Organophosphate Pesticide on Fruits: Residue and Health Risk

Abstract

Fruits contain a lot of minerals and vitamins needed by human which is been advised even by nutritionist, but the production of this class of food is raising concerns because of the chemical products used during cultivation of these crops to ensure high yield and durability. The use of organophosphate pesticides has been favoured in some places like the US because of their fast decomposition after usage, but there are guidelines needed to be followed to ensure safe use and less pesticide residue in agriculture produce. This study determined the organophosphate residues in seven (7) fruits which are possible contamination route for human because they are often eaten raw, and also serve as data toward achieving a healthier community.

The result showed Bromophos is detected in watermelon, pineapple and cucumber with a concentration of 0.55mg/kg each, while chlorpyrifos is highest in banana with a concentration of 3.43mg/kg and orange showing the least concentration of fenamiphos with a value of 0.07mg/kg. Watermelon shows the highest pesticides residue of 12.72 mg/kg while orange had the least sum of 5.93 mg/kg. Some of this suggest a possible risk for the farmers themselves or those close to where the pesticides were used. The health hazard index of ethion suggest a possible health risk most especially with the children group. A drastic awareness, law and way to ensure farmers follow a good agricultural practice and pesticide usage is strongly advised.