Pesticide residues in agricultural produce in Hubei province, PR China

Pesticide residues in agricultural produce were examined in two villages of Qianjiang municipality, Hubei province, PR China. Six food groups were sampled from the fields prior to harvesting from the farmers' market and from farmers' homes. Organochlorine residues were detected in almost all examined food groups, with residue levels significantly lower than the national tolerances (MRL). Total BHC residues were on average 31.7 μg/kg and DDT 102.5 μg/kg. Organophosphorus residues were detected in vegetable samples. Mean residue levels of phoxim and methamidophos in vegetables were 89.9 μg/kg and 36.5 μg/kg, respectively, both exceeding the MRL. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of pesticide residues per person, based on the six food groups sampled, were 4.88 mg for total DDT, 2.04 μg for total BHC, and 19.33 μg for methamidophos. The overall results show that the increased use and misuse of pesticides for crop protection in Qianjiang municipality, notably in vegetable production, have led to worrisome levels of pesticide contamination of agricultural produce that may carry certain risks for human health.