QUANTIFICATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUE LEVELS AND HEALTH RISK IN FOOD FROM THE TARABA CENTRAL GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

Abstract

Pesticide contamination of food remains a major ecotoxicological and public
health concern in Nigeria, with implications for food security and long-term
human well-being. Despite regulatory restrictions, the persistent use of
organophosphate, organochlorine, and carbamate pesticides continues to
contaminate soils and staple crops. This study quantified pesticide residues in
cereals from Taraba Central, Nigeria, and assessed associated health risks. Two
hundred samples of rice, maize, millet, and sorghum were collected from farms
in Bali, Gassol, and Kurmi Local Government Areas (LGAs) and analyzed using
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Ten pesticide residues
were detected, with isopropylamine, carbofuran, dichlorvos (DDVP), and
heptachlor being the most prevalent. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard
Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Cancer Risk (CR) were computed for
adults and children following USEPA guidelines. A clear spatial gradient of
contamination was observed (Gassol > Bali > Kurmi), with rice consistently
showing the highest residue concentrations, particularly in Gassol (1.13
mg·kg⁻¹). HI values for children (0.65–55.7), far exceeded those for adults
(0.48–42.6), underscoring their heightened vulnerability. Cancer risks
associated with DDT and HCB in cereals from Gassol exceeded USEPA’s
acceptable risk range (1×10⁻⁶–1×10⁻⁴), indicating significant chronic health
concerns. Millet and sorghum generally carried lower burdens, especially in
Kurmi where subsistence farming predominates. These findings reveal
widespread pesticide contamination of staple cereals in Taraba Central, with rice
and maize posing the greatest health risks. Strengthened pesticide regulation,
farmer education on integrated pest management, and routine residue
monitoring are urgently required to safeguard public health and sustain
agricultural livelihoods.