Assessment of Bee Honey in some Districts in South-Western Nigeria for Agricultural Pesticide Residues and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Abstract

Purpose: Honey are produced by honeybees which are expected to be free from contaminants or pollutants in the environment. But different degrees of anthropogenic activities in regions where apiaries domiciles have raised issues of primary health importance because of the increasing contents of pesticide residues, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other related hydrocarbon compounds in honey. Osun State is an agrarian state where agricultural herbicides and insecticides are used. The study focused on organophosphate and organochlorine compounds and PAHs. Research Method: Honey samples sourced from selected zones in Osun State, were screened for organophosphate, organochlorine compounds, PAHs as well as other related hydrocarbon compounds using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Finding: There were no traces of highlighted pesticide residues except for PAHs and other related compounds. Ninety-two PAHs and other related hydrocarbon compounds were identified. The number of PAHs and related compounds per sample ranged from 9 to 35. While Cyclohexane, Decodane and Naphthalene were the most common with higher concentrations in all the samples. The Mn±S.D values of Cyclohexane, Naphthalene and Decodane obtained were 0.2976±0.1253µgkg-1, 0.471±0.119µgkg-1, and 12.516±3.120µgkg-1 respectively. Other PAHs and other related hydrocarbon compounds identified had insignificant concentrations. Originality/value: The study recommends that bee farmers should locate their apiaries 3km to 5km away from regions where there are serious hazardous anthropogenic activities including industrial areas. Also, there is need for strong understanding between the bee farmers and crop farmers on tolerable uses of agricultural pesticides, and herbicides on field crops during the flower bloom period where there are no options. Lastly, harvested honey should undergo quality assurance and control for safety reasons. All packaged honey for retail should bear labels including the compositions after quality analysis.