EVALUATION OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) COMPONENTS OF BEANS CONSUMED IN GOMBE METROPOLIS NIGERIA

Abstract

Pesticide residues in beans circulating as food commodities in the national markets have been characterized as an environmental hazard due to its persistence and toxicity to both wildlife and humans. Researchers have to enact tactful methods to minimize their harmful residues effects in food in order to protect the consumers. This study investigated the pesticides residues concentrations of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) components in beans in relation to their recommended values using GC- MS analysis. The results showed that three different samples B2, B3, and B4 contained pesticide residue concentrations within the maximum recommended levels (MRLs) of 0.01 mg/kg to 0.2 mg/kg, while two samples B1 and B5 showed concentrations of pesticide residue beyond maximum recommended residue levels exhibited by 2,2’,4,5,5’,-Pentachlorobiphenyl showed concentration of 1.17518 ppm, and 2,2',3,4',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl showed concentrations of 0.4599 ppm respectively. Moreover, the percentage protein content of the beans samples investigated showed a decreasing order as B5 = 2.09 % > B4 = 1.96 % > B3 = 1.96 % > B2 = 1.95 % > B1= 1.8 % thus, B1 and B5 samples of beans are unsafe for continuous consumption but B5 showed highest protein content than other samples.