Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Soil and Cassava using GC-MS in Obiaruku, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The problem of pesticide residues in soil and crops, such as cassava, is becoming increasingly a concern because it may have adverse effects on environmental health and food safety. This research examines the pesticide residues in the cassava tubers and from farms in Obiaruku, Ukwuani LGA, Delta State, Nigeria to determine the level of contamination and hazard. The purpose was to determine the presence and level of pesticide residues in soil and cassava and the probable effects it has on the health and environment of the people. Systematic grid sampling was used to sample soil and cassava samples. Soxhlet and ultrasonication were used to extract pesticide residues, which were determined by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis were utilised to determine the distribution and correlation of pesticide residues. The findings indicated that the cassava roots and soil were seriously polluted with pesticides like 1, 3-dimethyl- 2- nitro benzene, Fenitrothion, Pirimiphos Ethyl and Phosalone in different amounts at different sites of investigations. Pesticide concentration in cassava tubers was lower than in the soil, indicating that there was not much translocation to the edible portion. The Cassava tuber samples had lower pesticide concentrations compared to soil, with the highest pesticide concentrations in soil being Fenitrothion at 45.99 ± 76.62 mg/kg and Pirimiphos-ethyl at 38.32 ± 52.91 mg/kg. The cassava residue samples contained very low pesticide concentrations, with the highest concentration in the residue sample being Pirimiphos-ethyl at 1.024 ± 1.65 mg/kg. Both Fenitrothion and Pirimiphos-ethyl were found to be some of the most predominant soil pollutants, although their concentrations were significantly lower in cassava (p<0.05 Nevertheless, the prevalence of pesticides in soil presents a major concern to the well-being of the environment and food safety. Therefore, the frequent observation of pesticide residues, adoption of eco-friendly farming methods, and enhanced pest control strategies are advised to avoid pollution. Moreover, increased awareness of the risks of pesticides and the availability of safer variants should be considered a priority issue.