Analysis of pesticide residues in pineapples sold in Winneba, Ghana

Abstract

Pesticides have been known to be extensively used to ensure high crop yields both during production and for post-harvest treatment. This increased use of the pesticides has resulted in pollution of the environment and also has caused many associated short-term and long-term effects on human health. Hence, this study is to analyze the pesticide residues in the pineapples sold by various fruits vendors in Winneba as well as compare the residual levels with EU MRL‘s. Gas chromatography with selective electron capture detector (GC-ECD), gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detector (PFPD), and Liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LCMS) were used to detect and determine the amount of organochlorine insecticides, organophosphate insecticides and herbicide and growth regulators respectively. Results from the analysis of the pineapples showed that there were no organochlorine and organophosphate insecticides in any of the pineapple samples. However, some herbicides and growth regulators were detected in some of the pineapple samples with fluazifop having the least mean concentration of 0.0001 ± 0.0001mg/kg and ethephon having the highest mean concentration of 0.0032 ± 0.00102mg/kg. Also, from the results of the detected pesticide residues, the finding shows that none of the pesticides detected exceeded the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) established by the European Union (EU). This therefore shows that despite the occurrence of pesticide residues in some of the samples, it could still be considered safe for human consumption. Nevertheless, further investigation and research and continuous monitoring with more strict regulation of pesticide residues in the food commodities is highly recommended.