An Assessment of the Agrochemical Residues in Local Produce and Honey in Trinidad and Tobago

Office of Research, Impact and Postgraduate Studies

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An Assessment of the Agrochemical Residues in Local Produce and Honey in Trinidad and Tobago

by Mr. Lakshman Lochan

The world's agriculture sector is being challenged to increase agricultural output to meet the rapidly growing demands for food products as a result of an increasing world population.

Agrochemicals are pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, but also include fertilisers and soil conditioners. They have been an important tool used to increase production and productivity in the agriculture sector; however, improper use of agrochemicals has been linked to the pollution of land and water resources as well as a myriad of health effects.

Some of the major classes of pesticides include Organophosphates, Organochlorides, Carbamates and Pyrethroids which are known for their high toxicity, slow degradation and bioaccumulation. These pesticides have been linked to metabolic disorders, ADHD, cancers, neurological problems, depression, immune system damages, respiratory problems and fertility issues.

Consumption of foods containing agrochemical residues, is a major source of exposure to pesticides. The persistence of residual pesticides and heavy metals in produce and agro-byproducts such as honey, are gaining much more importance due to the increased consumer demand for safe and sustainably produced food products.

A prior assessment of agrochemical residues in agro-products in Trinidad done in 1997, revealed the presence of organophosphates in approximately 10% of produce sampled and a similar study in 2020 identified pesticide residues in approximately 60% of samples. However, the presence of other agrochemical classes used in food production in Trinidad and Tobago have not been studied and concurrently, there is limited research regarding pesticide residues in agro-byproducts such as honey, a commodity with export potential.

This research will evaluate the amount of agrochemical residues in local produce and honey for various classes of agrochemicals in Trinidad and Tobago using the QuEChERs method for analysis of pesticide residues and US EPA Method 3005A for heavy metal analysis. The results of this study can be used to develop best agriculture practices of the sector and recommend a management tool for monitoring agrochemical use related to food production. 

Mr. LAKSHMAN LOCHAN is a Research Assistant at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Environmental Sciences and Management from the University. He also has a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Environmental Science and Government and World Affairs from The University of Tampa.

Mr. Lochan's academic achievements complement his success in many business initiatives. He is a Director of Working Initiatives for Sustainability and Education (WISE), an NGO established to engage local research and enhance rural and social development; Manager of Business Development for Eastside Supermarket; a Director in the Agriculture Society of Trinidad and Tobago and is an Appointed Member of the Sangre Grande Magisterial District. He has also served as the President of the Sangre Grande Chamber of Commerce.

Lakshman's leadership experiences from The University of Tampa & UTT, have allowed him to work alongside many prominent offices including The Office of the President of The University of Tampa, Members of Parliament, Ministers and Local Government Representatives.