Organophosphate pesticides in herbal mixtures from Bayelsa State, Nigeria: implication for human exposure and risks

Abstract

This study investigated the presence of organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) in fifty herbal mixture samples obtained from major towns in Bayelsa, Nigeria, to evaluate their safety. OPPs were quantified using a gas chromatograph (GC) coupled with a mass-selective detector after solvent extraction. The results showed that all fifty herbal mixtures contained detectable levels of OPPs, with detection frequencies for individual OPP congeners ranging from 52% for pyraclofos to 90% for diazinon, the most frequently detected congener. At least three OPPs were detected in each sample. Total OPP concentrations varied from 3.80 to 48.0 ng·L^-1, 4.50 to 51.6 ng·g^-1, and 2.96 to 18.1 ng·g^-1 in liquid, powder, and capsule herbal mixtures, respectively. These concentrations were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the European Pharmacopeia. Computed hazard index (HI) values were generally < 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk associated with the ingestion of these herbal mixtures. The contribution of individual OPP congeners to the HI followed the order: O-ethyl O-4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate (EPN) > diazinon > pirimiphos-methyl > quinalphos > chlorpyrifos > chlorpyrifos-methyl. This study underscores the need for continuous monitoring and the application of rigorous scientific standards to herbal mixtures to ensure consumer safety.

Keywords

OPPs / hazard index / daily intake / non-carcinogenic risk / GC-MSD

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