Assessments of Residues of Pesticide in Cattle and Cattle Products and Associated Public Health Challenges in North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Residues of pesticide in animal tissues are an increasing concern due to their potential harm to human health. To assess the associated risks, pesticide concentrations were analyzed in five edible bovine tissues: muscle, liver, kidney, and tongue. Health risk estimates were calculated using the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) for two age and weight groups: children aged 1–11 years with an average weight of 30 kg, and adults weighing 70 kg. Pesticide residues were detected in the following ranges: 2.38–3.87 g kg-1 in muscle, 3.59–6.4 g kg-1 in liver, 1.88–4.55 g kg-1 in kidney, and 2.55–4.36 g kg-1 in tongue. The order of pesticide residue quantity across the tissues was: Liver > Tongue > Muscle > Kidney. All pesticide levels measured in the tissues were below the established maximum residue limits (MRLs). However, the HQ values for heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, and dieldrin, along with HI values for organochlorines, exceeded 1. This suggests a potential for non-carcinogenic health risks, particularly for infant, from consuming contaminated bovine tissues.