Irrational use of pesticides and poor storage management may result in contamination of the surro... more Irrational use of pesticides and poor storage management may result in contamination of the surrounding environment including soil, water sources, and crops. Such contamination may pose hazards to human health and the environment. The objective of the current study is to investigate soil (around main pesticide stores) and seasonal stream sediments (Khor Abuhabel sediments) contamination with insecticide residues from nearby pesticide stores and local farms in South Kordofan State, Sudan. The study targeted residues of organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroid insecticides. Soil samples were taken to a depth of 10 cm. Three soil samples were randomly taken representing each of the locations assessed. Samples were analyzed for pesticide residues using gas chromatography (GC) equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD) and mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results revealed the presence of higher levels of organophosphate residues than organochlorines and pyrethroids. Heptachlor, malathion, and dimethoate were present in all samples tested, while no detectable levels of p.p-DDT and β endosulfan were found. Endosulfan α and deltamethrin were detected in some samples. The highest concentration detected in the soil corresponds to average dimethoate (up to 13.1 ppm), while the lowest level detected belongs to endosulfan sulfate (0.517 ppm). The total concentrations of all detected pesticides in the soils from the vicinity of pesticide stores are higher (23.4 ppm) than the corresponding level in Khor Abuhabel sediment (11.6 ppm). Possible sources of contamination may include drift from recent applications, dust, rains, and runoff water during autumn, the rainy season.
The virus infection reduced several growth and yield parameters; shoot dry weight fell by 28.7%, ... more The virus infection reduced several growth and yield parameters; shoot dry weight fell by 28.7%, root dry weight by 15.8%, nodule number by 22.6%, nodule weight by 50%, flower number by 59.1%, pod number by 32.3%, seed production by 31.2% and yield per unit area by 10.8%. Moreover, the virus infection caused significant reduction in the growth of the cowpea plants throughout the growing season
The knowledge of eggplant farmers on the proper use of pesticides was evaluated in Khartoum State... more The knowledge of eggplant farmers on the proper use of pesticides was evaluated in Khartoum State. Questionnaire was distributed to farmers in North Nile Farms (NN), East Nile Farms (ENF), and West Nile Farms (WNF) to solicit information. Interviews and questionnaires revealed that there is a limited level of awareness among farmers. The majority (94%) of farmers did not abide by recommended disposal procedures, they only damage and bury the containers inside the farms. The majority of farmers (66%) were not aware of the safety period for any given product. The excessive use of pesticides in eggplant production and reliance only on pesticides as a pest management strategy calls for the implementation of IPM programs integrating the use of environmentally soft chemicals with other non-chemical control methods to manage pests and diseases. Safety periods should be carefully watched to reduce the level of residues in eggplant fruits below the acceptable level and to ensure sustainable ...
Herbs are extensively consumed in the United Arab Emirates for their flavoring and medicinal prop... more Herbs are extensively consumed in the United Arab Emirates for their flavoring and medicinal properties. This study aimed at determining the concentration of heavy metals in selected traditional herbs consumed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 81 samples of seven herbs, parsley (Petroselinum crispum), basil (Ocimum basilicum), sage (Salvia officinalis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), mint (Mentha spicata), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), were purchased from the local market in Dubai and analyzed for their cadmium, lead, copper, iron, and zinc contents. Microwave-assisted digestion was applied for the dissolution of the samples and heavy metals concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Metals were found to be present in varied concentrations in the herb samples. The concentration ranges were found as follows: less than 0.1–1.11 mg·kg−1for cadmium, less than 1.0–23.52 mg·kg−1for lead, 1.44–156.24 mg·kg−1for copper...
Irrational use of pesticides and poor storage management may result in contamination of the surro... more Irrational use of pesticides and poor storage management may result in contamination of the surrounding environment including soil, water sources, and crops. Such contamination may pose hazards to human health and the environment. The objective of the current study is to investigate soil (around main pesticide stores) and seasonal stream sediments (Khor Abuhabel sediments) contamination with insecticide residues from nearby pesticide stores and local farms in South Kordofan State, Sudan. The study targeted residues of organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroid insecticides. Soil samples were taken to a depth of 10 cm. Three soil samples were randomly taken representing each of the locations assessed. Samples were analyzed for pesticide residues using gas chromatography (GC) equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD) and mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results revealed the presence of higher levels of organophosphate residues than organochlorines and pyrethroids. Heptachlor, malathion, and dimethoate were present in all samples tested, while no detectable levels of p.p-DDT and β endosulfan were found. Endosulfan α and deltamethrin were detected in some samples. The highest concentration detected in the soil corresponds to average dimethoate (up to 13.1 ppm), while the lowest level detected belongs to endosulfan sulfate (0.517 ppm). The total concentrations of all detected pesticides in the soils from the vicinity of pesticide stores are higher (23.4 ppm) than the corresponding level in Khor Abuhabel sediment (11.6 ppm). Possible sources of contamination may include drift from recent applications, dust, rains, and runoff water during autumn, the rainy season.
The virus infection reduced several growth and yield parameters; shoot dry weight fell by 28.7%, ... more The virus infection reduced several growth and yield parameters; shoot dry weight fell by 28.7%, root dry weight by 15.8%, nodule number by 22.6%, nodule weight by 50%, flower number by 59.1%, pod number by 32.3%, seed production by 31.2% and yield per unit area by 10.8%. Moreover, the virus infection caused significant reduction in the growth of the cowpea plants throughout the growing season
The knowledge of eggplant farmers on the proper use of pesticides was evaluated in Khartoum State... more The knowledge of eggplant farmers on the proper use of pesticides was evaluated in Khartoum State. Questionnaire was distributed to farmers in North Nile Farms (NN), East Nile Farms (ENF), and West Nile Farms (WNF) to solicit information. Interviews and questionnaires revealed that there is a limited level of awareness among farmers. The majority (94%) of farmers did not abide by recommended disposal procedures, they only damage and bury the containers inside the farms. The majority of farmers (66%) were not aware of the safety period for any given product. The excessive use of pesticides in eggplant production and reliance only on pesticides as a pest management strategy calls for the implementation of IPM programs integrating the use of environmentally soft chemicals with other non-chemical control methods to manage pests and diseases. Safety periods should be carefully watched to reduce the level of residues in eggplant fruits below the acceptable level and to ensure sustainable ...
Herbs are extensively consumed in the United Arab Emirates for their flavoring and medicinal prop... more Herbs are extensively consumed in the United Arab Emirates for their flavoring and medicinal properties. This study aimed at determining the concentration of heavy metals in selected traditional herbs consumed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 81 samples of seven herbs, parsley (Petroselinum crispum), basil (Ocimum basilicum), sage (Salvia officinalis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), mint (Mentha spicata), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), were purchased from the local market in Dubai and analyzed for their cadmium, lead, copper, iron, and zinc contents. Microwave-assisted digestion was applied for the dissolution of the samples and heavy metals concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Metals were found to be present in varied concentrations in the herb samples. The concentration ranges were found as follows: less than 0.1–1.11 mg·kg−1for cadmium, less than 1.0–23.52 mg·kg−1for lead, 1.44–156.24 mg·kg−1for copper...
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