Detection of organophosphate pesticide residues of chili (capsicum annuum l.) in different seasons in Aceh province

Abstract

Chili is one of the essential food products that serve as a flavoring ingredient in the diet of the Indonesian people, especially in Aceh province. The analysis was conducted to investigate the safety level of chili sold in traditional markets of Aceh. The analysis was carried out on chili products sold in two different seasons, the rainy season (February, March and October) and the dry season (April, May, and August). Analysis of chili harvested in the rainy season was carried out on six samples from 6 districts. In comparison, analysis on samples sold in the dry season was obtained from 27 samples from 17 districts within Aceh Province. The study was conducted to analyze the pesticide residue of chili, which was traded in the traditional market in Aceh province for pesticides belong to the organophosphate group. Analysis was performed using Gas Chromatography (GC). The results of the analysis showed that in the rainy season, pesticide residue found in 2 districts (Aceh Besar and Bireuen districts). This residue belong to chlorpyrifos (0.74 mg kg−1) and dimethoate (0.61 mg kg−1). Meanwhile, in the dry season, five samples in four districts detected pesticide residues from the organophosphate group. However, only one district (Aceh Tamiang) had pesticide residues exceeding the MRL or more than 3 mg kg−1. The pesticide residue obtained in Aceh Tamiang district is (5.18 mg kg−1) from the profenofos group.