Pesticides as a source of microbial contamination of salad vegetables

Pesticides were reconstituted in different sources of agricultural water (bore, dam and river) and examined for survival and growth of microorganisms naturally present in these waters. On storage at 30 °C for 48 h, nine of the pesticides supported the growth of bacterial species present in these waters. Predominant species in the pesticide solutions, before and after storage, varied according to the source, but species of Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Aeromonas and various coliforms exhibited significant growth. Unless managed properly (reconstituted in potable water, and used without lengthy storage), pesticides could contribute to the microbial load of vegetable produce, thereby affecting their shelf-life and public health safety.