Monitoring of pesticide residues (DDT, HCH and ENDOSULPHAN) in cauliflower from West Bengal (INDIA)

Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in cauliflower from West Bengal, India. The levels of OCPs were ranged between, 0.41 – 10.71 μg kg-1 (wet wt.), and the mean concentration of DDT, HCH and endosulphan was 3.31±0.52 μg kg-1 (wet wt), 2.63±0.61 μg kg-1 (wet wt), and 0.91±0.30 μg kg-1 (wet wt) respectively. The ratio of α-HCH to γ-HCH isomers (α/γ HCH ratio) ranged 0.09 to 3.37, which reflects the use of lindane as well as technical HCH. The ratio of p,p’-DDT/p,p’-DDE, p,p’-DDT/ΣDDT and (DDE+DDD)/ΣDDT, was 0.98, 0.27 and 0.66 respectively, indicates contamination with fresh input of aged mixture of DDTs. The cauliflowers from West Bengal had levels of OCPs much below than the MRLs, indicating minimal health risk to the consumers. However, it is recommended that regular intensive assessment for persistent organic pollutants to be conducted, due to human health concerns.