Determination of Organochlorine and Organophosphorous Pesticide Residues in Irrigated Soil from Southern Parts of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Chemical compounds or mixes known as pesticides are intended to prevent, eliminate, or kill pests which are organisms that cause harm to crops, lower agricultural yields, or contaminate products that are kept. This study examines the pesticide residues of
organochlorine and organophosphorous materials in soil samples that have been watered. Using a mortar and pestle, a 25.00 g soil sample was combined with 50.00 g of granular sodium sulfate and ground into a powder. Subsequently, the powdered material
underwent normal methods for extraction, concentration, cleaning, and GC-MS analysis. Heptachlor (12.278±0.023 mg/kg) was detected in SS1 and 1,1-dichloropentane (0.5296±0.0012 mg/kg and 0.797±0.014 mg/kg) was found in SS2 and SS3, respectively, according to the GC-MS analysis. In SS2, dichlorvos (3.900±0.015 mg/kg) was found. The Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) established by the USEPA and Codex Alimentarius FAO/WHO are exceeded by these results. Samples are contaminated in the following order, SS3 < SS1 < SS2 with SS2 being the most contaminated. Based on the findings, which point to possible health dangers, government regulatory bodies should take immediate action to ensure that dangerous pesticides are used and regulated properly