Determination of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Some Evaporated Milk Samples in Nigeria Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

• DOI: 10.1007/s42250-020-00224-6
• Publication Date: 2021-02-09T12:39:11Z
• Authors: J. A. O. Oyekunle; A. S. Adekunle; A. M. Adewole; S. E. Elugoke; S. S. Durodola; B. A. Oyebode
• Keywords: Endrin; Heptachlor; Methoxychlor; Aldrin; Endosulfan

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in six different popularly consumed evaporated milk samples available in Nigeria (coded A, B, C, D, E and F) were analysed. This was done in order to determine the extent of exposure of consumers to OCPs through regular consumption of the milk samples. The OCPs content of the milk samples, obtained using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) technique, were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Eighteen OCPs congeners detected included α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endosulfan I, Endosulfan II, Endosulfan sulphate, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, Endrin, Endrin aldehyde, Endrin ketone and Methoxychlor at levels ranging from total OCPs concentrations of 21.632 µg/mL in B to 39.010 µg/mL in C. Most of the milk samples had various OCPs contents above the stipulated WHO/FAO average daily intake (ADI) threshold. The highest cumulative HRI and HR value for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks for both adults and children were found in sample C suggesting that long-term non-carcinogenic health problems could emanate from the unguarded consumption of this particular milk product over a long period of time.