Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health & Well-being (SDG 3)
Pesticide residues in vegetables and dietary intake in South-Western Uganda
H. Ngabirano and G. Birungi* Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara Uganda An adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables offers various health benefits; the recommended intake of fruit and vegetables is 5 portions per day, where an adult portion of fruit or vegetables is 80 grams. In order to meet vegetable production demand as the population increases, pesticides are used to counter pests and prevent losses. However indiscriminate spraying of pesticides may result into pesticide residues in the vegetables putting human health at risk. This work determined pesticides commonly used in vegetable production in South Western Uganda and quantified pesticide residues in selected vegetables. Residues were determined using LC–MS/MS, GC-MS/ MS and UV-Vis in Brassica oleracea; var. capitata (cabbage), Brassica oleracea; var. botrytis (cauliflower), Solanum lycopersicum, (tomato) and Beta vulgaris (beet root). Pesticide residue dietary intake was estimated using the WHO guidelines for predicting the dietary intake of pesticide residues. Sprayed vegetables and were found to contain: cypermethrin (0.004 - 0.054 ppm), dimethoate (0.175 - 62.609 ppm), metalaxyl (0.129 - 3.557 ppm), profenofos (0.001 - 0.597 ppm, malathion (0.031 - 0.633 ppm), dichlorvos (0.002 - 0.341 ppm) and mancozeb (0.00 - 0.002 ppm). The pesticide residues exceeded MRLs in 59.52 % of the sprayed vegetable samples, 18 % of the unsprayed samples and 8 % of the market bought samples. The estimated daily intake (EDI) for an adult of average body weight (estimate of 60 Kg) for dimethoate exceeded the theoretical maximum daily intake (TMDI) in cauliflower leaves and beetroot. Based on these findings there could be a potential health risk if humans consumed the recommended vegetable servings of basing on cauliflower leaves and beetroot. Further studies are required to determine the current amount of vegetables consumed and the average weight of residents in South- Western Uganda. In the meantime, pesticide residue monitoring in food production systems in Uganda can contribute to reduction of pesticide exposure through diet.
P06
© The Author(s), 2023
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