ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES CONTAMINATION AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISK IN FISH FROM MAYOKAM, SUNTAI AND RIVER TARABA OF CENTRAL TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out to assess the level and health risk index of organophosphate in fish species from Mayokam, Suntai and Taraba Rivers. The extraction was performed using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe method was used for extraction and Gas Chromatography- Mass spectrometer for the detection of the pesticide residues. The morphometric measurement and condition factor of the fish species were measured and all the fish species had condition factors (K) > 1. The result of the analysis shows that the OPPs residues were detected higher in Mormyrus rume follow by Clarias gariepinus while the Tilapia zilli recorded low concentration. The concentrations were in an increasing order as Chlorpyrifos > Phosphorodithioic acid > Ethoprophos > Disulfoton across the three-sampling locations. The levels of Chlorpyrifos and Phosphorodithioic acid in all three fish species were above the FAO/WHO maximum residue limits (MRL). The result of the health risk assessment shows that 36 % of values obtained had the health index greater than one (HI > 1) which might result in possible carcinogenic health risk. The high levels of these pesticides may pose a great danger in the environment over time. Regular monitoring and regulation are therefore necessary to control the usage of pesticide in Nigeria in order to avoid environmental contamination.