Pesticide residues in vegetables produced in rural south-western Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated seven pesticides in vegetables produced in rural South-western Uganda to determine their suitability for human consumption. Pesticide residue concentrations (ppm) were determined using QuEChERS method, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS and UV-Vis. Cypermethrin, dimethoate, metalaxyl, profenofos, malathion, dichlorvos and mancozeb concentrations detected in sprayed samples ranged between 0.00403 and 0.05350, 0.17478-62.60874, 0.12890-3.55681, 0.00107-0.59722, 0.03144-0.63328, 0.00240-0.34102 and 0.00001-0.00244, respectively. The residues exceeded MRLs in sprayed samples (59.52%), unsprayed samples (18%) and market samples (8%). The quality index of the market vegetables was found to be optimal (14.29%), good (75%), adequate (3.57%) and inadequate (14.29%). Pesticide residues may lower food quality and pose risk to human health. Therefore, regulation and monitoring pesticide residues in vegetables produced in south-western Uganda in order to avoid harmful effects on human health would be paramount.

Keywords: Kabale district; Pesticide residues; QuEChERS method; Uganda.