Abstract
Honey bees derive their nutrients from nectars and other plant materials. These naturally available materials are affected by the residual presence of pesticides. The concentration of pesticides in honey comb then reflects the leftover after degradation. In this study, samples of honey were collected from five different farms in Plateau State and analyzed for pesticide residues (atrazine, cypermethrin) and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn) using GC-MS and AAS techniques. Results of the analysis indicated that atrazine and cypermethrin were found in the range (0.01 - 0.36 and 0.11 - 0.26) mg/kg, respectively in all the samples. Mn and Fe were found across the samples while Cd was detected only in the sample obtained from Maraban Jos (0.0013 mg/kg). Except Bokkos and Maraban Jos, Pb was detected in other samples. This study revealed that all samples contained the selected pesticide residues above the maximum residue limits recommended by European Union, while concentration of heavy metals in all the samples except Mn was below the maximum concentration limits recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. The high concentration of pesticide residues in the samples indicates contaminated environment in which the bees fed; therefore intermittent monitoring of the quality of honeys produced would be necessary as this calls for urgent attention.
Highlights
This study revealed that all samples contained the selected pesticide residues above the maximum residue limits recommended by European Union, while concentration of heavy metals in all the samples except Mn was below the maximum concentration limits recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization
Apart from Plateau agricultural development site (PAD), all other results were above the 0.01 mg·kg−1 pesticide maximum residues limit in foods set by European Union. [18] had reported pesticide residues in honey in the range of 0.003 - 4.3 mg·kg−1 most of which were organochlorine. [16] reported a range of 0.03 - 0.09 mg·kg−1 for organochlorine pesticide residues in honey
The study revealed that most of the honey samples analyzed contained the selected pesticide residues above the maximum residue levels recommended by European Union, while concentration of heavy metals found in all the samples was below the maximum concentration limits recommended by food and agriculture organization alongside world health organization
Summary
A ban has been placed on the use of organochlorine pesticides in agriculture due to their persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment. Residues of these pesticides are often times found in [2]. EPA has found atrazine to cause a variety of acute health complications ranging from acute exposures to a concentration that is higher than maximum contamination level. These effects are congestion of the heart, lungs and kidneys; hypertension; antidiuresis; muscle spasms. Maximum residue limits of pesticide residues in honey have been established by European Union which basically is at the limits of quantification of the analytical methods [11]
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