Keywords
Pesticide
residues
cowpea (VignaunguiculataL.Walp)
grains
senatorial zones
residues
cowpea (VignaunguiculataL.Walp)
grains
senatorial zones
Abstract
This study investigates the levels of pesticide residues in cowpea (VignaunguiculataL.Walp) grains sold in four major markets across Awka, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, and Onitsha in Anambra State, Nigeria, between November 2023 and February 2024. Cowpea samples were collected from these regions representing three senatorial zones, processed, and analyzed for pesticide residues using Gas Chromatography with an Electron Capture Detector. The analysis focused on common pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), aiming to determine their concentrations in the grains. The results indicate varying levels of pesticide residues across the locations, with some samples exceeding the safety limits established by international health agencies. The study highlights significant concerns regarding food safety and public health implications due to the presence of pesticide residues in a staple food crop. It calls for urgent attention from regulatory authorities to enforce stricter controls on pesticide use in agriculture and ensure compliance with safe agricultural practices.
References
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Anaduaka, E. G., Uchendu, N. O., Asomadu, R. O., Ezugwu, A. L., Okeke, E. S., andEzeorba, T. P. C. (2023). Widespread use of toxic agrochemicals and pesticides for agricultural products storage in Africa and developing countries: Possible panacea for ecotoxicology and health implications. Heliyon.
AOAC, (1990). Association of Analytical Chemistry. Methods for chemical Analysis. 2217 – 2280.
Aribodor, O.B.; Ekwunife, C.A.; Sam-Wobo, O.S. and Aribodor, D.N. (2018). Risk Factors and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Intestinal Helminthiasis among Children in Schools that Implemented the Homegrown School Feeding Program in Ekwulobia, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. International journal of Translational Medical Research and Public Health, 2(1): 1 – 10
Asogwa, J. C., Nwankwo, E. N., Ezekwesili-Ofili, J. O., Asogwa, K. K., andOkwor, C. R. (2023). Analysis and quantification of the levels of insecticide residues in maize sold in South Eastern Nigeria. Journal of Applied Entomologist, 3(4):16-22.
Emengini, E. J. and Idhoko, K. (2013).GIS in Management of water Distribution Network of Onitsha-North L.G.A. Anambra State, Nigeria. International Science Research Journal, 4(2):35 – 41.
Emengini, E. J.; Igwe, C.P. and Idhoko, K. (2014). Development of Real Estate Decision Support System for Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Advanced Technology, 4:8
Ezeomedo, I. C., andIgbokwe, J. I. (2019). Mapping of urban features of Nnewi Metropolis using high resolution satellite image and support vector machine classifier. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 9(6): 10-7176.
Fadina, O. O., Daodu, B. J., Fayinminnu, O. O., andNwanguma, C. S. (2021). Determination of Organochlorine Residues in Cowpea (Vignaunguiculata L. WALP) From Selected Markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Studies, 9(4): 72-86.
Fung, F., Wang, H. S., andMenon, S. (2018). Food safety in the 21st century. Biomedical journal, 41(2):88-95.
Gangemi, S., Gofita, E., Costa, C., Teodoro, M., Briguglio, G., Nikitovic, D., Tzanakakis, G., Tsatsakis, A.M., Wilks, M.F., Spandidos, D.A. and Fenga, C. (2016). Occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides and cytokine pathways in chronic diseases. International journal of molecular medicine, 38(4): 1012-1020.
Hajam, Y. A., and Kumar, R. (2022). Management of stored grain pest with special reference to Callosobruchusmaculatus, a major pest of cowpea: A review. Heliyon, 8(1).
Huan, Z., Xu, Z., Luo, J., andXie, D. (2016). Monitoring and exposure assessment of pesticide residues in cowpea (Vignaunguiculata L. Walp) from five provinces of southern China. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 81: 260-267.
Kaur, R., Mavi, G. K., Raghav, S., and Khan, I. (2019). Pesticides classification and its impact on environment. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Appl. Sci, 8(3):1889-1897.
Muhammad, I. H. (2019). Risk assessment associated with pesticides application on selected agricultural farmland in Kano State, Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, Kwara State University (Nigeria)).
Nibbering, T. (2023). Improving Pesticide Exposure Estimates using Wind Direction Interpolation Methods (Master's thesis).
Nicholson, C. C., and Williams, N. M. (2021). Cropland heterogeneity drives frequency and intensity of pesticide use. Environmental Research Letters, 16(7): 074008.
Nipers, A., Pilvere, I., Upite, I., Krievina, A., andPilvere, A. (2024). When pesticide reduction objectives meet business as usual: Possible impacts on the crop sector in Latvia. Resources, Environment and Sustainability, 15:100145.
Obafemi, O. A., Owolade, O. F., Olasoji, J. O., Olakojo, S. A., Adamu, R. S., Agboola, A. A., andObembe, M. O. (2024). Registration of ‘ARTPEA‐204B’, an early‐maturing cowpea cultivar for the southern agro‐ecology of Nigeria, with high fodder, high grain yield and reduced need for insecticidal spray. Journal of Plant Registrations, 18(1): 61-68.
Ogbeide, O., Chukwuka, A., Tongo, I., andEzemonye, L. (2018). Relationship between geosorbent properties and field-based partition coefficients for pesticides in surface water and sediments of selected agrarian catchments: implications for risk assessment. Journal of environmental management, 217: 23-37.
Ogwo, E. I. (2021). Assessing Pesticide Use, Human Exposure and Environmental Fate in Nigeria. Lancaster University (United Kingdom).
Omeje, J. S., Asegbeloyin, J. N., Ihedioha, J. N., Ekere, N. R., Ochonogor, A. E., Abugu, H. O., and Alum, O. L. (2022). Monitoring of pesticide residues in fresh fruits and vegetables available in Nigerian markets and assessment of their associated health risks. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194(7):516.
Omokpariola, P. L., Okoye, P. A., Okechukwu, V. U., andOmokpariola, D. O. (2023). Concentration levels and risk assessment of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residue in selected cereals and legumes sold in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. Physical Sciences Reviews, (0).
Oshatunberu, M. A. (2023). Evaluation of Pesticide Residues in Grains Sold at Selected Markets of Southwest Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, Kwara State University (Nigeria)).
Osipitan, O. A., Fields, J. S., Lo, S., andCuvaca, I. (2021). Production systems and prospects of cowpea (Vignaunguiculata (L.) Walp.) in the United States. Agronomy, 11(11):2312.
Oyebamiji, D. A., Ebisike, A. N., Egede, J. O., and Hassan, A. A. (2018). Knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to soil contamination by Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Parasite epidemiology and control, 3(4): e00075.
Popoola, B.O., Ongom, P.O., Mohammed, S.B., Togola, A., Ishaya, D.J., Bala, G., Fatokun, C. and Boukar, O., 2024. Assessing the Impact of Genotype-by-Environment Interactions on Agronomic Traits in Elite Cowpea Lines across Agro-Ecologies in Nigeria. Agronomy, 14(2):263.
Rahman, S., andChima, C. D. (2018). Determinants of pesticide use in food crop production in Southeastern Nigeria. Agriculture, 8(3): 35.
Sabarwal, A., Kumar, K., and Singh, R. P. (2018). Hazardous effects of chemical pesticides on human health–Cancer and other associated disorders. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology, 63: 103-114.
Sadiq, M. S., Singh, I. P., Ahmad, M. M., andHafizu, M. S. (2019). Roadmap to self-sufficiency of cowpea production in Nigeria. Ife Journal of Agriculture, 31(3): 60-76.
Silva, V., Mol, H. G., Zomer, P., Tienstra, M., Ritsema, C. J., andGeissen, V. (2019). Pesticide residues in European agricultural soils–A hidden reality unfolded. Science of the Total Environment, 653: 1532-1545.
Tesi, G. O., Obi-Iyeke, G. E., Ossai, J. C., Ogbuta, A. A., Ogbara, E. F., Olorunfemi, D. I., andAgbozu, I. E. (2022). Human exposure to organochlorine pesticides in vegetables from major cities in south-south Nigeria. Chemosphere, 303: 135296.
Upadhayay, J., Rana, M., Juyal, V., Bisht, S. S., and Joshi, R. (2020). Impact of pesticide exposure and associated health effects. Pesticides in crop production: physiological and biochemical action, 69-88.
Anaduaka, E. G., Uchendu, N. O., Asomadu, R. O., Ezugwu, A. L., Okeke, E. S., andEzeorba, T. P. C. (2023). Widespread use of toxic agrochemicals and pesticides for agricultural products storage in Africa and developing countries: Possible panacea for ecotoxicology and health implications. Heliyon.
AOAC, (1990). Association of Analytical Chemistry. Methods for chemical Analysis. 2217 – 2280.
Aribodor, O.B.; Ekwunife, C.A.; Sam-Wobo, O.S. and Aribodor, D.N. (2018). Risk Factors and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Intestinal Helminthiasis among Children in Schools that Implemented the Homegrown School Feeding Program in Ekwulobia, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. International journal of Translational Medical Research and Public Health, 2(1): 1 – 10
Asogwa, J. C., Nwankwo, E. N., Ezekwesili-Ofili, J. O., Asogwa, K. K., andOkwor, C. R. (2023). Analysis and quantification of the levels of insecticide residues in maize sold in South Eastern Nigeria. Journal of Applied Entomologist, 3(4):16-22.
Emengini, E. J. and Idhoko, K. (2013).GIS in Management of water Distribution Network of Onitsha-North L.G.A. Anambra State, Nigeria. International Science Research Journal, 4(2):35 – 41.
Emengini, E. J.; Igwe, C.P. and Idhoko, K. (2014). Development of Real Estate Decision Support System for Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Advanced Technology, 4:8
Ezeomedo, I. C., andIgbokwe, J. I. (2019). Mapping of urban features of Nnewi Metropolis using high resolution satellite image and support vector machine classifier. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 9(6): 10-7176.
Fadina, O. O., Daodu, B. J., Fayinminnu, O. O., andNwanguma, C. S. (2021). Determination of Organochlorine Residues in Cowpea (Vignaunguiculata L. WALP) From Selected Markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Studies, 9(4): 72-86.
Fung, F., Wang, H. S., andMenon, S. (2018). Food safety in the 21st century. Biomedical journal, 41(2):88-95.
Gangemi, S., Gofita, E., Costa, C., Teodoro, M., Briguglio, G., Nikitovic, D., Tzanakakis, G., Tsatsakis, A.M., Wilks, M.F., Spandidos, D.A. and Fenga, C. (2016). Occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides and cytokine pathways in chronic diseases. International journal of molecular medicine, 38(4): 1012-1020.
Hajam, Y. A., and Kumar, R. (2022). Management of stored grain pest with special reference to Callosobruchusmaculatus, a major pest of cowpea: A review. Heliyon, 8(1).
Huan, Z., Xu, Z., Luo, J., andXie, D. (2016). Monitoring and exposure assessment of pesticide residues in cowpea (Vignaunguiculata L. Walp) from five provinces of southern China. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 81: 260-267.
Kaur, R., Mavi, G. K., Raghav, S., and Khan, I. (2019). Pesticides classification and its impact on environment. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Appl. Sci, 8(3):1889-1897.
Muhammad, I. H. (2019). Risk assessment associated with pesticides application on selected agricultural farmland in Kano State, Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, Kwara State University (Nigeria)).
Nibbering, T. (2023). Improving Pesticide Exposure Estimates using Wind Direction Interpolation Methods (Master's thesis).
Nicholson, C. C., and Williams, N. M. (2021). Cropland heterogeneity drives frequency and intensity of pesticide use. Environmental Research Letters, 16(7): 074008.
Nipers, A., Pilvere, I., Upite, I., Krievina, A., andPilvere, A. (2024). When pesticide reduction objectives meet business as usual: Possible impacts on the crop sector in Latvia. Resources, Environment and Sustainability, 15:100145.
Obafemi, O. A., Owolade, O. F., Olasoji, J. O., Olakojo, S. A., Adamu, R. S., Agboola, A. A., andObembe, M. O. (2024). Registration of ‘ARTPEA‐204B’, an early‐maturing cowpea cultivar for the southern agro‐ecology of Nigeria, with high fodder, high grain yield and reduced need for insecticidal spray. Journal of Plant Registrations, 18(1): 61-68.
Ogbeide, O., Chukwuka, A., Tongo, I., andEzemonye, L. (2018). Relationship between geosorbent properties and field-based partition coefficients for pesticides in surface water and sediments of selected agrarian catchments: implications for risk assessment. Journal of environmental management, 217: 23-37.
Ogwo, E. I. (2021). Assessing Pesticide Use, Human Exposure and Environmental Fate in Nigeria. Lancaster University (United Kingdom).
Omeje, J. S., Asegbeloyin, J. N., Ihedioha, J. N., Ekere, N. R., Ochonogor, A. E., Abugu, H. O., and Alum, O. L. (2022). Monitoring of pesticide residues in fresh fruits and vegetables available in Nigerian markets and assessment of their associated health risks. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194(7):516.
Omokpariola, P. L., Okoye, P. A., Okechukwu, V. U., andOmokpariola, D. O. (2023). Concentration levels and risk assessment of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residue in selected cereals and legumes sold in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. Physical Sciences Reviews, (0).
Oshatunberu, M. A. (2023). Evaluation of Pesticide Residues in Grains Sold at Selected Markets of Southwest Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, Kwara State University (Nigeria)).
Osipitan, O. A., Fields, J. S., Lo, S., andCuvaca, I. (2021). Production systems and prospects of cowpea (Vignaunguiculata (L.) Walp.) in the United States. Agronomy, 11(11):2312.
Oyebamiji, D. A., Ebisike, A. N., Egede, J. O., and Hassan, A. A. (2018). Knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to soil contamination by Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Parasite epidemiology and control, 3(4): e00075.
Popoola, B.O., Ongom, P.O., Mohammed, S.B., Togola, A., Ishaya, D.J., Bala, G., Fatokun, C. and Boukar, O., 2024. Assessing the Impact of Genotype-by-Environment Interactions on Agronomic Traits in Elite Cowpea Lines across Agro-Ecologies in Nigeria. Agronomy, 14(2):263.
Rahman, S., andChima, C. D. (2018). Determinants of pesticide use in food crop production in Southeastern Nigeria. Agriculture, 8(3): 35.
Sabarwal, A., Kumar, K., and Singh, R. P. (2018). Hazardous effects of chemical pesticides on human health–Cancer and other associated disorders. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology, 63: 103-114.
Sadiq, M. S., Singh, I. P., Ahmad, M. M., andHafizu, M. S. (2019). Roadmap to self-sufficiency of cowpea production in Nigeria. Ife Journal of Agriculture, 31(3): 60-76.
Silva, V., Mol, H. G., Zomer, P., Tienstra, M., Ritsema, C. J., andGeissen, V. (2019). Pesticide residues in European agricultural soils–A hidden reality unfolded. Science of the Total Environment, 653: 1532-1545.
Tesi, G. O., Obi-Iyeke, G. E., Ossai, J. C., Ogbuta, A. A., Ogbara, E. F., Olorunfemi, D. I., andAgbozu, I. E. (2022). Human exposure to organochlorine pesticides in vegetables from major cities in south-south Nigeria. Chemosphere, 303: 135296.
Upadhayay, J., Rana, M., Juyal, V., Bisht, S. S., and Joshi, R. (2020). Impact of pesticide exposure and associated health effects. Pesticides in crop production: physiological and biochemical action, 69-88.