Pesticide Residues in Eggplant Fruit from Khartoum State, Sudan.

BACKGROUND

Eggplant is a popular food item in Sudan, however pesticides are heavily used.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the presence of pesticide residues in fresh eggplants in Khartoum State, Sudan.

METHODS

Eggplant fruit samples from three different regions in Khartoum State (central vegetable market, east Nile farms, and west Nile farms) were analyzed for residues of commonly used pesticides. Pesticide residues were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and results were expressed in μg/kg fruit.

RESULTS

Out of the 11 active ingredients analyzed, residues were identified for four pesticides (imidacloprid, dimethoate, endosulfan (α and β isomers) and 2, 4-D). Levels of omethoate, diazinon, malathion, chlorpyrifos, atrazine, and pendimethalin were below the detection limits.

CONCLUSIONS

Residues of four insecticides out of the 11 analyzed (imidacloprid, dimethoate, endosulfan (α, β isomers), and 2, 4-D) were detected in the current study. The health implications of these violative levels should be regularly observed along with strict enforcement of laws and regulations coupled with agricultural extension interventions.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.