DETERMINATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN COMMONLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES IN MUBI METROPOLIS, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Alexander, Priscilla

Department of Chemistry,

Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria

Email: priscillaalexander21@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Pesticides are hazardous and toxic to human health; any pesticide residues remaining in vegetables can pose danger to humans and cause certain diseases. This study was conducted to determine the pesticide residues in commonly produced vegetables) in Mubi Metropolis these vegetables include Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach), Hibiscus esculentus (Okra) and Rumex Acetosa (Sorrel). Twelve (12) vegetable samples were collected from farms and local markets in Mubi Metropolis, Adamawa, Nigeria. Pesticides residues were extracted from the vegetables using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method. Extraction of the samples was carried out using acetonitrile containing 1% acetic acid to determine the residual concentration of pesticides which may have been sprayed during seasonal growth. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for quantitative and confirmatory analysis of the pesticides. The pesticide residues in vegetable samples were determined and confirmed from their molecular weights. The molecular weights of pesticides were compared with that given in the data bank of GC/MS. The investigation showed that pesticides with low molecular weight were eluted before the high molecular weight pesticides. The factors studied were retention time, relative abundance and molecular weight. The following pesticides were identified during the investigation, dichlorvos, lindane, cyhalothrin and glyophosphate.

Keywords: Pesticides, QuEChERS, GC/MS, acetonitrile and Vegetables