Unparalleled perils of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites in Nanumba-North Municipality, Ghana
The aim of this study was to assess the levels of contamination of DDT and its metabolites in the Nanumba-North Municipality of the Northern Region of Ghana. Gas Chromatography equipped with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) was used to analyse the samples. On the whole, 148 samples were analysed, consisting of ten (10) soil samples, 108 water samples and 30 food crop items. The study revealed the presence of p,p’-DDT and its metabolites at varying mean concentrations, with p,p’-DDD recording significant concentrations in soil samples. The mean concentrations of p,p’-DDT and its metabolites in the samples analysed from the study site were generally below their respective MRLs (WHO, 2017) of 1.000 µg/L. p,p’-DDT and its metabolite (p,p’-DDE, and p,p’-DDD) were not found in the water and food crop items but are still present in 90% of the soil samples. Additionally, p,p’-DDT and its metabolites detected showed significant differences at p < 0.05. However, just because there are low levels does not mean that consumers will not be exposed to its health risks. Since continuous availability can lead to bioaccumulation and biomagnification through the food chain. The study, therefore, recommends that appropriate authorities in the municipality such as the EPA should provide proper tutelage to farmers on the best way of pesticide utilization that can zip up the ambition of sustainable agricultural production and desirable environmental conditions.
Keywords: p,p’-DDT; Nanumba-North Municipality; GC-ECD; pests and diseases
