Assessment of The Level of Pesticide Residue In Cocoa Beans From Selected Mega Stores In Ado Metropolis, Ekiti State, Southwestern, Nigeria.

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue IX, September 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Assessment of The Level of Pesticide Residue In Cocoa Beans From Selected Mega Stores In Ado Metropolis, Ekiti State, Southwestern, Nigeria

 Shegun Victor Oluwatuyi^{1, 2*}; Henry Olawale Sawyerr¹; Ayinla Lateefah Olajumoke^1
1Department of Environmental Health Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin.
²Department of Public Health, Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero
Corresponding Author*

Abstract: Introduction: Approximation of 30%-40% of cocoa produced are lost to either pest or disease hence the dependence on the use and application of pesticides to boost productivity.
Objective: This study was carried out to assess the level of pesticide residue in cocoa beans from selected mega stores in Ado metropolis of Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Dry cocoa beans were sampled from nine largest cocoa stores in Ado Metropolis using a composite sampling technique. Sample results were analyzed using AAS spectrometer. Data obtained were analyzed using T-test, ANOVA, simple percentage method, frequency table, charts and graphs.
Result: Concentrations of the pesticide residues in each cocoa bean samples were calculated (in mg/kg). A total of nine (9) pesticide residues were detected in cocoa bean samples drawn, Pesticide residues identified in the cocoa beans were Lindane, Dieldrin, Aldrin, Gamma HCH, DDE, DDD, DDT, Beta HCH and Heptachlor.
Conclusion: From this study it was concluded that heptachlor is the most widely used pesticides of all the chemicals analyzed in cocoa samples from Ado metropolis of Ekiti State. It is suggested that relevant agencies should educate Cocoa farmers on the approved a pesticides and safe application of pesticide in such a way that it will be within EU permissible level while also instituting a monitoring mechanism to ensure that

Keywords: Pesticides, Cocoa Beans, Residue, AAS spectrometer, Maximum Permissible Limit

I .INTRODUCTION

It has been reported (www.blog.worldcocoafounadtion) that approximately 30 to 40 percent of all potential cocoa production is lost to diseases and pests. In localities with exceptional disease and/or pest infestation, losses can exceed 80 percent. In dollar terms, annual losses total approximately $2 billion. While these losses have an impact throughout the supply chain, it is the cocoa farmer that feels the most immediate and direct impact on family income. Depending on tree variety and region, cocoa farmers can face a variety of fungal diseases and insect pests that attack the leaves, stems,

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