EVALUATION AND DETERMINATION OF PESTICIDES RESIDUE PRESENT IN CROPS GROWN AROUND ABATTOIR ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT This study examined the evaluation and determination of pesticide residue present in crops grown around abattoir environment within Calabar metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. Plant samples were collected from seven different locations within the study area. The collected plant samples were air-dried for 48hrs in a well-ventilated and shaded area to remove moisture. Approximate laboratory guidelines were followed in line with regulatory standards. Findings from the study revealed that different concentration of pesticide residues mainly Parathion, Methyl Parathion, Endosulfan and Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (DDT) were present in the sampled plants. The study concluded that plants grown around abattoir environment were highly susceptible to pesticide residue, and that due to increasing trend in pesticide use, continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in plants is recommended in order to develop the base-line data on which future strategy could be implemented for the protection of the consumers and the environment against plant pesticide residue associated risks.