Pesticide residues in vegetables produced in rural south-western Uganda
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Elsevier
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 southwestern
Uganda in order to avoid harmful effects on human health would be paramount.
Description
Keywords
Pesticide residues, QuEChERS method, Kabale district Uganda