Human Health Risk Assessment through the Detection of Organochlorine Pesticides in Vegetables and fruits from Dhaka, Bangladesh by Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)

Abstract

This study investigated the levels of Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in vegetables and fruits from local markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh using Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and analyzed the possible health risks of peoples through consumption of those fruits and vegetables. A total of 100 vegetables and 100 fruits samples were analyzed and 45% of vegetable samples and 40% of fruit samples were found to be contaminated with OCPs residues. Aldrin, p,p-DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene), Cis-Chordane, p,p-DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), Endrin, α-Endosulfan and Lindane-I were detected in vegetable samples while Aldrin, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT, α-Endosulfan and Lindane-I were detected in fruit samples. The HI (Hazard Risk Index) values of Aldrin, p,p-DDE, Cis-Chordane, p,p-DDT, Endrin, α-Endosulfan and Lindane-I in vegetables were 0.1096, 0.0066, 0.3964, 0.0088, 0.1532, 0.8828 and 0.0198 respectively while HI values of Aldrin, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT, α-Endosulfan and Lindane-I in fruit samples were 0.0155, 0.0005, 0.0002, 0.0339, 0.0019 respectively. The average concentration of detected OCPs residues were below the FAO’s recommended maximum residue limits (MRL). It is therefore concluded that, even though OCPs residues are below the maximum tolerance value but, continuous accumulation in consumer body through consumption of such vegetables and fruits may lead to chronic effects.