Estimation and human health risk assessment of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residues in raw milk collected in Kenya

Sheridan Wanjiku Philip,Duke Gekonge Omayio,Mitchel Otieno Okumu,Shem Oyoo Wandiga,Vincent Madadi Odongo

doi:10.12688/f1000research.74748.1

Sheridan Wanjiku Philip, Duke Gekonge Omayio + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.74748.1

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Abstract

Background: This study determined the levels of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate (OPPs) pesticide residues in cow milk from Kiambu and camel milk from Isiolo and Laikipia. The human dietary intake and the potential consumer health risks were also evaluated. Methods: In total, 90 cow and 82 camel milk samples were collected and analyzed using gas chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy to determine the levels of OCPs and OPPs. The levels were compared to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius (CA), EU Pesticides Database (EUPD), and the United States Department of Agriculture. The estimated daily intake and chronic hazard quotient (cHQ) of the milk were also calculated. Results: Cow milk from Kiambu was contaminated with 11/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 13/14 of the evaluated OPPs while camel milk from Isiolo was contaminated with 9/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 9/14 of the evaluated OPPs. Camel milk from Laikipia was contaminated with 11/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 11/14 of the evaluated OPPs. The mean heptachlor value in camel milk from Isiolo was above the EUPD MRLs. The mean value of heptachlor in Camel milk from Laikipia was above the CA and EUPD MRLs. The cHQs for Disulfoton, Fenamiphos, and Methacrifos in Cow milk were above 1 for adults and children. The cHQs for Fenchlorphous and Profenofos in Camel milk were above 1 for adults and children. The cHQs for α-endosulphan, β-endosulphan, dieldrin, and heptachlor in cow milk was above 1 for adults and children while the cHQs for heptachlor in camel milk was above 1 for adults and children. Conclusions: The potential health risks from chronic dietary intake of cow and camel milk in Kenya cannot be excluded. The routine monitoring of organophosphate and organochlorine pesticide levels in milk is recommended to minimize risks to human health.

Highlights

Rapid urbanization and population growth have increased the food requirements in Sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya[1]
The mean levels of heptachlor in cow milk collected from Kiambu County were above the maximum residue levels set by the Codex Alimentarius, and the European Union (EU) Pesticides Database (Table 1)
The mean levels of heptachlor in camel milk collected from Isiolo and Laikipia Counties were above the maximum residue limits set by the Codex Alimentarius and the EU Pesticides Database (Table 1), 12/18 of the OCs evaluated are unregulated by the Codex Alimentarius, 10/18 are unregulated by the European Pesticides Database, and 15/18 are unregulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Rapid urbanization and population growth have increased the food requirements in Sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya[1] To meet this demand, various techniques including the use of fertilizers and pesticides have been introduced to increase food production and stave off serious livestock diseases[2]. 18,000 tonnes of pesticides were imported into the country in 2018 relative to about 7,600 tonnes in the late 90s1,3 Many of these pesticides have been banned, or their use is heavily restricted, in Europe and other developed jurisdictions due to their high toxicity towards the health of animals, humans, and the environment[3]. This study determined the levels of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate (OPPs) pesticide residues in cow milk from Kiambu and camel milk from Isiolo and Laikipia. The cHQs for αendosulphan, β-endosulphan, dieldrin, and heptachlor in cow milk

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