Analysis of Residual Pesticides Present in Edible Locusts Captured in Kuwait PDF

Keywords

locusts, Kuwait, capillary columns

Abstract

Locusts which invaded Kuwait during the 1988/89 winter were captured to evaluate for the risk to the health of the people who had consumed them. Residual pesticides were extracted from these insects and subjected to gas chromatographic analysis using fused silica capillary columns connected with electron capture and flame photometric detectors. The results showed that some chlorinated pesticides were present in the residues. More importantly, relatively high amounts of phosphorus-containing pesticides (sumithion and malathion) were detected in the residues. Since these pesticides are toxic to humans, there is a health risk in consumption of insects contaminated with the pesticides.