Residues of Aldrin in Potato

Abstract

Application of aldrin 5% dust @ 25 kg/ha to soil before planting potatoes for the control of soil pests resulted in residues of aldrin+dieldrin to the extent of 0 .8 to 1 ppm in the tubers at harvest. Separate analysis of peel and pulp revealed the presence of 1.75 ppm and 0.21 ppm residues, respectively. Both aldrin and dieldrin were found present in the peel whereas only dieldrin was detected in the pulp. Washing and cooking did not have a significant impact on the removal of residues. The total residues (aldrin+dieldrin) on the whole potatoes, the peel, or the pulp were always more than the tolerance limit set by FAO/WHO (0.1 ppm). It is, therefore, concluded that potatoes grown in aldrin-treated soil are hazardous to consume.