Residues of organochlorine pesticides in vegetables marketed in Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Residual levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were determined in 240 samples of vegetables collected from selected markets from Greater Accra region of Ghana in July 2010 to February 2011. The determination was done using gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The compounds targeted were lindane, heptachlor + its epoxide, endrin, dieldrin, o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDT. The results indicated that all the vegetables sampled had some levels of one or more OCPs in them. Residues of pesticides were found in 71.9% of all the vegetable samples analyzed indicating high incidence of these xenobiotics in the vegetables from the markets and 31.48% samples were above the maximum residue levels (MRLs). The most frequently found and abundant pesticides were the metabolites of DDT (o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDE and o,p′-DDD), followed by lindane and then o,p′-DDT. The residue levels and the detection rate of the OCPs indicate that, vegetables from supermarket had higher OCPs levels, followed by roadside grocery stores and open markets. The results recommend the need for regular monitoring of a greater number of samples for long periods for pesticide residues especially in fruits and vegetables to protect consumers' health.

► Organochlorine pesticide residues were investigated in vegetables from Ghana. ► The results were compared with European Commission maximum residue limits. ► The results indicated that all the vegetables samples had some levels of residues. ► 31.48% of the vegetable analyzed were above maximum residue levels (MRLs). ► Supermarket vegetables had high residues, followed by roadside and open markets.