Abstract

Samples of locally formulated Ota-piapia utilized in northeastern Nigeria were investigated for concentration levels of dichlorvos aimed at specifying the preponderant active pesticide ingredient in the local formulation from this region. Gas chromatography-Flame Ionization detection (GC-FID) technique was used for the determination. Results indicated that all Ota-piapia samples studied showed presences of dichlorvos. The frequency distribution curve of concentration revealed 64% of total sample concentration cluster around the modal region of 7.7% w/v of dichlorvos. Though content uniformity was very poor with highest variability at mid concentration (5 - 10% w/v), but dichlorvos can safely be confirmed as the preponderant active pesticide ingredient in the local formulation ofOta-piapia from this region. The linearity of the method was good with determination coefficients of > 0.996 for target analyte. Therefore it is a matter of public health significance to regularly monitor pesticide residues in foods and humans in order to assess the food safety risk and population exposure to pesticides. The illegal formulation of Ota-piapia in this region by traders with little or no knowledge of public health policy must be checked through adequate control of the trade, use of pesticides and the enforcement of appropriate sanctions.  

Key words: Organophosphate, pesticide, local formulation, concentration levels, GC-FID.