Quantification of Pesticide Residues in Retail Samples of Cowpea - Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp

Quantification of pesticide residues in retail samples of food is one way to determine the level of human exposure to these chemicals and hence their potential health hazards. The study was aimed at quantifying the level of some known pesticides in retail samples of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Cowpea) from two cropping seasons. Five cultivars of cowpea from two different harvest seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018) were purchased from Ogige Market, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. The cowpeas were identified based on city/state where they were cultivated. Two foreign samples were also purchased from London, UK. The pesticide residues were determined using gas chromatography coupled with electron capturing detector (GC-ECD). The results showed that the retail samples of cowpea contained residues of one or more organochlorines and organophosphates. The levels of post-harvest pesticides, 2, 2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) in 2016/17 season (0.02 μg/g) exceeded the international permissible standards (0.01 μg/g). The levels of the pre-harvest pesticides, glyphosate was low in both seasons (0.01 μg/g) when compared to the international permissible standards (0.1 μg/g). The DDVP was not detected in the two foreign samples. HCB (Hexachlorobenzene), α-HCH (alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane), Chlorpyrifos, g-chlordane, t-nonachlor, p-p’-DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), p-p’-DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichlo-rowthylene), and p-p’-DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) were detected in the cowpea from two cropping seasons despite being banned from agricultural use. This could be due to the additional application of pesticides during storage of the cowpeas. The findings concludes that the levels of some of the residues exceeded the safety limits while some were below the safety limits, suggesting that some of samples of the cowpea were not safe for human consumption as bioaccumulation, persistence, and toxicity of these residues was likely to pose serious health risks to the consumers. Generally, cowpea from the 2016/17 season contained higher pesticide residues than those from the 2017/18 season.

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Quantification of Pesticide Residues in Retail Samples of Cowpea - Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp

Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition ◽

10.9734/ajsspn/2021/v7i230105 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 35-44

Author(s):

C. S. Okoye ◽

C. E. Oguh ◽

O. J. Umezinwa ◽

C. C. Uzoefuna ◽

B. C. Nwanguma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vigna Unguiculata ◽

Health Risks ◽

Pesticide Residues ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Potential Health ◽

Dimethyl Phosphate ◽

Agricultural Use ◽

Enugu State ◽

Cropping Seasons ◽

City State

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Impact of Bacillus in fermented soybean foods on human health

Annals of Microbiology ◽

10.1186/s13213-021-01641-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 71 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Trishala Gopikrishna ◽

Harini Keerthana Suresh Kumar ◽

Kumar Perumal ◽

Elavarashi Elangovan

Keyword(s):

Human Health ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Health Risks ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Potential Health ◽

Fermented Soybean ◽

Food Pathogens ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Fermented Soybean Foods

Abstract Purpose Fermented soybean foods (FSF) is popularly consumed in the South-East Asian countries. Bacillus species, a predominant microorganism present in these foods, have demonstrated beneficial and deleterious impacts on human health. These microorganisms produce bioactive compounds during fermentation that have beneficial impacts in improving human health. However, the health risks associated with FSF, food pathogens, biogenic amines (BAs) production, and late-onset anaphylaxis, remain a concern. The purpose of this review is to present an in-depth analysis of positive and negative impacts as a result of consumption of FSF along with the measures to alleviate health risks for human consumption. Methods This review was composed by scrutinizing contemporary literature of peer-reviewed publications related to Bacillus and FSF. Based on the results from academic journals, this review paper was categorized into FSF, role of Bacillus species in these foods, process of fermentation, beneficial, and adverse influence of these foods along with methods to improve food safety. Special emphasis was given to the potential benefits of bioactive compounds released during fermentation of soybean by Bacillus species. Results The nutritional and functional properties of FSF are well-appreciated, due to the release of peptides and mucilage, which have shown health benefits: in managing cardiac disease, gastric disease, cancer, allergies, hepatic disease, obesity, immune disorders, and especially microbial infections due to the presence of probiotic property, which is a potential alternative to antibiotics. Efficient interventions were established to mitigate pitfalls like the techniques to reduce BAs and food pathogens and by using a defined starter culture to improve the safety and quality of these foods. Conclusion Despite some of the detrimental effects produced by these foods, potential health benefits have been observed. Therefore, soybean foods fermented by Bacillus can be a promising food by integrating effective measures for maintaining safety and quality for human consumption. Further, in vivo analysis on the activity and dietary interventions of bioactive compounds among animal models and human volunteers are yet to be achieved which is essential to commercialize them for safe consumption by humans, especially immunocompromised patients.

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Pesticide residues in Nepalese vegetables and potential health risks

Environmental Research ◽

10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.002 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 172 ◽

pp. 511-521 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Govinda Bhandari ◽

Paul Zomer ◽

Kishor Atreya ◽

Hans G.J. Mol ◽

Xiaomei Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Risks ◽

Pesticide Residues ◽

Potential Health

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Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Sardinella Aurita from the Coastal Waters of Accra-Tema, Ghana and their Potential Health Risks

Journal of the Ghana Science Association ◽

10.4314/jgsa.v13i1.69190 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

E Nyarko ◽

BO Botwe ◽

AA Bampoe ◽

S Addo ◽

AK Armah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organochlorine Pesticide ◽

Health Risks ◽

Coastal Waters ◽

Pesticide Residues ◽

Potential Health ◽

Organochlorine Pesticide Residues ◽

Sardinella Aurita

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Quantification of Pesticide Residues in Fresh Vegetables Available in Local Markets for Human Consumption and the Associated Health Risks

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11091804 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1804

Author(s):

Umme Salma Nisha ◽

Md. Sirajul Islam Khan ◽

Mohammad Dalower Hossain Prodhan ◽

Islam Md Meftaul ◽

Noorjahan Begum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Health Risk ◽

Health Risks ◽

Pesticide Residues ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Human Consumption ◽

The European Union ◽

Lablab Purpureus ◽

Potential Threat ◽

Fresh Vegetables

Human health risks as a result of consuming pesticide residues in fresh vegetables have drawn serious attention to the scientific community, particularly in developing countries. This study analyzed country bean (Lablab purpureus L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) for widely used neonicotinoid, synthetic pyrethroid, and dithiocarbamate pesticide residues in order to ensure food safety. The analyzed vegetables contained residues of acetamiprid and cypermethrin in 17% of bean and 13% of eggplant samples, respectively; among them, 3% of bean and 1% of eggplant samples had residues of acetamiprid that were above the maximum residue limits set by the European Union (EU-MRLs). None of the samples for either of the analyzed vegetables contained the residue of thiram and lambda-cyhalothrin. In contrast, 83% of bean and 87% of eggplant samples had no detectable pesticides. Thus, the findings were surprising considering the repeated and overuse of pesticides in vegetables in the investigated areas. However, this outcome supports the general claim of pesticide adulteration in terms of the active ingredients, which is another drawback to ensuring food safety. The non-cancer health risk assessment based on the acute health risk to consumer (aHI) and chronic hazard quotient (HQ) indicates that contaminated vegetables might pose a potential threat to children’s health and alarming for adults. This study reflects the overall scenario of pesticide residues in marketed vegetables of Barishal district of Bangladesh, which could help the consumers to bring awareness, and to take necessary actions by the pesticide suppliers and policymakers.

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Pesticide Residue Analysis of Khat Leaves and Health Risks among Khat Chewers in the Amhara Region, Northwestern Ethiopia

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2021/4680573 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Seyfe Asrade Atnafie ◽

Niguse Yigzaw Muluneh ◽

Kefyalew Ayalew Getahun ◽

Asegedech Tsegaw Woredekal ◽

Wubayehu Khaliw

Keyword(s):

Pesticide Residue ◽

Health Risks ◽

Pesticide Residues ◽

Residue Analysis ◽

Cardiac Complications ◽

Amhara Region ◽

Potential Health ◽

Chronic Health ◽

Exposed Population ◽

Two Samples

Introduction. Farmers use a large number of pesticides to increase the productivity of Khat cultivation. Since Khat is consumed by many Ethiopians as a habit, there may be a significant concentration of pesticide residues in Khat leaves which result in adverse effects among the exposed population. Excess use of pesticides in Khat causes cancer, genotoxicity, and endocrine disturbances. The current study aimed to determine the concentration of selected pesticide residues on Khat leaves samples and to estimate the possible health risk on consumers. Methods. Thirty Khat samples were collected from Khat cultivators in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Pesticide residue extraction and cleanup of Khat samples were performed using the QuEChERS method. Data were also collected about personal variables and Khat consumption habits. The pesticide concentrations were determined and the health risks were estimated. Results. Profenofos, dimethoate, and chlorpyrifos were detected in 6 (20%), 24 (80%), and 28 (93.3%) Khat samples, respectively. However, diazinon was detected in two samples and endosulfan I was not detected. The average concentration of chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, profenofos, and diazinon in Khat samples was 75.39 ± 20.26, 130 ± 48.94, 242.45 ± 119.79, and 81.5 ± 21.0 μg/kg, respectively. The HQ for diazinon was greater than 1 which shows the chronic health risks associated with intake of diazinon among Khat chewers. The acute health risks associated with intake of profenofos and diazinon were minimal. Discussion. Pesticide residue exposure is a risk factor for cardiac complications, reduction in antioxidant defense system, and developing neurological symptoms. All the pesticides were higher than the European Union Maximum Residue Levels (EU-MRL). Diazinon has the potential to cause higher chronic health risks. Chronic Khat chewers in the region may face potential health risks from pesticide residues. Awareness creation among people in the study area is necessary to avoid the adverse health effects of pesticide residues.

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Safety assessment of seafood with respect to chemical pollutants in European Seas

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies ◽

10.2478/s13545-013-0063-1 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Piotr Szefer

Keyword(s):

Health Risks ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Inorganic Pollutants ◽

The Baltic Sea ◽

Potential Health ◽

Chemical Pollutants ◽

The Baltic ◽

The Eu ◽

European Seas

AbstractThis mini-review discusses the occurrence of chemical pollutants in edible biota from European seas, including the Baltic Sea ecosystem. The bioaccumulation of organic and inorganic pollutants in marine fish and edible molluscs and crustaceans is briefly approached within the context of European Union (EU) food quality standards. The health risks associated with the human consumption of seafood have been assessed mainly by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an independent European agency funded by the EU. The potential health risks arising from the consumption of “frutti di mare” are examined from the standpoint of estimated Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWIs) for toxic pollutants.

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Assessment of systemic and carcinogenic health risks of persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in four fruit vegetables in south-western Nigeria

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-05-2021-0573 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Gideon Oluwasogo Odewale ◽

Mosudi Babatunde Sosan ◽

John Adekunle Oyedele Oyekunle ◽

Adeoluwa Oluwaseyi Adeleye

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Health Risks ◽

Pesticide Residues ◽

Risk Index ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Heptachlor Epoxide ◽

Potential Health ◽

Content Type ◽

Endosulfan Sulphate ◽

Systemic Health

PurposeThe study assessed the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and their potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in four regularly consumed fruit vegetables.Design/methodology/approachThe OCPs’ residues were quantified using a gas chromatograph coupled with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and the dietary exposure of children, and adult consumers to the detected OCPs was evaluated using carcinogenic and systemic health risk estimations.FindingsAldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, a-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulphate, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and dieldrin were detected in the four fruit vegetables. The predominant OCP residue in carrot, cucumber, tomatoes and watermelon was endosulfan sulphate with mean concentrations of 2.532 mg kg−1, 1.729 mg kg−1, 2.363 mg kg−1 and 1.154 mg kg−1, respectively. The residues levels in some of the fruit vegetables were higher than their respective maximum residue levels (MRLs) of 0.01–0.05 mg kg−1 set by the European Commission with concentrations above MRLs ranging between 25.5% and 100%. The systemic health risk estimations showed that the hazard index (HI) values for carrot (3.20), cucumber (9.25), tomatoes (50.21) and watermelon (16.76) were >1 for children consumers and the respective HI values of 2.87, 15.57 and 5.20 for adult consumers of cucumber, tomatoes and watermelon were >1 which implies potential systemic health risks. Four carcinogens (aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide) had cancer risk index values greater than the acceptable risk of 1 in 1 million for both adult and children consumers.Originality/valueThe paper shows that despite the ban on the use of OCPs in Nigeria, they are still being used for agricultural production especially on some locally produced and regularly consumed fruit vegetables as reported in the present study. The non-existence of surveillance programmes on pesticide usage and the lack of proper monitoring of pesticide residues in food products including fruit and vegetables must have contributed to the levels of the detected OCP in the samples analysed. The current daily intake of OCP via contaminated vegetables may pose potential health risks to both the children and adult consumers of the fruit vegetables.

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