Assessment of the Risk of Exposure of Côte D’ivoire Kola Nuts (Cola nitida Schott & Endl. to Pyrethrinoids and Oragnophosphorus Pesticides

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of exposure to pyrethrinoids and oragnophosphorus pesticides found in Côte d’Ivoire kola nuts. Study Design: Kola nuts samples were collected from farmers, collectors and urban stores in 3 regions (western, southwestern and eastern) and 2 big storage centers of Côte d’Ivoire. Place and Duration of Study: Health Department of Hydrology Health and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, running 2017-2020. Methodology: Pyrethrinoids and organophosphorus residues were qualitatively and quantitatively determined using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem mass spectrometry Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC (LC-MS/MS) and their potential health risks assessed in kola nuts samples from selected regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Health risk estimates were analyzed using Estimated Average Daily Intake (EADI) and Hazard Index (HI) with risk categorized for non-carcinogenic health effects. Results: A total of 12 pyrethrinoids and 3 organophosphorus were identified and their residues were detected in all the kola nuts samples analyzed. The results showed that the mean concentration of organphosphorus in all kola nuts was 5±1 µg/kg FW. This level is the same observed for acrinathrin, delatmethrin, fenpropathrin, fenvelerate, flucythrinate, tau-fluvalinate, cyfluthrin et tefluthrin. As for the other pyrethrinoids, the values obtained are 17.2±6.2 µg/kg FW, 25±14.6 µg/kg FW, 30±11.3 µg/kg FW and 39.4±21.2 µg/kg FW, respectively for bifenthrin, cypermethrin, permethrin and cyhalothrin. The average contents determined for each active molecule are all lower than the MRLs fixed for these residues in the kola nuts. As a result, all the Estimate Average Daily Intake (EADIs) determined in adult Ivorians are lower than the corresponding Toxicological References Values (TRVs). Thus, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculated for each substance is less than 1. Conclusion: The risk of adverse effects from consuming kola nuts contaminated with residues of pyrethrinoids or organophosphorus is very unlikely.