Assessment of pesticide residues in commonly used vegetables in Hyderabad, Pakistan

The aim of present study was to assess pesticide residues in vegetables in the Hyderabad region of Pakistan. The concentrations of six pesticides were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass selective detector (GC–MSD) in locally produced vegetables purchased from wholesale markets. A total of 200 samples of eight vegetables viz. cauliflower, green chilli, eggplant, tomato, peas, bitter gourd, spinach and apple gourd were analyzed for pesticide residues. The results indicated that almost all samples were contained pesticides, only 39% contained pesticide residues at or below maximum residue limits (MRLs), and 61% contained pesticide residues above MRLs. From the six analyzed pesticides, carbofuran and chlorpyrifos were found above to MRLs with concentrations ranging from 0.01–0.39 and 0.05–0.96 mg/kg, respectively. The results provided important information on the current pesticide contamination status of some commonly used vegetables and pointed an urgent need to control the use of some excessively applied and potentially persistent pesticides, such as carbofuran and chlorpyrifos.

► A market based survey was carried out to evaluate the levels of pesticides in vegetables.
► GC coupled with MS detector was used to assess the level pesticide residues.
► We examine the total 200 samples of eight vegetable for pesticide residues.
► The pesticide found most frequently was carbofuran and chlorpyrifos.