DETERMINATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES AND THEIR RISK ASSESSMENT IN BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris) PURCHASED AT PORTHARCOURT, USING GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

This study assessed pesticide residue levels in seven bean samples collected via grab sampling from various bean sellers at the Boricamp market in Rumuokoro, Rivers State, Nigeria. The bean samples collected are Navy, Honey, Aloka, Brown, Patasco, Groundnut, and Iron. The samples were prepared using n-hexane and analyzed using gas chromatography. Fifteen different pesticides were identified in the samples. They include Isopropylamine, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DCP), Dichloro-biphenyl, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Aldrin, Lindane, P, P’-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p’-DDD), Chlordane, Profenofos, Glyphosate, Carbofuran, Dichlorvos, Heptachlor, Biphenyl, and trans-Nonachlor (t-nonachlor). Groundnut beans had the highest number of pesticide residues, with a high Aldrin concentration of 21.09ppm and a low Isopropylamine concentration of 0.02 ppm. On the other hand, Brown beans had the lowest pesticide residue levels, with a high Biphenyl concentration of 23.08 ppm and a low Isopropylamine concentration of 0.14 ppm. The concentration of pesticides in the bean samples was compared with the Codex standard for the maximum residue limit in food grains, set at 2 ppm. Some of the pesticides were within the standard limit, while others were above it, posing significant health risks to humans when consumed. The health risk index was calculated for both adults and children, based on the Estimated Daily Intake and Acceptable Daily Intake. The results showed potential health risks to all consumers, especially children. Highly toxic pesticides should be replaced with less harmful alternatives. There should be regular monitoring of pesticide residues in crops to mitigate food safety risks and reduce overall exposure to pesticides.