Evaluation of cumulative exposures to multiple pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits in the Northwest of Iran: a risk assessment using Monte Carlo Simulation

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This study was conducted to monitor and evaluate the health risks of multiple organophosphorus pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits of Maragheh district, East Azerbaijan province. The Monte Carlo method was used to quantify the possible non-carcinogenic health risks associated with pesticide residues in adults and children. The residues of 17 pesticides in 36 samples were analysed using the QuEChERS extraction method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Residues of 13 pesticides (76.47%) were detected in grape samples and 15 pesticides (88.23%) in apricot and plum samples. The maximum level found in grape samples was due to chlorpyrifos with 1.2 mg/kg, and in apricot and plum samples to diazinon with 1.6 and 1.3 mg/kg, respectively. All grape, apricot and plum samples contained at least ten pesticides with levels exceeding the Iranian and EU Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). The processing factor for washing treatment in grape, apricot and plum samples was less than 1, ranging from 0.53 to 0.69. Chlorpyrifos with values of 0.064 and 0.256 in the grape samples and diazinon with values of 0.0443 and 0.177 in the apricot samples and values of 0.0263 and 0.105 in the plum samples contain the highest hazard quotients (HQ) for adults and children, respectively. The cumulative risk assessment due to exposure to several pesticide residues suggests that there is no significant health risk for adults (HI < 1). However, consumption of unwashed grapes may cause adverse effects in children (HI = 1.48). However, for further research, a comprehensive longitudinal study is suggested to assess the long-term effects of exposure to pesticides especially for children.