Level of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Selected Soft Drinks Commonly Sold in Benin City Markets

This research studied the levels and risk assessment of pesticide residues in selected soft drinks such as sprite and coca-cola commonly sold in Benin City markets. A total of twenty-five organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in these samples were analyzed using with gas chromatography- electron captured detector (ECD). The estimated chronic daily intake (ECDI) of aldrin in soft drinks (sprite) was determined based on European Union (EU) and United States Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) standards, using two population age groups (child and adult). The results revealed the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues among the soft drinks. Aldrin, had a value of 0.100 mg/kg in soft drink (sprite), while coca-cola were below detection limit (0.00±0.00). The study, thus suggest that OCPs concentration in sprite is relatively safe for human consumption. The study therefore calls for continuous monitoring of agricultural farmlands because continuous exposure to pesticide contaminated soft drinks sold in Benin City markets (sprite) could affect the health of consumers.