Assessment of agrochemical residues in banana fruit by using gas chromatography and QuEChers technique

Abstract

Present study is performed to analyze the residues of agrochemicals in banana fruit sold in the Chandigarh region. Aim is to check whether the agrochemical waste of residues is within the maximum residue levels (MRLs) or not. Market survey was conducted in the fruit ripening godowns and it was observed that different toxic agrochemicals are being used in the banana cultivation and only 15% of working people were aware of chemicals and their harmful effects. The occurrence of some toxic agrochemical residues like endosulfan, carbendazim, chloropyripos, chlorthiophos was analyzed in the banana fruit samples taken from different markets areas of chandigarh. Multi-residue analysis was performed in peel and pulp differently for 10 different samples by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC MS). Chlorthiophos (organophosphorus pesticide) was found in three peel samples having range 0.004 – 0.23 mg kg−1 and one pulp sample have concentration 0.005 mg kg−1. Carbendazim concentration was in two peel samples have concentrations 0.002 and 0.07 mg kg−1. Endosulfan, chloropyrifus were absent in all samples whereas presence of carbendazim and chlorothiophos were found within MRL guidelines of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).