Abstract:
The use of pesticides in fruits and vegetable production is beneficial for preventing, destroying or repelling pests that may damage these crops. The use of these chemicals however, often leads to the presence of their residues in the vegetables after harvest. This study investigated the presence of pesticides in leafy and rooted vegetables by assessing samples in selected, locally produced vegetables in Islamabad, Pakistan. The study used samples of vegetables from organic farms and local markets. Samples of onion, potato, lettuce and spinach were collected. Samples were analyzed for residues of pesticides using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Full organic profile of the samples was also explored which contained various naturally occurring compounds present in the vegetables alongside some contaminants and the pesticides which were the main focus of our study. Results revealed detectable residues of pesticides in onion, potatoes, lettuce and spinach. Out of 16 samples analyzed, 14 had pesticide residues while 2 had no pesticides. The results also showed that onion samples were more contaminated and had more residues of pesticides than any other vegetable. Potato samples collected from organic farm had no pesticide. According to the shopkeepers of local market the vegetables were purchased by different retailers, hence, there was no guarantee whether the pesticides were used or not. In the case of Organic farms, the vegetables were claimed to be purely organic without use of any pesticide. At the end of this research, pesticides were detected in both, the samples of local market and in samples of organic farms in different forms. Proper management practices should be introduced to the farmers dealing with the growing of leafy and rooted vegetables.
