ASSESSMENT OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativa) FRUITS FROM THREE MAJOR MARKETS IN THE AMANSIE WEST DISTRICT, GHANA

Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativa), a widely consumed vegetable, often faces issues with pests and diseases, leading to the excessive use of pesticides during its cultivation. This study aimed to assess the presence of widely used chemicals in cucumbers sold in the major markets in the Amansie West District of Ghana and to compare these levels with the international maximum residue limits (EU MRLs). A total of 81 mature cucumber fruits were collected from three (3) local markets namely Bekwai, Dominase, and Kokofu, and subjected to pesticide residue analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed that cucumbers contained traces of 13 different types of pesticides, including organochlorines, carbamates, organophosphates, and pyrethroids. In at least one market, 7 out of the 13 identified pesticides exceeded the EU MRLs, accounting for 53.8%, while the remaining 6 (46.2%) were below the limits. The presence of significant levels of pesticide residues in the cucumbers, such as chlorothalonil, aldrin, carbaryl, aldicarb, chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, and ethion, exceeding the MRLs, raises concerns about pesticide usage, compliance with regulations, and potential health risks for consumers in the area.