Vol. 4, Issue 2 (2016)
High performance liquid chromatographic determination of pesticide residue in zobo leaves available at local markets in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Author(s): Erepamowei Young, Timi Tarawou
Abstract: The ingestion of food contaminated with residue pesticides is dangerous to human health. In order to avoid health risks to consumers, residue pesticides must be kept within the WHO/FAO-recommended limits. The aim of this study was to determine residues of Methomyl, carbendazim, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, and thiophanate methyl in zobo leaves. Zobo leaf is a major constituent of zobo drink; a local beverage in Nigeria, Ghana, Caribbean, etc. Seven zobo leaf samples were purchased from three local markets of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Extraction of the pesticides was carried out on each zobo leaf samples using a mixture of ethyl acetate, hexane, and sodium chloride in the ratio of 3:1:1. The extracts were cleaned up on a glass column (containing activated charcoal and anhydrous sodium sulphate) and pre-concentrated in a water bath maintained at 45 °C. Residue pesticides were detected in all samples. The concentrations of residue pesticides ranged from 0.07–0.1 mg per kg of zobo sample while the % contamination in respect of 50 g zobo sample ranged from 0.0001–0.0004. It was found that the concentrations of all residue pesticides were within the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) of Codex Alimentarius Commission standard of 0.1 mg kg -1 in zobo leaves. The results indicate that zobo leaves sold at the local markets have sufficient quality for making zobo drinks with respect to residue pesticides.
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How to cite this article:
Erepamowei Young, Timi Tarawou. High performance liquid chromatographic determination of pesticide residue in zobo leaves available at local markets in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Int J Chem Stud 2016;4(2):10-12.
