Determination of major organophosphate insecticide residues in cabbage samples from different markets of dhaka

Objective: The study was conducted to analyse 4 organophosphorus pesticide namely Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, Fenitrothion and Quinalphos residues in cabbage. Methods: Between September 2016 and March 2017, 50 Cabbage samples were collected from 5 vegetables markets of Dhaka city, namely Rampura kacha bazar, Jatrabari krishi market, Kawran Bazar, Taltola Bazar and Mohammadpur Krishi Market. The collected samples were extracted and analyzed by QuEChERS based Gas Chromatography coupled with Flame Thermionic Detector (GC-FTD) method. Result: Total 6 samples (12%) contained pesticide residues and interestingly all of them were above the MRLs set by EC. Among the four organophosphorus insecticides tested only Chlorpyrifos and Diazinon were detected above the MRLs. Conclusion: This research represents a snapshot situation of contamination of pesticides in one of the common winter vegetables available in Dhaka City's local markets linked to consumer safety.