Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides Residue in African-lung fish (Protopterus aethiopicus) from Odogwu Farming Community of Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State

Pesticides are widely used worldwide to control weeds and insects and to increase food production. However, the residues left behind by these pesticides can have adverse effects on both the environment and human beings. This study presents the results of quantitative analysis of fifteen organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in two catfish samples, A and B, obtained from waterlogged rice farms in Odogwu community, Ibaji. The analysis employed the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuechERS) method, followed by gas chromatography mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) analysis. In sample A, eight different organochlorine residues were identified, and in sample B, nine organochlorine residues were identified. The concentrations of the residues in both samples ranged from 0.01 μg/mL of Atrazine to 7.67 μg/mL of Lindane (δ-BHC, delta-BHC). These two compounds were found to have the lowest and highest levels, respectively, in both samples. The mean levels of OCPs in the fish were generally higher than the recommended Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for food items. For instance, γ-BHC (Lindane) and dieldrin (δ-BHC) with WHO MRLs of 6.0 μg/kg were found in this study at levels of 7.67 μg/kg and 3.37 μg/kg, respectively. However, the levels of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) in the fish samples were generally lower than the WHO MRLs of 5.00 μg/kg. The results obtained for Lindane (γ-BHC) were higher than the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) set by the United States (USA). Additionally, β-BHC levels exceeded the USA MRL recommended limit of 0.03 μg/mL, while α-BHC levels were within the USA MRL of 0.05 μg/mL.