Contamination levels, occurrence pattern and associated risk of organophosphate pesticide residues in spices and herbs sold in southern Nigeria

Authors

  • Duke Okoro
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria
  • Oghenenyerhovwo E. Ididama
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria
  • Godswill O. Tesi
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria
  • Jude C. Ossai
    Advanced Research Centre, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

Keywords:

OPPs, GC-MS, Daily dietary intake, Hazard index

Abstract

This study investigated the contamination levels, occurrence pattern and associated health risks of organophosphate pesticide residues in spices and herbs sold in southern Nigeria. Fifty-two samples of commonly consumed spices and herbs were purchased from multiple locations in southern Nigeria and subjected to extraction using dichloromethane/n-hexane (1:1, v/v). Thereafter, the extracts were analysed for 14 OPPs on gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. The contamination levels of the$\mathrm{\sum}$14 OPPs in the spices and herbs ranged between 4.96 and 795 ng/g. The average OPP concentrations in the spices and herbs were in the order of diazinone > chlorpyriphos methyl > pyrazophos > isazophos > quinalphos > phosalone > pirimiphos methyl > chlorpyrifos > azinphos ethyl > pirimiphos ethyl > EPN > fenitrothion > pyraclofos > triphenyl phosphate. The OPPs concentrations in the spices and herbs were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by FAO/WHO. The risk estimated using hazard index indicated the absence of non-carcinogenic risk from the intake of these spices and herbs except for seven samples in the case of children intake. Although the findings suggest minimal health risks from OPPs through intake of these spices and herbs, we recommended that there is need for continuous monitoring of spices and herbs sold generally in Nigeria markets for pesticides contamination and the appropriate regulators should establish MRLs for OPPs in foodstuffs in Nigeria and ensure strict compliance with the MRLs of contaminants in food and drugs.

Dimensions

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Mean concentrations of OPPs in the spices and herbs.

Published

2026-02-16

How to Cite

Contamination levels, occurrence pattern and associated risk of organophosphate pesticide residues in spices and herbs sold in southern Nigeria. (2026). Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 8(1), 3065. https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2026.3065

Issue

Volume 8, Issue 1, February 2026

Section

Chemistry
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2025 Duke Okoro, Oghenenyerhovwo E. Ididama, Godswill O. Tesi, Jude C. Ossai (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Contamination levels, occurrence pattern and associated risk of organophosphate pesticide residues in spices and herbs sold in southern Nigeria. (2026). Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 8(1), 3065. https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2026.3065

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