Determination of Pesticide Residues in Selected Vegetables and Fruits From A Local Market of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Increased food products to meet the population needs, has resulted in extensive use of pesticides. However the use of these pesticides is a potential source of contamination of soil and food. The present study was carried out to determine selected pesticides namely bifenthrin, difenoconazole, paraquat, dimethomorph, imidacloprid, deltamethrin residual in fruit (guava) and vegetables (egg plant and round guord) collected from shops in commercial market, Lahore. These samples were prepared and subjected to high pressure liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for detection of pesticide residues. The results showed that in Guava fruit concentration of bifenthrin, difenoconazole, paraquat, diomethomorph and imidacloprid were 5.13, 81.5, 6.6, 0.48 and 1.65 mg/kg respectively. In Egg Plant sample, bifenthrin, difenoconazole, paraquat, diomethomorph and deltamethrin detected residues were 3.53, 5.62, 4.58, 0.25 and 0.005 mg/kg respectively while imidacloprid residues were not detected. In Round Gourd, the values of bifenthrin, difenoconazole, paraquat, diomethomorph residues were 3.87, 61.53, 5.01 and 0.15 mg/kg respectively. Despite the fact that pesticides are used to control pests and diseases. Yet pesticide residues are left in fruits and vegetables which can pose potential health risks to the consumers. Therefore, need of continuous pesticide residue monitoring is highly recommended.