Authors : Salome Sagi Kolo

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4m9bm9w9

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5dsmcjkt

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1223

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Organochlorine pesticides’ (OCPs) use has been a part of agricultural practices. These have found their way into waterbodies through percolation, leaching and runoffs. Potable water should be free from toxic substances. If therefore the presence of pesticide is discovered in water, it should be in concentrations that are less than the maximum residue limits, thereby safe for drinking and domestic use. This study analyzed OCPs in groundwater samples from selected communities in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Efficient, Rugged and Safe) method was used for sample preparation and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method of analysis was used. Of the twenty OCPs analyzed, three pesticides were found to be above Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). These were beta-BHC, gamma-BHC, and gamma-Chlordane discovered in all water samples. beta-BHC had values ranging from 10.17 – 11.19 μg/L, gamma-BHC had between 13.94 – 19.64 μg/L and gamma-Chlordane 17.92 – 23.68 μg/L in Gaba borehole water (GBHW), Gaba Well Water (GWW), Zuma borehole water (ZBHW) and Zuma well water (ZWW) samples. Also, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and Endrin ketone were discovered to be slightly higher than the Adequate Daily Intake (ADI) but less than the MRL. These water sources could be a source of potential health risk, if consumed over time. The presence of these OCPs in the samples showed that these pesticides are still in use, despite their ban. Awareness must be raised of the dangers of using these pesticides as they leach into groundwater. Routine monitoring of pesticide residues in the study area is necessary to control environmental pollution and minimize health risks.

Keywords : Pesticide Residues, Organochlorine, Groundwater, QuEChERS, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Health Risks.

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