Organochlorine Pesticide Residues and Associated Health Risks in Nigerian Rice Samples: Implications for Food Safety and Environmental Policy.

This study assessed OCP residues in rice grains and soils from various rice-producing regions in Nigeria, aiming to estimate human exposure and associated health risks from rice consumption. Samples were collected from Hadejia (Jigawa), Makwaro (Kano), Pategi (Kwara), Igbemo (Ekiti), Isoku (Ogun), and Akeke (Edo) using a stratified random sampling technique. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed α-Lindane, β-Lindane, γ-Lindane, and δ-Lindane were only present in rice from Ogun, while Endosulfan II was detected across all locations, with concentrations ranging from 1.819 mg/kg in Igbemo rice to 20.706 mg/kg in Costus rice from Kano. Other OCPs, such as Aldrin and Dieldrin, also varied significantly across regions, with Aldrin levels peaking at 0.224 mg/kg in Ogun. The analysis highlighted substantial non-carcinogenic risks associated with OCP exposure, particularly in Ogun and Kano, with Heptachlor presenting the highest Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values. The Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) analysis showed Ogun with the highest cumulative risk at 0.016107, indicating a critical public health concern. Overall, the findings underscore the urgent need for monitoring and regulatory measures to mitigate OCP exposure risks in rice consumption, particularly in regions where LCR and THQ values exceed safety thresholds.