Tissue distribution, migration pathways and dietary risk assessment of fungicides in pomelo orchards in South China

Abstract

Fungicides are used to protect vegetables and fruits from fungal diseases. Their ubiquitous utilization has resulted in water source contamination and human health concerns. However, the occurrence of fungicides in fruits and the potential implications for human health remain unclear. In this study, ninety-five fungicides were measured in pomelo and corresponding soil and leaf samples from two pomelo orchards in South China. The mean concentration of target fungicides (∑fungicides) in pulp (honey pomelo: 0.23±0.24ng/g; shatian pomelo: 0.23±0.11ng/g) were much lower than those in surface soil (0.53±0.57ng/g; 1.41±1.85ng/g) and leaf (6.97±3.20ng/g; 28.5±11.1ng/g). Triazole fungicides emerged as the predominant fungicides. Varied fungicides exhibit distinct tissue distribution in fruits, demonstrating diverse migration behaviors. The distribution of all fungicides followed the order: exocarp > mesocarp > endocarp > seed > pulp. No significant associations between fungicides in both soil and pulp suggest that the primary origin of fungicides in pulp may involve external exposure. Although the dietary risks of the target fungicides in pomelo were far lower than 1, it was not negligible. Our study provides novel insights into the residues and behavior of fungicides, offering foundational data for the dietary risk assessment of pomelo consumption.