Pesticide Residue Contamination Research Articles

An Overview of the Degradation and Removal of Pesticide Residues from Water and Agricultural Runoff using Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites

: A high percentage of the applied chemicals on farmlands find their way into the water bodies and groundwater through agricultural runoff and leaching/percolation. Therefore, multiple remediation techniques need to be employed to deter the menace of pesticide residue contamination. Therefore, this review aimed to compute the most suitable degradation conditions for the removal of pesticide residue from water and agricultural runoff using nanomaterials. The review touches on the aspect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation methods using nanomaterials and the most prominent factors that affect the degradation process. Information from recently published articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings were carefully studied and analyzed. It was revealed that heterogeneous photocatalysis shows the capability of complete mineralization of organic pollutants under optimum experimental conditions. Moreover, it is crucial to consider experimental conditions that could be applicable in the field to achieve a better result. It has been observed that integrating nanoremediation with other degradation methods to create a hybrid technique may play a crucial role in removing pesticide residues from agricultural runoff. However, the detrimental effects of the nanomaterials if any on the environmental matrices need to be taken under consideration to avoid the menace similar to plastic pollution as a result of extensive production and application of nanomaterials.

In situ mass spectrometry imaging reveals pesticide residues and key metabolic pathways throughout the entire cowpea growth process

Cowpea plants, renowned for their high edibility, pose a significant risk of pesticide residue contamination. Elucidating the behavior of pesticide residues and their key metabolic pathways is critical for ensuring cowpea safety and human health. This study investigated the migration of pesticide residues and their key metabolic pathways in pods throughout the growth process of cowpea plants via in situ mass spectrometry. To this end, four pesticides––including systemic (thiram), and nonsystemic (fluopyram, pyriproxyfen, and cyromazine) pesticides––were selected. The results indicate the direct upward and downward transmission of pesticides in cowpea stems and pods. Systemic pesticides gradually migrate to the core of cowpea plants, whereas nonsystemic pesticides remain on the surface of cowpea peels. The migration rate is influenced by the cowpea maturity, logarithmic octanol–water partition coefficient (log Kow) value, and molecular weight of the pesticide. Further, 20 types of key metabolites related to glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and flavonoid synthesis were found in cowpea pods after pesticide treatment. These findings afford insights into improving cowpea quality and ensuring the safe use of pesticides.

Non-targeted impact of cyantraniliprole residues on soil quality, mechanism of residue degradation, and isolation of potential bacteria for its bioremediation.

Cyantraniliprole (CY), an anthranilic diamide insecticide widely used in grape farming for controlling various sucking pests, poses ecological concerns, particularly when applied as soil drenching due to the formation of more toxic and persistent metabolites. This study established the dissipation and degradation mechanisms of CY in grape rhizosphere soil using high-resolution Orbitrap-LC/MS analysis. The persistence of CY residues beyond 60days was observed, with dissipation following biphasic first + first-order kinetics and a half-life of 15 to 21days. The degradation mechanism of CY in the soil was elucidated, with identified metabolites such as IN-J9Z38, IN-JCZ38, IN-N7B69, and IN-QKV54. Notably, CY was found to predominantly convert to the highly persistent metabolite IN-J9Z38, raising environmental concerns. The impact of CY residues on soil enzyme activity was investigated, revealing a negative effect on dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase activity, indicating significant implications for phosphorous mineralization and soil health. Furthermore, bacterial isolates were obtained from CY-enriched soil, with five isolates (CY3, CY4, CY9, CY11, and CY20) demonstrating substantial degradation potential, ranging from 66 to 92% of CY residues. These results indicate that the identified bacteria hold potential for commercial use in addressing pesticide residue contamination in soil through bioremediation techniques.

Evaluation of Brazilian pesticide residue reported by monitoring programs considering foods offered to childrens

The consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are the basis of infant nutrition, carries a high risk of pesticide residue contamination. With higher food intake and lower body weight, infants can be considered more sensitive to contamination than adults, which justifies the growing concern about the diet of this population in recent decades. In 2006 in the European Union (EU), processed baby foods were regulated and should not contain individual pesticide residues at levels higher than 0.01 mg/kg, to protect children from ingesting harmful substances. Considering the reference pesticide residues for infant food in the EU and the pesticide residue monitoring programs in Brazil (from the National Health Surveillance Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply), this study compared the results of pesticide residues in some vegetables and fruits with the maximum residue level (MRL) for infant foods established by the EU. 10,174 vegetable samples were analyzed by the monitoring programs, and 80.3% were in accordance with their respective MRLs. Some foods, such as rice, potatoes, and chayote, have average pesticide residue levels equal to or lower than the EU-baby-MRL. However, only 44.0% of the analyzed foods presented residues with results lower than 0.01 mg/kg of food. It can be concluded that most fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residues above the EU recommendations for infant food.

Effects of bifenthrin pesticide on fermented cultures and metabolite profiles of kombucha tea

Pesticide residue contamination in raw materials influences the quality of fermented products. This study investigated the effects of bifenthrin (1, 3, 5, and 30 mg/L) in tea broth on the composition and metabolite profiles of kombucha tea. Bifenthrin at 30 mg/L (B30) showed an adverse effect on kombucha composition, with reduced 0.63–1 log CFU/mL of each microbial group (acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast), while lower concentrations of bifenthrin gave decreased 0.30–0.84 log CFU/mL of each fermented culture. The presence of bifenthrin altered the kombucha metabolites and instigated intervening microbial metabolisms, such as arginine biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism, which resulted in reduced production of amino acids, amino derivatives, organic acids, and other beneficial compounds. B30 addition also reduced flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of kombucha tea by 16% (0.143–0.223 mg quercetin/mL) and 5% (0.239–0.278 mg Trolox/mL), respectively. Findings demonstrated that the presence of bifenthrin decreased kombucha tea quality in terms of chemical composition and reduced beneficial microbial populations by disrupting their biological pathways.

Analysis of Chemical Pollutants using Non-Invasive Approach in Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) in Selected Regions of Punjab

Present study was conducted to estimate heavy metals, macro and micro nutrients along with pesticide residues in fecal pellets of Pteropus giganteus fruit bat at three different sites, Chatpat Bani (district Pathankot) site I, village Katani Kalan (district Ludhiana) site II and village Longowal (district Sangrur) as site III. Among heavy metals, Cr predominates (17.35-26.30 ppm) followed by Pb (7.17-10.03 ppm) from three selected sites. Comparatively, higher levels of Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni heavy metals were recorded at site III, whereas As at site II, respectively. Among macro nutrients, K (7653.50-16927.17 ppm) and Mg (3249.33-3516.10 ppm) predominates in three sites. Comparatively higher levels of Mg, Ca and Na macro nutrients were recorded at site III whereas K and P at site I, respectively. Among micro nutrients, Fe (682.88-2069.45 ppm) and Zn (79.18-126.02 ppm predominates in three selected sites. Comparatively higher levels Fe, Zn and Mn micro nutrients were recorded at site II, B at site III and Cu at site I, respectively. Interestingly, contamination of pesticide residues in faecal pellets was found negligible as GLC showed values below detectable limits i.e., <0.05 ppm in all selected locations, which is a positive sign that exposure of bats to different pesticides is negligible in these areas due to less usage of pesticides or excretion by body. In present study, all elements were under permissible limits which are required for growth and reproduction except Mg and K which are good indicator of assessment of environment.

Dietary risk assessment of pesticide residues in cowpeas from Hainan province of China

This study aims to provide insights into the current status of pesticide residue contamination in Hainan province and to develop food safety regulations for controlling the excessive use of pesticides on cowpea. First, to assess the dietary exposure risks of pesticide residues in Hainan cowpea, more than 340 pesticides in 80 different fresh cowpea samples were investigated by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS/MS. Further, to indicate the health hazards of pesticide residues on consumers, the index of food safety (IFS) and risk coefficient (R) that stand for cumulative and simultaneous effects of different pesticides were calculated. A total of 56 kinds of pesticides were found in all 80 cowpea samples, and the positive rate was as high as 71 % in all samples. The results showed that the detectable rate of pesticide residues in cowpea samples were 100 % (80/80), and over 56 pesticides were detected to exceed the detection limits. In terms of IFS (<1), the safety risk of Hainan cowpeas is acceptable, but the R values of carbendazim and other 11 kinds of pesticide residues is much higher than safety level (R>1.5). These findings indicate a potential high risk of pesticide residues in Hainan cowpea, which reflect the importance of continuous monitoring and daily supervision of cowpea in Hainan.

Analysis of Heavy metal, Aflatoxin, Pesticide Residue and Microbial Contamination of Siddha Herbal Formulation Muppirandai Chooranam

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of Heavy metal, Aflatoxin, Pesiticide residue and Microbial contamination of Siddha herbal formulation Muppirandai Chooranam (MRC).&#x0D; Place of study: Heavy metal analysis, Aflatoxin assay, Pesiticide residue, Microbial contamination analysis were conducted at Noble Research Solutions, Kolathur, Chennai -99.&#x0D; Methodology: The Siddha formulation Muppirandai Chooranam was prepared as per Good Manufacturing Practices(GMP) guidelines and the Heavy metal analysis, Aflatoxin assay, Pesiticide residue, Microbial contamination analysis were conducted at Noble Research Solutions, Kolathur, Chennai -99. &#x0D; Results: The results of Heavy metal analysis of Muppirandai Chooranam (MRC) shown the presence of Lead at 3.54 PPM and Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury at Below Detection Limit (BDL). Aflatoxin assay of MRC shown the absence of Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin B2, Aflatoxin G1, Aflatoxin G2. Pesticide residue analysis showed that there were no traces of Pesticide residues such as Organo chlorine, Organo phosphorus, Organo carbamates and Pyrethroids. In Microbial contamination analysis, Test for Specific Pathogen shown the absence of Organisms E-coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and No Bacterial and fungal growth or colonies were observed in the Sterility test of MRC as per the methods of AYUSH specifications.&#x0D; Conclusion: From the results, it is concluded that the study medicine MRC has Heavy metal content below the permissible limit as per PLIM guidelines of AYUSH, and the sample were free from Aflatoxins, Pesiticides, Microbes, and Specific Pathogens which ensures that the study medicine Muppirandai Chooranam was safe therapeutically.

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.

Research progress on pesticide residue detection based on microfluidic technology.

The problem of pesticide residue contamination has attracted widespread attention and poses a risk to human health. The current traditional pesticide residue detection methods have difficulty meeting rapid and diverse field screening requirements. Microfluidic technology integrates functions from sample preparation to detection, showing great potential for quick and accurate high-throughput detection of pesticide residues. This paper reviews the latest research progress on microfluidic technology for pesticide residue detection. First, the commonly used microfluidic materials are summarized, including silicon, glass, paper, polydimethylsiloxane, and polymethyl methacrylate. We evaluated their advantages and disadvantages in pesticide residue detection applications. Second, the current pesticide residue detection technology based on microfluidics and its application to real samples are summarized. Finally, we discuss this technology's present challenges and future research directions. This study is expected to provide a reference for the future development of microfluidic technology for pesticide residue detection.

Pesticide Residue Contamination of Some Cereals and their Consequential Health Implication in the Food Chain of Taraba Northern Geo-political Region, Taraba State

Aim: To investigate the Pesticide Residues (PRs) contamination of some cereals and determine their health risks in the food chain of Taraba North Geo-political region.&#x0D; Study Design: Maize, Millet, Rice and Sorghum, and their soils were randomly collected from farmers’ field in three (3) LGAs of Taraba North.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The samples were collected from Ardo-kola, Karim-lamido and Zing LGAs of Taraba State. They are processed at Laboratories of Biological Sciences Department of Taraba State University and Analyzed at the Department of Chemistry, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State, between September, 2021 – March, 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Soils and ripe cereals stalks were collected applying the principles of randomization. These samples were processed, pulverized into powdered form, and analyzed for pesticide residues (PR) using the Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS).&#x0D; Results: Ten (10) pesticide residues in different concentrations were recorded, with some of them occurring above the permissible limits. Isopropylamine accounted for 21% of total contaminants' concentrations, followed by carbofuran (14%), dichlorvos (12%), t-nonachlor (11%), heptachlor (10%), HCB and g-chlordane all at 9%, DDT (7%), Endosulfan (6%), and Aldrin at 1%. Health implications showed that some of the cereals are unsafe for consumption. In Ardo-Kola and Zing, only millet had a Hazard Index (HI) of less than 1, while in Karim-Lamido, millet and sorghum recorded HI ≤ 1. In Ardo-Kola trend in HI values in adullts was rice (53.32) ˃ sorghum (24.35), ˃ maize (10.99), ˃ millet (0.82), while in children, the trend was rice (64.50), ˃ sorghum (24.71), ˃ maize (10.65), ˃ millet (0.90). In Karim-Lamido, HI values in adults were in the following order: rice (54.64) ˃ maize (38.44), ˃ millet (0.62), ˃ sorghum (0.35). At the same time, HI in children followed the order; rice (66.10) ˃ maize (46.50), ˃ sorghum (0.74), ˃ millet (0.73). In Zing, HI values were in descending order of rice (32.20) ˃ sorghum (12.27) ˃ maize (8.27) ˃ millet (0.47), in adults, and rice (38.97) ˃ sorghum (14.86) ˃ maize (9.99) ˃ millet (0.55), in children. Overall, children are at a higher risk of toxicity than adults.&#x0D; Conclusion: It was deduced at the end of the study that pesticides residue are bioaccumulating in the food chain due to excessive use in many agricultural phases. Hence we recommended intensified efforts in check-mating these products in our agricultural systems.

PENGAWASAN CEMARAN RESIDU PESTISIDA PADA PANGAN SEGAR ASAL TUMBUHAN (PSAT) DI KABUPATEN MINAHASA

Fresh food from plant origin (PSAT) has characteristics which are susceptible to insect pests and plant diseases. Consequently, utilization of pesticides can be used as an alternative for farmers, as the result, PSAT is often polluted by pesticide residues. Factor of food quality and safety are the main problems in product improvement and marketing of PSAT, it must be a concern of farmers, traders and consumers for quality and health. Improper post-harvest handling, the use of fertilizers and pesticides that are not in accordance with regulations have brought Indonesian PSAT products to a low food safety guarantee status and a high level of contamination.The aims of this study is to determine the level of contamination of pesticide residues on cayenne pepper, curly chilies, tomatoes, cabbage, and celery. There were 30 types of pesticides tested, including: gamma chlordane; 2.4-DDT; 4.4-DDD; 4.4-DDE; 4.4-DDT; aldrin; alpha-BHC; beta-BHC; chlordane; chlorothalonyl; cis-chlordane; DDT; dichlorant; dieldrine; endosulfan; endosulfan I; endosulfan II; endosulfan sulfate; endrine; gamma-BHC; heptachlor; heptachlor epoxide; hexachlorbenzene; oxychlordane; quintozene; technazene; transchlordant; dicofol; methoxychlor; tolclofos-methyl in PSAT samples which obtained from groups of female farmers and traders in East Langowan, West Langowan and North Tondano. The results showed that all of the samples contributed the number of pesticide residues below the maximum pesticide residue limit (BMR), thereby PSAT relatively safe for consumption. In fact, women farmer groups and traders in East Langowan, West Langowan and North Tondano are aware on the dangers effect by using pesticides at every stage of agriculture which can cause pesticide residues may be remained in agricultural product which provide negative impact on human health and environment

Comparative assessment of different coconut oils: Chromatographic and spectrometric analyses of pesticide residues, toxic heavy metals, and associated contents

The nutrients, toxic metals and pesticide levels of imported and local samples of coconut oil were determined using ICP-OES and HPLC following standard procedures. The imported coconut oil contains significantly higher levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, aluminium and chromium (0.01-0.03 mg/kg) than the local samples (0.008-0.02 mg/kg). Nineteen pesticide residues were detected in the oil samples with varying levels ranging from 0.03 to 7.10 µg/kg oil. Interestingly, the levels of the toxic metals and pesticide residues were several folds lower compared to the FAO/WHO, EU and China limits (0.05-1.0 mg/kg). The essential amino acids, nutrient elements and vitamin profile levels were comparable to the WHO reference standards for dietary proteins. These findings suggest that coconut oil is nutritionally beneficial to human health. However, monitoring contamination of pesticide residues and toxic metals in imported coconut oil is crucial to avoid toxic health hazards due to bioaccumulation. Ethical statementOur sample was oil and non-living organism. Therefore, ethical clearance or statement is not applicable to this study. Thank you.

RISK ASSESSMENT OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN WATER SAMPLES FROM NWANIBA RIVER, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Ecological risk assessment of pesticide residues is not only germane but critical in view of their inherent health challenges and for informed decision-making process. This study was conducted to assess the levels of contamination of organochlorine pesticide residues in water from Nwaniba River in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The analysis was carried out using Gas Chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The obtained results revealed the predominance of Dieldrin in the different samples of water analysed from Ufak Effiong in the Southern District (station I) and Akani Obio in Uruan Central District (station II) of Uruan. Pesticide levels were found to be significantly higher than the World Health Organization /Food and Agricultural Association (WHO/FAO) Maximum Residue Limits (MRL). The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) ranged from Below detection limit (BDL) - 2.37 × 10-1 ng/µL for water samples. Carcinogenic risk values for γ-BHC, delta-BHC, Dieldrin, Endosulfan I and Heptachlor epoxide in the water samples were found to be less than 1.0 × 10−5, thus posing no potentially serious cancer risk to consumers. The values of cancer risk obtained were lower (6.448 × 10- 11 and 7.208 × 10-11) than the established maximum limit. Hazard index (HI) values calculated for pesticide consumption through water by children and adults are all above unity, indicating that high toxic risks are associated with them. The HI values for children exposure are significantly lower compared to those of adults of Ufak Effiong and Akani Obio. This study reveals that the physicochemical parameters of water obtained from both stations were below the maximum permitted levels set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). It also provides a baseline data and critical information to encourage effective monitory and management of the ecosystem.&#x0D;

Comparison of the use of Activated Charcoal and C18 for Extracting Pesticide Residues from River Mada, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of C18 and Activated Charcoal (AC) for extracting pesticide residues (glyphosate, butachlor, lambda-cyhalothrin, and paraquat dichloride) from river Mada in Nigeria during the rainy and dry seasons. Solid phase columns were packed with 0.1 g of each adsorbent material, and water samples were taken from five different points along the river during each season. Pesticide residues were extracted using the two adsorbents, and elution was done using n-hexane, acetonitrile, and acetone. The eluents were analyzed using UV-visible spectrometry. Glyphosate levels were found to be significantly higher (at P&lt;0.05) during the rainy season than in the dry season for C18 with a residue level of 89.9 ppb and 51.8 ppb respectively. AC extractions followed the same pattern with 73.2 ppb during the rainy season and 26.6 ppb during the dry season. AC extractions for butachlor and lambda-cyhalothrin were higher for the dry season with residue concentrations of 250 ppb and 64.4 ppb respectively. Paraquat dichloride was only found with the C18 adsorbent during the dry season with a concentration of 25.8 ppb. The result showed that adsorbent efficiency was pesticide-dependent and that C18 performed better in most cases except for dry season lambda-cyhalothrin and butachlor. The study also found that the pseudo-control (water sample from a township stream) had significantly lower pesticide residue concentrations than the river Mada samples. It can be concluded that River Mada exhibits pesticide residue contamination, with C18 showing greater adsorption than AC but AC’s affordability allows interchangeability with C18. Further study is needed on pesticide bio-concentration in river organisms and enhancing AC’s pesticide adsorption. The treatment plant should adopt comprehensive purification before supplying Mada River water to Nasarawa state for improved health care.

Analysis of organophosphorus pesticide residues in selected vegetables purchased from Narsingdi district of Bangladesh using QuEChERS Extraction

Pesticide residues in different crops, including food grains and vegetables are burning issues in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze organophosphorus pesticide residues in three popular vegetables (cauliflower, hyacinth bean and yard long bean) collected from five local markets of Narsingdi district of Bangladesh. The collected vegetable samples were extracted and cleaned up using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction technique and analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) equipped with Flame Thermionic Detector (FTD). A total of 45 vegetable samples were analyzed. Among the 15 analyzed samples of hyacinth bean, three samples (20 % of the total samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRL and the remaining samples did not contain any detectable residues of the selected organophosphorus pesticides. In case of cauliflower, out of 15 analyzed samples, two samples (13% of the total number of samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRL. In case of yard long bean, of the 15 analyzed samples, four samples (27% of the total number of samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRLs. This study reveals the present status of pesticide residue contamination in the selected vegetables. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2022, 7 (3), 114-121

Detoxification and catabolism of mesotrione and fomesafen facilitated by a Phase II reaction acetyltransferase in rice

IntroductionThe excessive dosage of pesticides required for agronomic reality results in growing contamination of pesticide residues in environment, thus bringing high risks to crop production and human health. ObjectivesThis study aims to unveil a novel mechanism for catabolism of two pesticides MTR and FSA facilitated by an uncharacterized Phase II reaction enzyme termed acetyltransferase-1 (ACE1) in rice and to make assessment of its potential for bioremediation to minimize the risks to crop production and food safety. MethodsWe developed genetically improved cultivars overexpressing OsACE1 (OE) and knockout mutant lines by CRISPR-Cas9 technology to identify the MTR and FSA detoxic and metabolic functions and characterized their metabolites and conjugates by HPLC-LTQ-MS/MS. ResultsOsACE1 overexpression conferred rice resistance to toxicity of MTR/FSA compared to wild-type, manifested by improved plant elongation and biomass, attenuated cellular injury, and increased chlorophyll accumulation. The OE plants accumulated significantly less parent MTR/FSA and more degradative metabolites, and removed MTR/FSA from their growth medium by 1.38 and 1.61 folds over the wild-type. In contrast, knocking out OsACE1 led to compromised growth fitness and intensified toxic symptoms under MTR/FSA stress and accumulation of more toxic MTR and FSA in rice. The reduced metabolites of MTR and FSA detected in the Cas9 plants suggest the impaired capability of OsACE1 function. ConclusionsThese results signified that OsACE1 expression is required for detoxifying the two poisoning chemicals in rice and plays a critical role in accelerating breakdown of the pesticides mainly through Phase II reaction mechanism pathways.

Cumulative Risk Assessment of Dietary Exposure to Pesticide Residues in Brown Rice (Oryza sativa L.) from the Three Main Rice-Growing Regions in China during 2016–2020

The residual levels of 25 monitored pesticides in 6,229 brown rice samples obtained from the 17 provinces of the three main rice-growing regions in China during 2016–2020 were analyzed, and the cumulative risks of chronic and acute exposure to pesticides for the Chinese population were assessed. The QuEChERS extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of 25 pesticide residues in brown rice was developed and validated with good accuracy and precision (recoveries of 70%–120% and RSD ≤20%). The overall detection rate and over the maximum residue limit (MRL) rate of pesticides in brown rice decreased from 39.15% and 3.59% in 2016 to 34.11% and 1.53% in 2020, respectively. The Yangtze River basin had a higher detection rate and over MRL rate (43.14% and 2.88%, respectively) compared with the Southeast Coastal region (37.28% and 2.77%) and the Northeast Plain (11.28% and 0.17%). Isoprothiolane (13.57%) and carbendazim (8.32%) were the most frequently detected in rice samples. Pesticide residues exceeding the MRLs were found most often in triazophos (0.75%) and isocarbophos (0.51%). The risk ranking of pesticide residues based on the ranking matrix showed that carbofuran, methamidophos, and isocarbophos had the highest residual risk scores of 25.09, 25.01, and 25.00, respectively. 17.7% of rice samples contained two or more pesticide residues. The cumulative risk assessments based on the relative potency factor (RPF) approach revealed that the cumulative risks of chronic and acute dietary exposure to organophosphorus, neonicotinoid insecticides, and triazole fungicides from rice ranged from 7.43 × 10−4 to 3.36 × 10−2, which were not considered of health concern. The study provides national-scale information on the contamination levels and health risks of pesticide residues in rice, which can help develop continuous monitoring programs for pesticide residue contamination in rice in China.

Assessing the Quality of Burkina Faso Soybeans Based on Fatty Acid Composition and Pesticide Residue Contamination.

Soybean is widely used in the food industry because of its high fatty acid and protein content. However, the increased use of pesticides to control pests during cultivation, in addition to being a public health concern, may influence the nutritional quality of soybeans. This study aimed to assess the nutritional quality of soybeans with respect to fatty acid profile and pesticide residue contamination. The levels of fatty acids and pesticides in soybean varieties G196 and G197 were determined by gas chromatography and by the QuEChERS method, respectively. The results showed a significant variation in the quantitative and qualitative fatty acid composition of the two varieties, with 18.03 g/100 g and 4 fatty acids detected for the G196 variety and 21.35 g/100 g and 7 fatty acids for the G197 variety, respectively. In addition, 12 active pesticide compounds were found, and among them, imazalil, quintozene, cyfluthrin and lindane exceeded their maximum limits. The G197 variety had a better nutritional profile compared to G196. The profile of fatty acids and the content of pesticide residues were used as important determinants for soybean utilization in human nutrition.

Assessment of dermal exposure to pesticides among farmers using dosimeter and hand washing methods.

Inappropriate use of pesticides followed by unsafe handling practices to control the insect infestation among the farming groups in developing countries has resulted in a high exposure risk. The use of personal protective equipment is also negligible among Indian farmers due to their affordability to access the same. Very little research has been conducted to establish an exposure assessment procedure through dermal penetration of pesticide residues. Therefore, to quantify the contamination of pesticide residues through dermal exposure along with detailed field observations and pesticide management practices, a field study was conducted in Rangareddy district, Telangana, Southern India, to assess the dermal exposure based on dosimeter and hand washing methods. The analytical method was modified and validated in-house for performance parameters such as limit of detection, quantification, linear range, recovery, and precision. The potential dermal exposure values ranged from 0.15 to 13.45 μg, while a reduction was found in exposure levels as actual dermal exposure values ranged from 0 to 0.629 μg. Contamination through hand washing was the major contributor to overall dermal exposure. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the exposed dermal regions of the leg and torso after the use of PPE. Penetration factor for each anatomical region and risk evaluation in terms of the Margin of Safety implies unsafe handling of pesticides. The findings of the present study confirm the increased exposure to organophosphate pesticides among operators and highlight the importance of the use of protective measures, especially among those that focus on dermal exposure mitigation.