Occurrence and Potential Risk of Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Some Edible Vegetable Oils Sold in Markets in Warri, Delta State

The study was to determine the concentrations and risks of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) residues in edible vegetable oils (EVOs) sold in markets in Warri, Delta State. OPPs in six edible vegetable oils purchased from local vendors in markets in Warri, Delta State were quantified with a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after solvent extraction. The results showed concentration of the ∑14 OPPs varying from 4.10 to 22.82 ng/L. The unbranded edible vegetable oils had higher concentrations than their respective branded vegetable oils. On average, azinphos ethyl was the dominant OPP compound in the edible vegetable oils. The concentrations of the individual OPPs compound found in the edible vegetable oil were lower than their respective maximum residue limit (MRLs) stipulated by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). The computed possible hazard index (HI) values were generally < 1 and indicated that there is no adverse or carcinogenic risk from the intake of these edible vegetable oils. The input of each OPP congener to the HI was in the order of EPN (O-ethyl O-4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate) > pirimiphos methyl > quinalphos > chloropyrifos methyl > azinphos ethyl > diazinone > chloropyrifos.