Determination of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Beef Consumed in Some Selected Areas in Mubi Adamawa State Nigeria

Author Zira, S.P.
Co-Author Barminas, J. T., Maitera, O. N., Maina, H. M
DOI

Country : Nigeria
Subject : Chemistry

Keywords : Beef, POPs, Organochlorine, Organophosphorus, Agrochemicals, GC-MS, HCB

Abstract

The use of agrochemicals for pest control, weeds control and yield optimization has significantly increased output and reduced losses in the agricultural sector. However, they constitute major sources of environmental pollution. The samples were extracted and analyzed using Agilent GC-MS 7890A coupled with MSD 5975C. Six Organochlorines such as -HCB, β-HCB, ϒ-HCB, heptachlor, dieldrin and Organophosphorus such as chlorpyrifos, methylparathion and malathion were determined from each sample. The observed concentration of organochlorines in the samples obtained from Mubi-North abattoir is 0.028ppm, 0.012ppm, 0.076ppm; 0.062ppm and 0.576ppm respectively while 0.030ppm, 0.021ppm and 0.027ppm for organophosphorus. Also the observed concentration of organochlorines in the samples obtained from Mubi-South abattoir is 0.023mg/kg, 0.016ppm, 0.087ppm, 0.048ppm and 0.320ppm respectively while 0.038ppm, 0.017ppm and 0.031ppm for organophosphorus. The observed concentrations at 0.083ppm, 0.062ppm, 0.095ppm, 0.058ppm and 0.023ppm respectively for organochlorine while 0.039ppm and 0.036ppm for organophosphorus in the samples obtained from Mubi main market. For the sample from Tsamiya mini market, a concentration is 0.086ppm, 0.067ppm, 0.087ppm, 0.049ppm and 0.021ppm for organochlorine while 0.041ppm and 0.023ppm for organophosphorus respectively. Sample from Lokuwa district reveals the concentration of organocholorine at 0.054ppm, 0.010ppm, 0.063ppm and 0.023ppm while 0.037ppm for organophosphorus respectively. Sample also obtained from Barama ward reveals the concentration of organochlorine at 0.048ppm, 0.097ppm, 0.057ppm and 0.021ppm while Organophosphorus shows 0.032ppm for chloropyrifos though methyl-parathion and malathion were not detected. From the results obtained, it is clear that the commercial beef sold within the study area are contaminated with different organochlorines and organophosphorus pesticide residues especially heptachlor, dieldrin, chlorpyrifos and malathion. Despite bans and restrictions placed on the use of some of these pesticides in Nigeria, their high concentrations in samples analyzed suggest either their persistence or continual usage.

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