The Use and Fate of Pesticides in Vegetable-based
Agro-ecosystems in Ghana reviews current knowledge on pesticides
use in vegetable farming in Ghana and establishes the fate of
pesticides in situ in tropical vegetable-based agro-ecosystems as
well as their environmental and public health impacts on selected
population groups. A field survey showed that vegetable farmers
often spray pesticides on prophylactic basis due to lack of
information. Although some farmers may be aware of pesticide
hazards, adequate protection is hardly taken to minimize risks.
About 70% of exposed farmers had a reduction of 30% or more in
whole blood acetylcholinesterase activity. About 95% of the farmers
interviewed reported symptoms attributable to pesticide exposure.
Water, waterbed sediment, and vegetable crops were checked for
residues of the pesticides monitored on the farmers? fields.
Residues detected in water and waterbed sediment indicated that
these have come from runoff from vegetable fields and that the
measured levels were transient. Pesticide residue levels detected
in five vegetable crop types (tomato, cabbage, pepper, onion, and
eggplants) were correlated to the minimal risk levels (MRLs) set by
the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR). Mean intakes of residues by 22- to 75-year old adult
farmers were found to be low and did not seem to be associated with
health risk. Data on persistent pesticide residues in farmers?
breast milk and blood serum indicated the presence of DDTs,
dieldrin, HCB, and HCHs. When daily intakes of DDTs and HCHs to
infants through breastfeeding were estimated, some farmers
accumulated these compounds in breast milk above the threshold for
adverse effects, which raise concerns on children health. Evidence
was found for persistence of isomers of endosulfan and its sulfate
metabolite in tomato cropped soil and plant tissues. However, the
residue concentration in tomato fruits decreased to a level below
the Codex MRL given a two-week pre-harvest interval during which no
application of the chemical is done. The publication concludes that
successful action to reduce the negative impact of pesticides
requires sustained, low cost, and well-targeted training
interventions.
Students and scientists in the fields of environmental chemistry
and/or science, farmers, agricultural extension officers and
environmental and health regulatory agencies will find this book
very useful.
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