Accumulation Of Pesticide Residues Research Articles

A Review of Different Extraction Procedures for Pesticide Residue Analysis in Fruits and Vegetables Using Agree Metric Approaches

GAC is one of the crucial emerging platforms in the analytical field focusing on the environmental impact of various extraction procedures. There are various principles on which GAC is based, including the use of DESs, a miniaturized platform for extraction, the integration of extraction steps, operator safety, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing solvent wastage. Pesticide residue analysis is one of the most important factors affecting food safety and the health of society. Pesticides were used extensively to improve the production of crops and other food stuff, which is essential to meet the demands of society. This led to an accumulation of pesticide residues in various agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables, which are important to be detected and quantified. Different techniques were employed for extraction or sample preparation prior to detection by instrumental techniques, including GC, HPLC, and hyphenated techniques. Various software programs are available online to evaluate the greenness of any developed method, including GAPI, NEMI, Agree, AMVI, etc. This manuscript describes the impact of various extraction procedures like SPE, LLE, and TFME on sensitivity and extraction efficiency, along with the greenness evaluation used in the detection of pesticide residue in fruits and vegetables using Agree software.

Deciphering the key factors affecting pesticide residue risk in vegetable ecosystem

Soil contamination, particularly from pesticide residues, presents a significant challenge to the sustainable development of agricultural ecosystems. Identifying the key factors influencing soil pesticide residue risk and implementing effective measures to mitigate their risks at the source are essential. Here, we collected soil samples and conducted a comprehensive survey among local farmers in the Three Gorges Reserve Area, a major agricultural production region in Southwest China. Subsequently, employing a dual analytical approach combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and random forest modeling (RFM), we examined the effects of various factors on pesticide residue accumulation in vegetable ecosystems. Our SEM analysis revealed that soil characteristics (path coefficient 0.85) and cultivation factor (path coefficient 0.84) had the most significant effect on pesticide residue risk, while the farmer factors indirectly influenced pesticide residues by impacting both cultivation factors and soil characteristics. Further exploration using RFM identified the three most influential factors contributing to pesticide residue risk as cation exchange capacity (CEC) (account for 18.84%), cultivation area (account for 14.12%), and clay content (account for 13.01%). Based on these findings, we carried out experimental trials utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technology, resulting in a significant reduction in soil pesticide residues and notable improvements in crop yields. Therefore, it is recommended that governmental efforts should prioritize enhanced training for vegetable farmers, promotion of eco-friendly plant protection methods, and regulation of agricultural environments to ensure sustainable development.

Pesticide Residue and Bio-pesticides in Vegetable Crops

Intensive vegetable production using pesticides has biggest threat to growers and the consumers. In such instances the accumulation of pesticide residues is increased due to relatively short pre-harvest interval. Use of pesticides without knowing the label claim information increases the cost of production, increases the number of spray and labour cost, ultimately leading to decrease in farmers profitability. Hence, the adoption of pesticide as per label claim is very much essential. The level of residues should be below the maximum residue limit (MRL) at the time of harvest. Most of the detected pesticides in vegetables are not registered by Central Insecticide Board and Registration committee (CIBRC) for use on that specific vegetable which is the off label use of pesticides. Crops grouping is the development of a model that allows extrapolation of residue data from a few representative crops to many other crops in the same group. This allows establishment of residue tolerances for the entire group of crops based on the residue values from certain key crops that are similar. The acceptance of representative crop is a critical component of the savings from using the crop groups. IR-4’s involvement with efforts to remove pesticide residues as a barrier for exports for US-grown specialty crops has been growing in importance over the last 20 years. By establishing a common MRL on a specialty crop from a particular crop protection product use, trade irritants between the two countries can be prevented before they have the potential to become a major problem for specialty crop growers on each side of the border. The U.S./Canadian specialty crop partnership has yielded valuable results for all the stakeholders involved. IR4 signed MOUs with Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Colombia. This model is also much needed for India to regulate the pesticide label claims for numerous crops.

Transitioning Wintering Shorebirds to Agroecosystem: A Thorough Evaluation of Habitat Selection and Conservation Concern

Habitat fragmentation and degradation in natural wetlands has resulted in declines in the populations of shorebirds in the Indian subcontinent. Shorebirds rely on these wetlands as wintering or stop-over sites along the southern extent of the Central Asian Flyway. Shorebirds are known to utilize agroecosystems as alternate foraging habitats. The suitability of agroecosystems as foraging areas for overwintering migratory shorebirds has not been well studied in the Indian subcontinent. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of published literature and compiled field observations to investigate the importance of inland and coastal agroecosystems for shorebirds in India. We assessed the shorebird populations at natural wetlands: mudflats and mangroves of Kadalundi Vallikkunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) and Puthuvypu sand beach, as well as adjacent agroecosystems on the west coast of India, including Sanketham Wetlands, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Elamaram, Kodinhi, and Kooriyad. On the east coast, we assessed the natural wetland habitats of Valinokkam, Point Calimere, and Pichavaram and evaluated inland agroecosystems in regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Fifty-three shorebird species utilize diverse agroecosystems from various parts of India. While studies on the use of agroecosystems by shorebirds are limited on the east coast, evidence suggests that major wintering sites are adjacent to paddy fields, fostering substantial shorebird diversity. In Pichavaram, Point Calimere, and Gulf of Mannar regions, 22 shorebird species utilize agroecosystems, including the notable near-threatened Eurasian Curlew. Seventeen of these species are winter arrivals, highlighting the crucial role agroecosystems play as stopover areas. On the west coast, 19 shorebird species appear to utilize agroecosystems in Kooriyad, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Sanketham Wetlands, Elamaram, and Kodinhi. Few species use agricultural fields in the north (Jammu and Kashmir). Paddy fields, that are flooded as part of the cropping cycle, support diverse prey species, such as macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and small fish, that could attract and support migratory shorebirds. Agricultural practices like fallowing, flooding, and ploughing could further increase the abundance and accessibility of prey for shorebirds, drawing them in greater numbers. It is crucial to recognize that unsustainable and unethical agricultural methods could detrimentally affect shorebird numbers. The accumulation of pesticide residues and the contamination from heavy metals could also threaten shorebirds. As a result, there is an urgent need for detailed research to better evaluate the importance of agroecosystems in supporting resident or migratory shorebirds. Systematic studies that explain the population dynamics, habitat selection trends, habitat utilization, and the over-summering behavior of the migratory birds at agroecosystems are needed. Implementing sustainable conservation strategies and adopting environmentally friendly agricultural practices are essential to support the rich biodiversity of the region.

Electrochemiluminescence Sensor Based on CTS-MoS2 and AB@CTS with Functionalized Luminol for Detection of Malathion Pesticide Residues.

The accumulation of pesticide residues poses a significant threat to the health of people and the surrounding ecological systems. However, traditional methods are not only costly but require expertise in analysis. An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor was developed using chitosan and molybdenum disulfide (CTS-MoS2), along with acetylene black (AB@CTS) for the rapid detection of malathion residues. Due to the weak interaction force, simple composite may lead to uneven dispersion; MoS2 and AB were dissolved in CTS solution, respectively, and utilized the biocompatibility of CTS to interact with each other on the electrode. The MoS2 nanosheets provided a large specific surface area, enhancing the utilization rate of catalytic materials, while AB exhibited excellent conductivity. Additionally, the dendritic polylysine (PLL) contained numerous amino groups to load abundant luminol to catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The proposed ECL aptasensor obtained a low detection limit of 2.75 × 10-3 ng/mL (S/N = 3) with a good detection range from 1.0 × 10-2 ng/mL to 1.0 × 103 ng/mL, demonstrating excellent specificity, repeatability, and stability. Moreover, the ECL aptasensor was successfully applied for detecting malathion pesticide residues in authentic samples with recovery rates ranging from 94.21% to 99.63% (RSD < 2.52%). This work offers valuable insights for advancing ECL sensor technology in future applications.

Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Plasticizers: Contamination and Risk Assessment of Drinking-Water Quality

This study highlights the impact of formal agricultural practices and their adverse effect on the deterioration of underground water quality, with special emphasis on toxic elements, including pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, plasticizer accumulation and heavy-metal contamination. A comprehensive study was conducted at various recently developed societies of Sadiqabad that were formerly used for agricultural purposes. Ten various societies were selected, and three samples from each society were collected from different regions of these areas. Data regarding the physicochemical properties, metal contamination and accumulation of pesticide residues were determined using standard protocols. The results revealed that almost all the physicochemical properties of water samples selected from these sites were close to the WHO’s recommended limits. The range for physicochemical properties was pH (6.4–7.7), electrical conductivity (168–766 µ S cm−1), turbidity (6–17 NTU), total hardness (218–1030 mg L−1), chloride contents (130–870 mg L−1) and phosphate contents (2.55–5.11 mg L−1). Among heavy metals, lead and arsenic concentrations in all sampling sites were found to be above the recommended limits. The decreasing pattern in terms of water-quality deterioration with respect to physicochemical properties was FFT &gt; USM &gt; CRH &gt; UCS &gt; CHS &gt; MAH &gt; FFC &gt; CGA &gt; GIH &gt; AGS. Overall, 95 different kinds of toxic elements, including pesticides, herbicides, plasticizer, etc., were detected in the groundwater samples. The toxic compounds in the groundwater were categorized into pesticides, herbicides, plasticizer, plant growth regulators, fungicides, acaricides and insecticides. Most of these parameters showed peak values at the Fatima Fertilizer Company area and Chief Residencia Housing Society. Pesticide contamination showed that water-filtration plants have a big positive impact on the drinking quality of water. Proper monitoring of the pesticides must be performed, as the majority of the pesticides showed low priority. The monitoring method of the pesticides needs to be updated so that the occurrence of recently authorized pesticides is demonstrated.

Occurrence, spatiotemporal distribution patterns,partitioning and risk assessments of multiple pesticide residues in typical estuarine water environments in eastern China

The low terrain and the prosperous agriculture in the east of China, have caused the accumulation of pesticide residues in the estuaries. Therefore, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution and partition tendency of 106 pesticides based on their abundance, frequencies, and concentrations in the aquatic environment of 16 river estuaries in 7 major basins in the eastern China by using solid-phase extraction (SPE) with high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‒MS/MS) and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC‒MS/MS). In addition, potential risk of multiple pesticides was also evaluated. The results showed that herbicides were the dominant pesticide type, while triazines were the predominate substance group of pesticide. In addition, triadimenol, vinclozolin, diethylatrazine, prometryn, thiamethoxam, atrazine, and metalachlor were the major pesticides in the water, while prometryn, metalachlor, and atrazine were the main pesticides in the sediment. The average total concentration of pesticide was 751.15 ng/L in the dry season, 651.17 ng/L in the wet season, and 617.37 ng/L in the normal season, respectively. The estuaries of the Huai River Basin, the Yangtze River Basin, the Hai River Basin, and the Yellow River Basin have been affected by the low pollution treatment efficiency, weak infrastructure, and agricultural/non-agricultural activities in eastern China, resulting in relatively serious pesticide pollution. The estuaries of Huaihe River, Yangtze River, Xiaoqing River, and Luanhe River had large pesticide abundance and comparatively severe pesticide pollution, while the estuaries of Tuhai River and Haihe River had heavy pesticide contamination in the sediment, which might be induced by historical sedimentary factors. The log KOC values showed that except for thioketone, other pesticides were relatively stable due to the adsorption by sediment. The ecological risk assessment results indicated that insecticides had a high risk. Teenagers were the most severely affected by the noncarcinogenic risk of pesticides, while adults were mostly affected by the carcinogenic risk of pesticides. Therefore, pesticide hazards in the water environment of estuaries in eastern China needs to be further close supervision.

Bioaccumulation of pesticide residue in earthworms collected from the agricultural soils of Kuttanad-a unique agroecosystem in India.

Earthworms encompass significant soil faunal biomass and have tremendous potential to provide vital ecosystem services. Earthworms are considered bioindicators of chemical contaminants and can provide early warnings of ecosystem deterioration. Studies pertaining to the accumulation of pesticide residues in earthworm in biomass in agrarian ecosystems are scarce. The Kuttanad agroecosystem (KAE), situated on the southwest coast of India, is one of the few regions globally supporting farming on land below the mean sea level. This investigation was conducted to assess the bioaccumulation of pesticide residues in earthworms from the KAE. The earthworms species Glyphidrilus annandalei collected from agricultural soils of the study area were analyzed for the presence of pesticides residues such as α-BHC, γ-BHC, atrazine, heptachlor, α-chlordane, γ-chlordane, 4,4-DDE, 4,4-DDD, 4,4-DDT, β-endosulfan, and endrin ketone in their biomass. Analysis of the earthworm samples using a gas chromatograph revealed the presence of ten pesticide residues with notable concentrations (α-BHC, 0.36ng/g; γ-BHC, 0.41ng/g; heptachlor, 0.10ng/g; atrazine, 0.89ng/g; α-chlordane, 0.07ng/g; γ-chlordane, 0.10ng/g; 4,4-DDE, 0.05ng/g; 4,4-DDD, 0.11ng/g; 4,4-DDT, 0.31ng/g; β-endosulfan, 0.19ng/g; and endrin ketone, 0.13ng/g). Six groups of pesticide residues are ΣBHC, ΣDDT, atrazine, Σchlordane, endrin ketone, and β-endosulfan were observed during bioaccumulation factor analysis, and the results show the following trend: atrazine > ΣBHC > ΣDDT > Σchlordane > Σendosulfan > Σendrin. As earthworms are a crucial component of this region's food chains, bioaccumulation of pesticide residues in earthworms can pause adverse consequences. Increasing trends in pesticide application in the KAE and bioaccumulation of pesticide residues in earthworm biomass can affect the entire food web.

High-throughput screening of multi-pesticide residues in animal-derived foods by QuEChERS-online gel permeation chromatography-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Improvements in living standards have led to an increase in the consumption of animal-derived foods. Pesticides may be used illegally during animal breeding as well as meat production and processing for pest control and preservation. Pesticides applied to crops may also be enriched in animal tissues through the food chain, thereby increasing the risk of pesticide residue accumulation in muscles and visceral tissues and endangering human health. China has stipulated maximum residue limits for pesticide residues in livestock and poultry meat and their viscera. Many other major developed countries and organizations, including the European Union, Codex Alimentarius Commission, and Japan, have also set maximum residue limits for these residues (0.005-10, 0.004-10, and 0.001-10 mg/kg, respectively). Research on pretreatment technologies for pesticide residue detection in plant-derived foods is widely available, but insufficient attention has been paid to animal-derived foods. Thus, high-throughput detection technologies for pesticide residues in animal-derived foods are limited. The impurities that can interfere with the detection process for plant-derived foods mainly include organic acids, polar pigments, and other small molecular compounds; by contrast, the matrix of animal-derived foods is much more complex. Macromolecular proteins, fats, small molecular amino acids, organic acids, and phospholipids can interfere with the detection of pesticide residues in animal-derived foods. Thus, selecting the appropriate pretreatment and purification technology is of great importance. In this study, the QuEChERS technique was combined with online gel permeation chromatography-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GPC-GC-MS/MS) to determine 196 pesticide residues in animal-derived foods. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile, purified using the QuEChERS technique coupled with online GPC, detected by GC-MS/MS, determined in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM), and quantified using the external standard method. The effects of the extraction solvent and purification agent type on the extraction efficiency and matrix removal of the method were optimized. The purification effect of online GPC on the sample solution was investigated. The optimal distillate receiving time was obtained by studying the recoveries of the target substances and matrix effects over different distillate receiving periods to achieve the effective introduction of target substances and efficient matrix removal. Further, the advantages of the QuEChERS technique combined with online GPC were evaluated. The matrix effects of 196 pesticides were assessed; ten pesticide residues showed moderate matrix effects, while four pesticide residues showed strong matrix effects. A matrix-matched standard solution was used for quantification. The 196 pesticides showed good linearity in the range of 0.005-0.2 mg/L, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.996. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.002 and 0.005 mg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of 196 pesticides at spiked levels of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.20 mg/kg were 65.3%-126.2%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.7%-5.7%. The proposed method is rapid, accurate, and sensitive; thus, it is suitable for the high-throughput screening and detection of multiple pesticide residues in animal-derived foods.

Effect of nano-silica extracted from two different plant sources on survival and development of Phthorimaea opercullela (Zeller) larvae

Summary The study examined the effect of nano-silica extracted from two different plant sources on the survival and development of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea opercullela. The silica powder was derived from two different agricultural byproducts, olive stones and corncobs. Characterization by X-ray diffraction revealed that the extracted powder has an amorphous silica phase. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements revealed that both extracted and treated silica have mesoporous structure, with a specific surface area of around 300 m2/g and 270 m2/g for the silica derived from olive stones and corncobs, respectively. The silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) prepared from the silica derived from olive stοnes showed higher larvae mortality, pupae weight, and larval and pupal developmental time, compared to the silica derived from corncombs. The results show that the nano-silica derived from agriculture byproducts can be as effective as the synthetic insecticide (deltamethrin) utilized in control of the potato tuber moth, with lower environmental impact in terms of preventing pesticide residue accumulation. In addition, the efficiency of SiO2 NPs applications depends on the source of the silica nanoparticles and the applied concentration to achieve the optimum results for the pest control.

Indigenous plant extracts and their role in pest management in tea ecosystem

India is the world's second largest producer of black tea. Insects, mites, nematodes, and plant pathogenic diseases all damage the tea plant which severely hampered tea production causing about 10-15% crop loss every year. It would be 100% in extreme circumstances. In India, many synthetic pesticides are commonly employed to control tea pests. The use of an excessive amount pesticides could lead to a number of issues, including the development of resistance, negative impacts on non-target species such as insect predators and parasitoids, disruption of the ecological balance, and the accumulation of pesticide residues on tea leaves. In the international market, there is an increasing demand for organic tea or tea that is pesticide residue free, which influences the export price. Plant extracts having insecticidal qualities contains secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and minor secondary compounds can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides and these are environmentally safe, selective, biodegradable, cost-effective, and renewable options for use in IPM programmes in this context. Biopesticides are natural plant products that can be grown at a minimal cost by planters and extracted using indigenous methods.

Effect of processing on selected pesticide residues in cottonseed (Gossypium spp.)

AbstractFood processing techniques reduce pesticide residue accumulation in food components. The present study investigated the effectiveness of simple processing techniques, such as roasting, soaking, autoclaving, and storage conditions on 27 selected pesticides belongs to the class of organophosphates (OPs), organochlorines (OCPs), and pyrethroids (PPs) in pesticide fortified cottonseed. The residue concentration was analyzed by gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) from the extract of differently treated samples as untreated and pesticide‐free, pesticide‐fortified and pesticide‐fortified cum processed cottonseed. Recovery values of the residues ranged from 78.20 to 114% by the application of 1, 5, and 10 μg/g of pesticide in pesticide‐free cottonseed. The pesticide residue concentration were presented in nondetected level to the pesticide‐free sample. Otherwise, pesticide‐treated samples contained all pesticide residues ranging from 856 to 1,138 ng/g of OPs, 782 to 1,058 ng/g of OCPs and 857 to 1,140 ng/g of PPs, which has higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) as set by the Japan Food Chemical Research Foundation (FFCR) for cottonseed. Among the different processing methods, autoclave sample had less number of residues (three compounds) followed by stored (five compounds), soaked (seven compounds) and roasted (eight compounds) samples. The stored cottonseeds contained residues for phorate, total lindane excluding δ‐lindane and deltamethrin at the end of storage. Nevertheless, the residue from phorate (88.93 ng/g), δ‐lindane (69.32 ng/g) and deltamethrin (128.64 ng/g) has exceeded the concentration of MRL's for 0.05, 0.01, and 0.04 mg/kg, respectively. The finding indicates that the most effective method for reducing the pesticide residues was autoclaved treatment from the respective pesticide‐fortified cottonseed sample.

Effect of simple processing on selected pesticide residues in cottonseed (Gossypium spp.)

Food processing techniques reduce pesticide residue accumulation in food components. The present study investigated the effectiveness of simple processing techniques such as roasting, soaking, autoclaving and storage conditions on twenty-seven selected pesticides belonging to the classes of organophosphates (OPs), organochlorines (OCPs) and pyrethroids (PPs) in pesticide-fortified cottonseed (Gossypium spp.). The residue concentration was analysed by GC–MS/MS from the extract of different treated samples as untreated and pesticide free (T1), pesticide treated (T2) and pesticide treated cum processed (R1- Roasting 5 min; R2-Roasting 10 min; S1-Soaking 6 hours; S2-Soaking 12 hours; AC1-Autoclaving 5 min; AC2-Autoclaving 10 min; ST-Storage) cottonseed. The recovery values of the residues ranged from 78.20 to 114% with the application of 1, 5 and 10 μg/g pesticide in pesticide-free cottonseed. The concentration of pesticide residues is presented for nondetected levels in pesticide-free samples. Otherwise, pesticide-treated samples contained all pesticide residues ranging from 856 to 1138 ng/g OP, 782 to 1058 ng/g OCPs and 857 to 1140 ng/g PP, which are higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by The Japan Food Chemical Research Foundation (FFCR). Among the different processing methods, autoclave samples had fewer residues detected (3 compounds), followed by stored (5 compounds), soaked (7 compounds) and roasted (8 compounds) samples. The stored cottonseeds contained residues for phorate, total lindane excluding δ-lindane and deltamethrin at the end of storage. Nevertheless, the residue from phorate, δ-lindane and deltamethrin exceeded the concentration of MRLs. This finding indicated that the most effective method for reducing pesticide residues was autoclaved treatment from the respective pesticide-fortified cottonseed sample.

Validation of Pesticides Multi-Residual Testing Method on Nutmeg by Using UPLC-MS/MS

The use of pesticides in nutmeg still leaves an accumulation of pesticide residues that can endanger human health and damage the ecological balance. In addition, nutmeg with high pesticide residue content will be rejected by nutmeg export destination countries. This research was conducted to validate the method of testing pesticide residues of carbaryl, carbofuran, acetate, and dimethoate on nutmeg. This pesticide residue test uses the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) optimization method and is analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry). This method meets the validation requirements according to SANTE/12682/2019. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the analyte is below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) set by the European Union through Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005.

Sulfur deficiency exacerbates phytotoxicity and residues of imidacloprid through suppression of thiol-dependent detoxification in lettuce seedlings

Sulfur, an essential macronutrient, plays important roles in plant development and stress mitigation. Sulfur deficiency, a common problem in agricultural soils, may disturb plant stress resistance and xenobiotic detoxification. In the present study, the function and mechanism of limited sulfur nutrition on the residues and phtotoxicity of imidacloprid were investigated in lettuce plants. Sulfur deficiency significantly increased imidacloprid accumulation in lettuce tissues, exacerbated imidacloprid biological toxicity by enhancing the accumulation of toxic metabolites, like imidacloprid-olefin. Simultaneously, imidacloprid-induced detoxification enzymes including cytochromes P450, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and glycosyltransferases were inhibited under limited sulfur supply. On the other hand, sulfur deficiency further enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species and exacerbated lipid peroxidation in lettuce tissues. Sulfur deficiency mainly reduced the abundance of thiol groups, which are essential redox modulators as well as xenobiotic conjugators, and significantly inhibited GSTs expression. These results clearly suggested that sulfur deficiency inhibited the synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds, leading to increased accumulation of pesticide residues and toxic metabolites as well as reduced detoxification capacity, consequently leading to oxidative damage to plants. Therefore, moderate sulfur supply in regions where neonicotinoid insecticides are intensively and indiscriminately used may be an efficient strategy to reduce pesticide residues and the potential risk to ecosystem.

Evaluation of organochlorine pesticide residues in Beta vulgaris, Brassica oleracea, and Solanum tuberosum in Bloemfontein markets, South Africa.

This study evaluated the level of selected pesticide residues in the staple vegetables; Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage), Beta vulgaris var. cicla (Swiss chard), and Solanum tuberosum (potato) from fresh produce markets in the city of Bloemfontein, South Africa. A QuEChERS extraction method was used followed by quantitation using GC‐HRT/MS. The pesticide residues were detected in levels lower than the recommended Maximum Residue Levels ranging from not detected to 121.6 ng/kg recorded for heptachlor in cabbage samples. Cabbage was generally susceptible to pesticide residue accumulation with the average total concentration for different markets at 222 mg/kg. The pesticide residues were predicted to be from recent applications but their existence within guideline limits indicated that their use in vegetable farming was within the FAO/WHO recommended good agricultural practices. While the current situation points that consumption of the vegetables in the province poses limited health concerns due to organochlorine pesticides, the unmonitored use of products containing these compounds may result in elevated levels. Continued monitoring and a call for the South African legislature to revise its regulations of the Fertilizers Act to reflect the current international laws on pesticides management is recommended.

Pajanan Pestisida Sebagai Faktor Risiko Kejadian Berat Badan Lahir Rendah (BBLR)

Background:&#x0D; Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the causes of infants death. One of the factors that is proven to be associated with LBW incidence is pesticide exposure to pregnant women. The high number of female farmers in the agricultural sector will increase the risk of pesticide exposure in pregnant women.&#x0D; Objectives:&#x0D; This study aims to describe how pesticide exposure can be a risk factor for the incidence of LBW.&#x0D; Research method:&#x0D; This study is a systematic study that used meta-synthesis aggregation approach. The search for articles focused on articles that examined the risk factors for pesticide exposure on the incidence of LBW in pregnant women which was conducted on the online databases of Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, and Garuda Portal. The criteria for the articles used were national observational journals indexed at least 4 and indexed international journals published in 2010-2020.&#x0D; Result:&#x0D; There were 8 articles that match to the criteria and research topic. Factors that were proven to increase the risk of LBW incidence in pregnant women were agricultural activities related to pesticide, participation in agricultural activities, completeness of PPE, storage of pesticide, duration of exposure to pesticide, frequency of exposure to pesticide, amount of pesticide mixture, and types of pesticide used.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Pesticide exposure to pregnant women causes the accumulation of pesticide residues in the body, thus reducing the formation of thyroid hormones and IGF-1 which can cause LBW.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: low birth weight; pesticide exposure; pregnant women

Pajanan Pestisida Sebagai Faktor Risiko Kejadian Berat Badan Lahir Rendah (BBLR) : Sebuah Kajian Sistematik

Background:&#x0D; Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the causes of infants death. One of the factors that is proven to be associated with LBW incidence is pesticide exposure to pregnant women. The high number of female farmers in the agricultural sector will increase the risk of pesticide exposure in pregnant women.&#x0D; Objectives:&#x0D; This study aims to describe how pesticide exposure can be a risk factor for the incidence of LBW.&#x0D; Research method:&#x0D; This study is a systematic study that used meta-synthesis aggregation approach. The search for articles focused on articles that examined the risk factors for pesticide exposure on the incidence of LBW in pregnant women which was conducted on the online databases of Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, and Garuda Portal. The criteria for the articles used were national observational journals indexed at least 4 and indexed international journals published in 2010-2020.&#x0D; Result:&#x0D; There were 9 articles that match to the criteria and research topic. Factors that were proven to increase the risk of LBW incidence in pregnant women were agricultural activities related to pesticide, participation in agricultural activities, completeness of PPE, storage of pesticide, duration of exposure to pesticide, frequency of exposure to pesticide, amount of pesticide mixture, and types of pesticide used.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Pesticide exposure to pregnant women causes the accumulation of pesticide residues in the body, thus reducing the formation of thyroid hormones and IGF-1 which can cause LBW.

PEMANFAATAN METABOLIT SEKUNDER TUMBUHAN SEBAGAI PESTISIDA NABATI PADA HAMA TANAMAN HUTAN

The use of chemical pesticides is often carried out in excessive doses, so that this condition results in increased accumulation of pesticide residues in nature. The residue can kill non target organisms, there was an explosion of secondary pests and pest resistance. One effort to reduce the use of synthetic chemical pesticides is by substitution using botanical pesticides that are more environmentally friendly. Botanical pesticides that are easily biodegradable in nature, so it does not pollute the environment, it is relatively safe for humans and the presence of natural enemies. One of the most potential types of botanical pesticides is from the Meliaceae family, namely neem, mahogany, and suren. In this study, the content of secondary metabolites was tested for neem, mahogany and suren seeds. Toxicity properties against pests conducted through literature searches. The purpose of this study was to obtain information on the toxicity and content of secondary metabolite compounds from the three plant seed extracts against forest pests. The results showed that the extract of neem, mahogany and suren seeds contain compounds secondary metabolites from the saponins, tanins, flavonoids, alkoloids, and terpenoids. The compounds can be used as botanical pesticides to control pests of forest plants.

Pesticide residue induced blemished water bodies in the riparian tributaries of Chalakkudy River

Agricultural, industrial, and techno-socio-cultural intervention by man had an influence on the quality of the river water and its tributaries. Contemporary agriculture practices reveal and augment the use of pesticides to meet the food security and to satisfy the needs of surging population which results in contamination of the aquatic environment. In the pursuit to achieve maximum crop production, pesticide use has played a major role and has resulted in the accumulation of pesticide residues deemed to be highly detrimental to aquatic and related ecosystem. This study funded by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment was aimed at understanding the extent of pesticidal residues and pollution of water bodies in the riparian tributaries of Chalakkudy river. The efforts to assess the quality of water in the Chalakkudy tributaries confirmed the presence of pesticide residues of quinalphos and ethion (0.21-2.90 µgL-1) through chemical analysis in 41.18% of total number of water samples. Pesticide residues of ethion constituted 71.42% of the water sample inveterate for pesticide residues. When pesticide residues of quinalphos (4.80 µgL-1) and ethion (1.80 µgL-1) were detected in the middle reaches of Chalakkudy river, in the upper reaches it was ethion that was detected at maximum level (2.20 µgL-1) near to Kerala Sholayar dam. Results suggest that the continuous presence of pesticide residues of ethion and quinalphos can contaminate other nearby surface water bodies or even ground water that can masquerade critical health threats to the health of local residents of this area.