Abstract:

Maize grains are highly susceptible to infestation by weevils and are consequently often subjected to post-harvest treatment with pesticides, to maintain good quality during storage and to avoid economic losses. Pesticide residues have become a major group of environmental contaminants as a result of the application of pesticides on harvested maize. In this study, it was revealed that Dichlorvos T. found in maize, was below detectable limit in the four local government areas, while aluminium phosphide in all the areas studied was above the EU/WHO permissible limit of 0.01ppm. Atrazine, a herbicide used to control weeds in farms, was found to be 0.14ppm in maize in MG, higher than the permissible limit of 0.05ppm. Therefore, these may cause health hazards.