Assessment of Pesticide Residues in some Selected Plants in Billliri and Kaltungo Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed to assess pesticide residues in selected plants in the Billiri and Kaltungo local government areas of Gombe State, Nigeria. Parts of the selected plants, namely Acacia nilotica, Piliostigma reticulatum, and Calotropis procera were randomly collected, including leaves, stem bark, and roots. These plant parts were washed with tap water and de-ionized water to remove air pollutants, then oven-dried at 105°C to eliminate moisture. The dried samples were pulverized using an agate pestle and mortar and sieved through a 0.5 mm mesh to obtain a uniform particle size. Pesticide residues were determined using gas chromatography (GC). Fourteen organochlorine pesticide residues were detected, including Delta-Lindane, Alpha-Lindane, Gamma-Lindane, Heptachlor, Aldrin, Heptachlor Epoxide, Endosulfan I, P,P-DDE, Endrin, Endosulfan II, P,P-DDD, P,P-DDT, and Methoxychlor.Based on the results from all locations, the lowest concentrations were below the maximum residue limit as per FAO/WHO guidelines, which range from 0.001 to 0.5 ppm. The highest concentrations of organochlorine pesticide residues reported in this study may be attributed to environmental pollution and pesticide use, consistent with the mean values reported in soils from Numan LGA in Adamawa State, Nigeria. In the intricate tapestry of modern agriculture, the assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in the distinct agroecological locales of Billiri and Kaltungo Local Government Areas unravels a compelling narrative of historical legacies, environmental intricacies, and imperatives for change. Keywords: Pesticide residues, Organochlorine pesticides, Acacia nilotica, Piliostigma reticulatum, Calotropis procera, Environmental pollution and Gas chromatography (GC)