Characteristic Trend of Persistent Organochlorine Contamination in Imported Red Kidney Beans

Organochlorine Contamination in Red Kidney Beans

Abstract

Residual level of persistent organochlorines (OC) such as SHCH, dieldrin and endrin were measured in red kidney bean samples from consignments imported from Ethiopia during 2004-2006. OCs, mainly SDDT and SHCH along with breakdown products (>65%), were detected in 80% of the samples analyzed and the highest concentration was 37 ng/g. In 2004, 20% and in 2006, 40% samples were found contaminated with detectable levels of OCs. Beta-HCH, however, was not detected in any sample in 2004 and HCB, in 2005. In 2004, average residual concentration of OCs in individual sample was 0.03-0.180 mg/kg and in 2005, 0.004-0.09 mg/kg.