Risk Assessment of Residual Pesticides of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Consumed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

S. N. Kalu — 2023-09-21

Pesticides are important and necessary in reducing the loss caused by insect infestation on grains. However, its toxicity and persistence in the environment is of health concern. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) preserved with insecticide are considered to be good for consumption if its content of insecticide is not higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs). The aim of this research was to quantify the residue of pesticide in four beans samples and determine the health risk associated with consuming these foods by residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Pesticides content of beans samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography (GC). The results of the study showed the presence of 17 different pesticide residues in all samples of beans. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) were detected in all samples of beans and at levels above European Union’s (EU's) MRL except in iron beans samples. Glyphosate was detected in all the samples at concentration above EU’s MRL. However, pesticides in Raw iron beans such as carbofuran (0.43±0.03 mg/kg), Endosulphan (0.18±0.01 mg/kg), HCB (0.62±0.10 mg/kg) Profenos (0.55±0.04 mg/kg) and t-nonachlor (0.32±0.00 mg/kg) decreased significantly to 0.23±0.10 mg/kg, 0.09±0.01 mg/kg, 0.31±0.01 mg/kg, 0.38±0.01 mg/kg, and 0.22±0.00 mg/kg respectively in Parboiled iron beans. This indicates reduced Health Risk Index (HRI) to pesticides of parboiled beans samples. Similar results were also recorded in other raw and parboiled beans varieties studied. This calls for the attention of regulatory agencies in foods and food products to effectively monitor the use and application of pesticides on foodstuff and also encourage parboiling before cooking to eat.

Ecology and Distribution Pattern of Insectivorous Plant in Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, India

Vivek Kumar Yadav — 2023-10-02

Some angiosperm flowering plants of the plant kingdom obtain essential nutrients for themselves by feeding on small arthropods similar to animals; they are called insectivorous or carnivorous plants. These are often found in such places where the soil is acidic, moist land/swamp and lacking nutrients. The presence of several species of insectivorous plants such as Drosera burmannii, Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Nipenthes rajah, Utricularia aurea and Pinguicula vulgeris has been reported in different sites in India. Drosera burmannii, Drosera indica and Utricularia aurea have also been reported in Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh. The availability of insectivorous plants will prove helpful in the study of soil diversity, geographical structure, climatic environmental conditions. The presence of the specific plants species to create the special characteristics of the area as well as raise the question in mind to observed the association of specific types of insect species and some associated plant species linkage that are available here.

Annual Research & Review in Biology

Risk Assessment of Residual Pesticides of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Consumed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Ecology and Distribution Pattern of Insectivorous Plant in Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, India