Pesticide water pollution, human health risks, and regulatory evaluation: A nationwide analysis in Ethiopia

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2024-10, Vol.478, p.135326, Article 135326
• Main Authors: Asefa, Elsai Mati, Damtew, Yohannes Tefera, Ober, Józef
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Pesticide Pollution; PRIMET; Regulation; Risk Assessment; Sub-Sahara
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135326

Despite the growing concerns about pesticide pollution, a comprehensive global understanding continues to be hampered by a lack of data from less developed countries. Ethiopia, being a typical agricultural country, is one of the top consumers of pesticides in sub-Saharan Africa. This study conducted a nationwide analysis to assess pesticide water pollution and human health risks in Ethiopia based on the available data. Additionally, the study evaluated the effectiveness of the Pesticide Risks in the Tropics for Man, Environment, and Trade (PRIMET) model, which is currently used for pesticide regulatory risk assessment in Ethiopia. The scoring approach was employed to map the site-specific pollution status based on clearly defined individual pesticide concentrations, excluding mixtures (n = 99). The pollution scores varied significantly among sites, with higher scores observed in the Rift Valley region. Acute and chronic health risks were identified for some commonly detected pesticides at their maximum concentrations. Epidemiological studies conducted in Ethiopia also demonstrated that pesticide exposure is associated with acute poisoning, respiratory health problems, neurobehavioral symptoms, and breast cancer. Furthermore, the study found that the existing regulatory framework likely underestimates pesticide risks in 35 % of the cases, raising concerns about the reliability of the PRIMET model in its current version. Overall, the results emphasize the need for increased attention to pesticide regulation and management in Ethiopia and other countries with similar scenarios, including regular monitoring, implementation of residue limits, post-application evaluations, and recalibration of the PRIMET model. This study provides valuable scientific information and insights into pesticide pollution and can serve as a baseline for ensuring agricultural and environmental sustainability. [Display omitted] •A scoring approach was used to map site-specific pesticide pollution.•The Rift Valley region exhibited the highest pollution scores.•Most pesticides pose greater health risks at maximum concentrations.•The PRIMET model underestimated field concentrations in 35 % of the cases.•Regular monitoring and recalibration of the PRIMET model are recommended.