Detection of organophosphate residues in selected crops in benguet and Mt. Province, Philippines

Abstract

High input agricultural systems refer to food production systems that use inorganic chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizer inputs intensively, with the aim of significantly increasing yield levels. This leads to the accumulation of pesticide residues and heavy metals in the crops and in the environment. This study was undertaken to determine the presence and concentration of toxic pesticide residues in cabbage, potato, and sweet peas in selected farms in Pactil, Mt. Data, Mountain Province and Loo, Buguias, Benguet. Through the use of gas chromatography (GC), findings show that about 18 pesticide residues (organophosphates) were detected in the crop samples. Furthermore, concentrations of toxic organophosphate residues were generally elevated and higher than MRL. A general default MRL of 0.01 mg kg-1 applies where a pesticide is not specifically mentioned, which means that there is no established MRL. If the default level of 0.01mg kg-1 is applied for those without MRL then almost all samples would be unsafe for consumption. Other vegetables crops, soil and water in the study area may also be analyzed for the presence of active compounds and other toxic chemicals.