Monitoring of pesticide residues in fresh fruits and vegetables available in Nigerian markets and assessment of their associated health risks

The presence of pesticide residues in agricultural products is posing serious health concerns for consumers. This study monitored the concentrations of pesticide residues in some selected fruit and vegetables, and their potential health risks were also assessed. Organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate (OPPs) residues were extracted and quantified with a gas chromatography-pulsed flame photometric detector. A total of 38 pesticide residues were identified and the results showed mean concentration (mg/kg fresh weight) of (OCPs) residues ranging from 0.02 to 0.37 and (OPPs) residues ranging from 0.01 to 0.33. The concentrations (mg/kg) of isodrin, heptachlor, dicofol, prothiophos, profenofos and dichlorvos were above the maximum residue limit. The non-carcinogenic health risk estimates revealed a possible potential health risk from consumption of the fruits and vegetables in adults and children for most of the pesticide residues. The cancer risk assessment estimates gave values below 10−6 which suggests no probable cancer risk. As a result of the increasing trend in pesticide use in Nigeria, routine monitoring of pesticide residues in agricultural produce is a necessity to ensure the safety of consumers.