot, pepper, tomatoes and lettuce, and a study by Sosan and Oyekunle assessed the potential health risk from kolanut consumption 18,19. There is a dearth of information on the potential health risk associated with commonly consumed vegetables such as amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)…”

Bioaccumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides, Procamallanus sp. (Baylis, 1923) infections, and Microbial Colonization in African Snakehead fish Sampled from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

“…Hence, the parasite and microbial load on the fish may serve as a reliable supportive tool with bioaccumulation indices in the determination of the ecotoxicological implications of OCPs in the lagoon. There may be possible synergistic, antagonistic or supra-addictive interactions among these key playing factors which may ultimately determine the health and palatability of the fish (Akinsanya et al, 2010;Odo, 2012;Kuton et al, 2015;Oden et al, 2015;Ravindran et al, 2016;Olanrewaju et al, 2017;Oyeyiola et al, 2017).…”