DETERMINATION OF THE LEVEL OF PESTICIDES IN BEANS (VIGNA UNGUICULATA) SOLD IN BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the amounts of pesticide residues in beans that market traders and aboki vendors in Benin City, Nigeria, sell, with an emphasis on the consequences for public health and food safety. To guarantee geographic and market coverage, representative samples were gathered from both sources in four local government areas. After the sample was extracted as a using sodium sulphate and ethyl acetate, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for analysis. The beans from aboki traders had more pesticides overall, especially dichlorvos (Sniper) according to the results. Although the amount of dichlorvos in aboki-sold beans was determined to be 0.090 mg/kg, which is less than the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of 2 mg/kg, its toxicity and possible long-term consequences raise health concerns. Conversely, market-sold beans met MRL requirements because there were no measurable dichlorvos levels in them. This disparity emphasizes how strict laws and oversight are required to protect the public's health. Dichlorvos is only found in aboki-sold beans, indicating that the beans have undergone post-harvest treatment. This highlights the significance of consumer education and regulatory monitoring in guaranteeing food safety. Given that dichlorvos' Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is 0.004 mg/kg, the presence of this pesticide even at levels below the Maximum Recommended Level (MRL) could cause cumulative exposure or bioaccumulation over time which might have a negative impact on health. This study emphasizes how crucial it is to maintain food safety regulations and safeguard the public's health through ongoing pesticide residue analysis and stringent regulatory measures