Jinky leilanie lu
University of the Philippines
Title: Occupational and environmental health and safety implications of pesticide use and pesticide residues
Biography
Biography: Jinky leilanie lu
Abstract
Statement of the Problem. Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop that is widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical areas in Asia. Globally, the top three eggplant producers are China, India, and Egypt. The Philippines has been one of the top 10 eggplant-producing countries based on area planted and crop productivity. This study aims to describe the insecticide residues found in soil, water, and eggplant fruits in eggplant farms in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The study design is a cross sectional of randomly selected eggplant farms in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan. Soil, water, and eggplant fruits were collected and subjected to gas chromatography analysis for multi-pesticide residues.
Findings. Farmers from Sta. Maria, Pangasinan were found to be applying a broad spectrum of insecticides on their eggplant crop. Soil samples from 11 (about 42%) out of the 26 farms tested positive for insecticide residues, six of which from four farms exceeded the acceptable maximum residue limit. These residues were profenofos, triazophos, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and malathion. No insecticide residues were detected from water samples taken from the 26 farms. The farmers reported applying Prevathon and Malathion to control pests in their eggplant crops. The farmers and farm workers in the soil and water study reported experiencing itchiness of the skin (63.8%), redness of the eyes (29.3%), muscle pains (27.6%), and headaches (27.6%), as
being related to their pesticide exposure.
Conclusion & Significance . In summary, a maximum of 20% of the eggplant samples tested positive for insecticide residues at any one stage of sampling done.