Pesticide Contamination of Urban Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Yamoussoukro (Côte d'Ivoire)

Context: Lettuce is one of the most popular leafy vegetables in Côte d'Ivoire. Often produced in urban agriculture under uncontrolled conditions, lettuce is said to contain pesticide residues that are increasingly used in agriculture. The aim of this study was to assess the pesticide content of urban-grown lettuce consumed by the population of Yamoussoukro the political capital of Côte d'Ivoire.

Methods: A characterization of lettuce production in urban agriculture was carried out through a survey of 117 urban producers. Fifteen (15) lettuces samples were collected from three emblematic sites located in the heart of the city. These samples were analyzed using an HPLC chain (Waters alliance) to identify and measure the pesticide content of lettuce produced and consumed in Yamoussoukro. A chemical risk assessment for pesticides was carried out using the Codex Alimentarius method.

Results: The study revealed that nationals (Ivorians) dominate lettuce production in the city of Yamoussoukro with a rate of 58.97%. This activity is dominated by men with a rate of 55.56%. Various pesticide residues grouped into nine (9) families were detected in lettuces, some at very alarming levels. According to WHO, FAO and European Community standards, 33% of the samples were unacceptable, and therefore unfit for human consumption. The assessment of the health risk linked to consumption due to the presence of Parathion in lettuce would be 28% for chronic intoxication and 2% for acute intoxication. The risk of chronic intoxication by Dimethoate would be 47%, and of acute intoxication 1%. For both Chlorpyriphos and Spirodiclofen, the risks of chronic poisoning of populations are real, but the populations exposed would be low.

Conclusion: Urban-grown lettuce from Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Côte d'Ivoire, often contains pesticide residues in excess of required standards. This lettuce represents a danger and exposes consumer populations to health risks. These very important results must be taken into consideration by politicians.