Pesticide Residue Analysis in Selected Food Crops in Bwari Area of Abuja, Nigeria

High yields in food crops and prevention of post-harvest losses are some agricultural practices which have led to a wide application of agrochemicals like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). This study analyzed the presence and concentrations of twenty OCP residues in food crops selected from communities in Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Experimental values gotten were compared to Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) to ascertain that they are within acceptable limits. The stored food crop samples; maize (Zea mays), guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were collected from storages of households from the study site. Samples were prepared using QuEChERS method of preparation and analysis carried out using the Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Results from this study showed OCP residue presence in most food crops, at varying concentrations. Despite the presence of OCPs, their mean concentration values were at levels below MRL. However, Zuma Yellow Maize (ZYM) had the presence of p,p’-DDE (a metabolite of DDT) with mean concentration value of 146.38 µg/kg. This was far above MRL of 50 µg/kg for p,p’-DDE. Thus, ZYM showed health risk index of 337.513 which is greater than 100, indicating a higher health risk to consumers. Routine monitoring of food crops should be carried out frequently to ensure food safety and security. Furthermore, farmers should also be educated on the effects of pesticides, as actions are taken on the mis-use of pesticides.