Electron Capture Detector Research Articles

Removal residual, commercial processing factor and risk assessment of four fungicides in orange fruit and various processing by-products

The residual behaviors and processing factors of four fungicides (prochloraz, kasugamycin, oxine-copper and fenaminstrobin) in orange fruit and various processing by-products were evaluated. The residues of kasugamycin, oxine-copper and fenaminstrobin were detected using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) combined with QuEChERS pretreatment method and that of prochloraz was monitored using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results showed washing processing reduced residues by 8.6%-33.9%. Juicing was an effective process to reduce pesticide residues by 65.6%-98.7% with processing factor (PF) of 0.021-0.339. However, high levels of residual prochloraz, oxine-copper and fenaminstrobin (from 5.777 to 51.533mg/kg) were detected in orange essential oils, with PF of 8.720-14.558. Prochloraz was more easily enriched in wet pomace compared with the other three fungicides. When spraying was conducted in accordance with good agricultural practices and using the recommended highest pesticide application dosage and frequency, the dietary intake exposure risks of the four residual fungicides in orange and its processed juices in China were less than 100% for different age groups and caused no unacceptable risks to human health.

Assessment of organochlorine pesticide contamination in Astyanax altiparanae from the Alagados Dam, Southern Brazil

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent pollutants previously used in agriculture, known for their ability to bioaccumulate and pose health risks. This study analyzed samples of roe, viscera, and muscle from Astyanax altiparanae fish collected from the Alagados reservoir in Paraná, Brazil. Samples were prepared through extraction and purification, then analyzed using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC/ECD), chosen for its sensitivity in detecting OCPs. The method was validated for precision, accuracy, and detection limits. Detected OCPs included Aldrin (17.1 to 50.6 ng/g in roe), α-endosulfan (3.4 to 23.5 ng/g), p, p’-DDE (4.2 to 134.7 ng/g), Dieldrin (84.7 to 183.1 ng/g), β-endosulfan (6.0 to 51.6 ng/g), and p, p’-DDT (56.6 to 286.8 ng/g). In viscera, concentrations ranged from Aldrin (19.8 to 93.3 ng/g) to p, p’-DDT (52.3 to 89.2 ng/g). Muscle samples showed similar trends. Principal component analysis indicated a link between higher OCP concentrations and increased abdominal width of the fish. While OCP levels were below FAO and WHO limits, risk quotient calculations suggest potential health risks from consuming these fish.

Determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS) using gas chromatography electron capture detector in dust from schools in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria

The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in dust, and subsequent exposure to humans via unintentional ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, has serious health repercussions due to their toxicity profiles. There is a lack of knowledge concerning the concentration of PCBs in the dust/atmosphere. The quantities of seven (7) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in outdoor dust were measured at five different locations across southern Ondo State, Nigeria. The study's purpose was to provide data on the distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air dusts and to assess the influence of metrological parameters on PCB dust concentration. The PCB content was evaluated with a gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). PCB values varied from 1.51–32.52 µg/kg. Six (6) PCBs were below the detection limit in five separate sites. The total content of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air dust displayed a negative (-0.614) and strong connection with wind speed, a positive (0.023) and bad correlation with temperature, and a positive (0.485) but poor association with relative humidity. In conclusion, the level of atmospheric PCBS has no significant effect on meteorological parameters. The EPA's health-based screening standard for total PCBs is 0.22 μg g¹, which aim to prevent deleterious effects from long-term exposure.

Confirmation of Solid Phase Extracted Post‐Blast Explosives Residues Analyzed Using Pulsed Split Injection GC/MS

AbstractA pulsed split injection method was developed for the improved detection of explosives using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS) with negative chemical ionization for 12 organic explosives (nitramines, nitrate esters, nitroalkanes, nitroaromatics) and electron ionization with selected ion monitoring for triacetone triperoxide (TATP). An order of magnitude increase in signal (average factor of 13) was observed for all organic explosives with the utilization of the pulsed split injection for samples processed by solid phase extraction (SPE). The method was successfully applied to post‐blast explosives residue processed by SPE and syringe filtration as a confirmatory technique following gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC/ECD) screening. Compared to current methodologies previously reported, a decrease in the false screen rate (the number of compounds that passed the screening criteria, but not confirmed present) was achieved when employing this method. Processing of post‐blast explosives samples using SPE decreased the false screen rate from 60% to 34%, while using syringe filtration decreased the false screen rate from 73% to 51%.

Impact of Adsorption on the Vapor Availability of Contained Explosives and Drugs

AbstractDetection canines are used to locate explosives, drugs, and other contraband based on the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with the target items, even when attempts have been made to contain them in layers of packaging. It is important to understand the extent to which different materials impact vapor availability through adsorption or absorption and therefore the ability of canines to detect target materials. This study considered how the attenuation of vapor components associated with explosives and drugs (hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD), trinitrotoluene (TNT), triacetone triperoxide (TATP), and cocaine) by commonly used concealment and storage materials (metal, glass, plastic, and cardboard). Adsorption/desorption affinity was measured using a quartz crystal microbalance which can measure nanogram level mass changes as vapor from an analyte is flowed over and interacts with a sensor coated in a material of interest. Headspace analysis using solid phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or electron capture detector (GC/MS or ECD) measured the VOCs over time as each analyte of interest was exposed to either 50 cm2 or 100 cm2 of each material. Overall, the results demonstrated that the amount of sorption and vapor suppression varies based on the material, with the greatest attenuation of analyte vapor by cardboard, followed by polystyrene, and then glass. Furthermore, it also depends on the analyte, as demonstrated by minimal sorption of TATP, particularly to polystyrene, and the compounds in HMTD having different affinities resulting in an altered vapor profile.

Dissipation and persistence behaviour of fipronil and its metabolites in chilli fruits using GC-ECD, confirmed by GC-MS, under semi-arid conditions

Chilli, one of the most popular vegetables in the world is infested by many insect-pests and diseases. Fipronil, a phenylpyrazole class insecticide is used to manage insect-pests on chilli. The present study aimed to analyze the dissipation patterns and residual concentrations of the fipronil and its metabolites in chilli fruits during the Kharif season of 2020–21, in semi-arid environment. In the study, fipronil was applied to the plants twice, with a 10-day gap between treatments, using a 5 % suspension concentrate. The applications were undertaken using two separate concentrations i.e. the lower dosage of 40 g a.i. ha−1 and higher dosage of 80 g a.i. ha−1. There were four sets of data for each concentration. The chilli crop was systematically sampled at predetermined intervals after the application of the second spray. The procedure encompassed utilizing the modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) technique for extraction and purification, followed by analyzing the resulting residues using Gas Chromatography Electron Capture Detector. Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry was subsequently conducted for the confirmation of the findings. The research revealed that the mean initial deposit of fipronil and its metabolites (desulfinyl, sulphide, and sulfone) at the authorized dosage was determined to be 0.574, 0.123, 0.031, and 0.180 mg kg−1, respectively. In contrast, when administered at twice the prescribed dosage, the mean first deposit was 1.204, 0.230, 0.067, and 0.382 mg kg−1. The half-life values of these residues exhibited a range of 1.2–4.1 days for both dosages. A prudent waiting duration was determined for the doses, leading to the conclusion that an average interval of 7 days is deemed safe for harvesting chilli peppers. The significance of this discovery is related to the maximum residue limits of 0.001 mg kg−1 for fipronil in green chilli, as established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This study provides significant insights into fipronil's persistence and proper management in chilli plant cultivation, emphasizing the importance of following prescribed dosages and designated waiting intervals to ensure the safety of food products.

Pesticides in widely consumed vegetables in Bangladesh and its health risk

ABSTRACT This study analysed pesticide residues in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis) and bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), two widely consumed vegetables in Bangladesh, and assessed the associated human health risks. Vegetables were analysed using a modified QuEChERS extraction, followed by gas chromatography with flame thermionic and electron capture detectors. Results showed that in 36.7% of the samples pesticide residues were detected, 90.9% of which exceeding the MRLs of the European Commission, so highlighting serious food safety concerns. Multiple residues were detected in some samples, with chlorpyrifos being the most common present, followed by diazinon, dimethoate and quinalphos. Human health risks, calculated by estimated daily intake and hazard index, indicated potential non-carcinogenic risks from the present pesticides. This study may assist policymakers and authorities in developing strategies for safe vegetable production and quality monitoring to ensure food safety.

Assessment of pesticide residues: a comprehensive analysis of seasonal trends and health implications

This study assessed the presence of eight pesticide residues in the Indus River, Mianwali, Pakistan, focusing on three sampling sites (S1, S2, and S3) in water, sediment, and the fish species Cyprinus carpio during both dry and wet seasons. Analysis was conducted using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Results indicated elevated pesticide concentrations in both seasons, with levels of 0.84 and 0.62 μg/L in water, 12.47 and 9.21 μg/g/dw in sediment, and 17.33 and 12.17 μg/g/ww in fish, with higher concentrations observed during the dry season. Cypermethrin and carbofuran were the primary pesticides detected in water, while endosulfan and cypermethrin were dominant in sediment and fish tissue, often exceeding standard safety thresholds. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis revealed stronger correlations between sediment and fish muscle, with varying associations among pesticides across seasons. The Hazard Index (HI) surpassed 1 in both seasons, signaling potential health risks to humans. These findings underscore the substantial risk agricultural pesticides pose to the aquatic ecosystem and food chain, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and stricter regulations to minimize pesticide use and encourage eco-friendly pest management strategies.

Fatty Acid–Based pH‐Switchable Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Extraction and Preconcentration of Chlorobenzenes From Water Samples Followed by Gas Chromatography–Electron Capture Detection

ABSTRACTAn easy, safe, simple, and efficient pH‐switchable hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐based liquid‐phase microextraction was developed for the extraction of chlorobenzenes (CBs) from water samples followed by a gas chromatography–electron capture detector (GC–ECD). The switchability of the synthesized DESs was tested by changing the pH. The DES synthesized from thymol:octanoic acid (OA) in a molar ratio of 2:1 had the highest efficiency in extracting CBs from water samples. 1,4‐Dibromobenzene was used as internal standard (IS). The optimal conditions were established to be 20.0 µL of thymol:OA (2:1), 100 µL of 5 mol L−1 KOH, 100 µL of 5 mol L−1 HCl, 60 s of extraction time, and without salt addition. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.005–150 µg L−1, and limits of detection were in the range of 0.001–0.03 µg L−1. The relative standard deviations, including intraday and inter‐day for 5.0 µg L−1 of dichlorobenzene isomers, 2.0 µg L−1 of trichlorobenzene and tetrachlorobenzene isomers, and 0.50 µg L−1 of pentachlorobenzene and hexachlorobenzene isomers in water with using IS, were in the range of 0.6%–3.2% (n = 7) and 3.8%–6.7% (n = 7), respectively. The accuracies, including inter‐day and intraday, were in the range of 93.5%–106.3% and 91.7%–109.4%, respectively.

Development and validation of a gas chromatography method for analysing polychlorinated biphenyls in fish roe

A method for determining polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish roe by gas chromatography (GC) has been developed. The suitability (validation) of the process for the determination of 14 PCBs (PCB 18, PCB 31, PCB 28, PCB 52, PCB 44, PCB 101, PCB 149, PCB 118, PCB 153, PCB 138, PCB 180, PCB 170, PCB 194, PCB 209) in fish roe by GC using an electron capture detector (ECD) was evaluated according to the following criteria: selectivity, linearity, limits of detection (LOD), limits of quantification (LOQ), accuracy and precision. Automated Soxhlet extraction and sample clean-up by solid phase extraction (SPE) were proposed for extracting PCBs from fish roe. The results of the method selectivity study showed that the determination of PCBs in fish roe is not affected by other components in the sample. The correlation coefficients for fourteen PCBs ranged from 0.9962 to 0.9999 (R2 ≥0.995). The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) of PCBs are below the maximum permissible levels set by the European Union (EU). The recovery percentage ranged from 81.5% to 107%, indicating the PCB extraction procedure's acceptability (R, 80 – 120%). The relative standard deviation (RSD, %) of the measurement results under convergence conditions ranged from 1.02% to 9.43% (RSD ≥15%). The obtained method suitability (validation) data meets the Commission Regulation (EU) No 589/2014 criteria.

Preliminary Assessment of Mercury and Methyl Mercury Contamination of Sediments, Water and Fish from the Bétaré-oya Gold Extraction Site (Cameroon)

The gold extraction process by mercury amalgamation is recognized worldwide as a process presenting an environmental and health risk linked to mercury contamination of the geo and biosphere close to the gold panning site. The aim of this work is to assess the risk of contamination by mercury of populations living in the locality of Bétaré-oya, which is subject to the phenomenon of small-scale artisanal mining. In order to achieve this, a small social survey was carried out on two gold extraction sites in the locality of Bétaré-oya. Samples of sediment, water and fish were also taken from these sites. After characterization, these samples underwent the total mercury was determined by an automatic mercury analyzer. Moreover, the methyl mercury was extracted from the samples and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer coupled to gas chromatography and by gas chromatography coupled to an electron capture detector. The results obtained showed total mercury concentrations varying from 386 to 5072 µg/kg in sediments and from 24.6 to 8451 ng/L in water. Methyl mercury was measured at concentrations ranging from 7.62 to 165 µg/kg in sediments, from 2.54 to 15 µg/L and from 45.4 to 90.8 µg/kg in fish. Well water (15.0 ± 2.4 µg/L of methyl mercury) which is consumed by the populations of the study site, and fish contaminated with an average concentration of 68 µg/kg of Methyl mercury, represent the main vectors of the risk of direct contamination of the populations of the locality of Bétaré-oya by this pollutant.

Dissipation behaviour and dietary risk evaluation of pesticides on cucumber.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is the world's most widely consumed salad vegetable, and it is frequently treated with pesticides to prevent pest and disease outbreaks. Pesticide residues in food commodities impede trade and pose a major health risk. Prior to residue estimation, the QuEChERS approach was validated utilising criteria such as limit of detection, limit of quantitation, linearity, accuracy, and precision. The residues of carbendazim, cypermethrin, ethion, profenofos, quinalphos, and triazophos were examined using a Gas Chromatograph equipped with an Electron Capture Detector or a Flame Photometric Detector and a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photo diode array. The initial deposits of carbendazim, cypermethrin, ethion, profenofos, quinalphos, and triazophos at the prescribed dose were 1.235, 0.407, 0.817, 0.960, 0.628, and 0.985mg/kg, respectively, with a pre-harvest interval of 5.58-11.30days. According to the consumer risk evaluation data, the Hazard Quotient is less than one, and the Theoretical Maximum Dietary Intake is less than the Maximum Permissible Intake and Maximum Residue Limit, both of which are considered safe for human consumption at the authorised dose.

Human exposure to endocrine-disrupting organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides in locally produced and imported honey in Nigeria

ABSTRACT The practice of exposing honeybees to pesticides by bee-keepers or via agricultural crops, is one of the ways in which honey becomes contaminated with pesticides. Though honey has many health advantages, however, human exposure to pesticides via consumption of honey has generated public health concerns due to their endocrine-disruptive abilities. Thus, this study evaluated human exposure to endocrine-disrupting pesticides in honey from Nigeria to establish the safety of honey consumed in Nigeria. Honey were analyzed for pesticides using a gas chromatograph combined with an electron capture detector. The concentrations of ∑20 OCPs and ∑14 OPPs in the honey ranged from 0.45-1045 ng/g and 1.13-632 ng/g respectively. The values of both individual and cumulative non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for humans were <1 and 1 × 10−4 respectively suggesting that there are no potential health risks via the honey consumption. The source analysis showed that pesticides in these honey originated from historical and recent/fresh use.

Monitoring of Polychlorinated biphenyls in Surface Water Using QuEChERS Extraction Method with Gas Chromatography-micro Electron Capture Detector

Monitoring of Polychlorinated biphenyls in Surface Water Using QuEChERS Extraction Method with Gas Chromatography-micro Electron Capture Detector

Chromatographic approaches to food quality control by chemical compo-sition

The article provides an overview of chromatographic methods, which, when used comprehensively, ensure food quality control and safety. It considers gas chromatography methods that allow analysing volatile components in products using a flame ionization detector, an electron capture detector, and mass-selective detectors (GC-FID, GC-ECD, GC-MS, and GC-MS/MS). The article provides a list of analytes that can be detected by high performance liquid chromatography in combination with refractometric, spectrometric, and mass selective detectors (HPLC-RMD, HPLC-UV, HPLC-SPD, HPLC-MS, and HPLC-MS/MS). The study showed how ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detectors (IC-ECD, CE-ECD) can be used to detect ionogenic compounds. It highlighted the importance of thin layer chromatography (TLC) in combination with optical digital colour recording devices in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of contaminants in food products. Since it has been established that micro- and nanoplastics have a negative impact on human health, it is very important to detect these particles in food products. This task can be solved by using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC), as well as the method of field-flaw fractionation (FFF). It was shown that the GC-MS method is now becoming a priority instrumental method used in accredited analytical laboratories to identify impurities of contaminants in agricultural products. The pyrolytic GC-MS method is promising in this regard. The pyrolytic cell does not require the transfer of a solid sample into a solution for its analysis. The paper considers extraction and sorption methods for the preparation of samples for chromatographic analysis. A variety of liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE.) methods are most commonly used. Recently, the QuEChERS method has been developed and widely implemented. The overview is primarily based on the papers dedicated to chromatography and related separation methods published by researchers belonging to Voronezh scientific schools.

Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residue Levels in Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria

The study evaluated the organochlorine pesticide residue levels in fruits and vegetables sold in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Six samples were bought from eleven major markets across the six Area Councils of FCT, Abuja. The samples were mixed to form composite groups of the fruits and vegetables, and prepared using QuEChERS method. It was analysed using Agilent 7890 Gas Chromatography equipped with a micro-cell Electron Capture Detector (μECD). The analysis revealed that the hazard index (HI) for all the fruits and vegetables studied were well below the levels of adverse health effect for chronic exposure except for Onion in children which was 1.2287. The HI for the various fruits and vegetables in children were higher than those for the adult. For example, the HI for Tomato, Green Amaranth Leaves and Pepper all in children were 0.4485, 0.4411 and 0.3981 respectively while the HI for Tomato, Green Amaranth Leaves and Pepper all in adult were 0.1121, 0.1103 and 0.0995 respectively. The calculated cancer risk associated with the consumption of these fruits and vegetable showed values well below the upper bound of 1.0x10-6 except for Aldrin, Dieldrin, Heptachlor, Heptachlor Epoxide. a-BHC, b-BHC, and d-BHC especially in children. From the hazard index and cancer risk analysis, Aldrin and Dieldrin have been implicated as the pesticides of concern since they were present in reasonable concentrations for almost all the samples and age groups studied. The highest potential of cancer risk was found in Onions for children. Also, the total cancer risk implicated Onions (with a value of 1.2x10-4 for adult and 4.7x10-4 for children) and Pepper (with a value of 5.5x10-5 for adult and 2.2x10-4 for children) as the most contaminated foodstuffs with pesticide residues in the studied area. The order of the total cancer risk from the study was Onions &gt; Pepper &gt; Tomato &gt; Green Amaranth Leaves &gt; Fluted Pumpkin Leaves &gt; Okra for both adult and children. In conclusion it was observed that pesticide residues of Endrin, o,p'-DDE and Heptachlor in Onions, Green Amaranth Leaves and Pepper were above the Codex maximum residue level (MRL). Endrin in Onions had 858.0%, o, p'-DDE in Onions had 276.0%, o, p'-DDE in Green Amaranth Leaves had 100.8%, Heptachlor in Pepper had 168.4% and Heptachlor in Onions had 119.2%. Also, the hazard index of chronic exposure and cancer risk of children for Onions requires urgent attention as their values were well above the acceptable limit. Therefore, periodic monitoring of pesticides residues in these fruits and vegetables cannot be over emphasized, but will go a long way to prevent, control and reduce environmental pollution and health risks. Also, taking precautionary measures like proper cooking before consumption of these foodstuffs is advised.

Decabromodifenyl Ether (BDE-209) in Surface Soils from Warsaw and Surrounding Areas: Characterization of Non-Carcinogenic Risk Associated with Oral and Dermal Exposure.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used for many years as flame retardants. Due to their physicochemical and toxicological properties, they are considered to be persistent organic pollutants (POPs). BDE-209 is the main component of deca-BDE, the one PBDE commercial mixture currently approved for use in the European Union. The aim of this study was to analyse BDE-209 in surface soil samples from Warsaw and surrounding areas (Poland) as an indicator of environmental pollution with PBDEs, and to characterise the associated health risk. A total of 40 samples were analysed using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-µECD). Concentrations of BDE-209 in soil ranged from 0.4 ng g-1 d.w. (limit of quantification) to 158 ng g-1 d.w. Overall, 52.5% of results were above the method's limit of quantification. The highest levels were found at several locations with heavy traffic and in the vicinity of a CHP plant in the city. The lowest concentrations were observed in most of the samples collected from low industrialized or green areas (<0.4 to 1.68 ng g-1 d.w.). Exposure to BDE-209 was estimated for one of the most sensitive populations, i.e., young children. The following exposure routes were selected: oral and dermal. No risk was found to young children's health.

Pleated stainless steel net supported polystyrene/zinc oxide sorbent stir bar for inspection of residual fipronil and its degradation products in chicken eggs

Residual fipronil and its degradation products in chicken eggs are crucial issues in food safety. A stir bar sorptive extractor was developed by employing a pleated stainless steel (SS) net covered with hydrothermal synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure and dip-coated polystyrene (PS) from plastic foam waste. The combination of a PS/ZnO/SS stir bar extraction followed by gas chromatography detection with an electron capture detector yields a highly feasible process for the inspection of residual fipronils in chicken eggs with a linear range of 0.10–150 μg kg−1 and detection limit of 0.07–0.41 μg kg−1 with high recoveries (87.0 ± 2.4 to 95.2 ± 2.5%) and good precision (2.1–9.6% RSDs). The developed PS/ZnO/SS stir bar could be reused up to nine times. Its main advantages are simplicity of preparation, low-cost materials, and efficient utilization of PS waste.

An overview on persistent organic pollutants levels in the White Drin River, Kosovo

The purpose of this study was to assess the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the White Drin River, Kosovo region. The study focused on organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. The White Drin River originates from Peja, Kosovo, and extends to the Albanian border near Kukesi, making it a significant water body. It is potentially affected by anthropogenic pollution due to its passage through Kosovo’s urban areas, villages, farms, and industries. Sampling was conducted at 15 stations along the river, from the river waterfall to the Albanian border, during two distinct periods in 2023 (January – February and August – September). Organochlorine pollutants were concurrently extracted using liquid-liquid extraction followed by analysis using capillary gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were isolated through a two-step liquid-liquid extraction, with dichloromethane and hexane. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes were isolated using headspace solid – phase microextraction assisted by polydimethylsiloxane fibre. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, were conducted via gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The analyses showed the presence of persistent organic pollutants in the river water samples during both sampling periods. Elevated concentrations of volatile polychlorinated biphenyls, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, were observed in the water samples during both periods. This study underscores the significance of investigating organic pollutants in Kosovo’s water systems, considering both local geographic concerns and the broader global issue of environmental pollution

Analyzing the impact of pesticides on the indus river: contamination levels in water, sediment, fish, and associated human health risks.

Pesticides are frequently used to protect crop yields and manage malaria vectors; however, their inadvertent transport into aquatic habitats poses a significant concern. Various anthropogenic activities influence the Indus River in Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the presence of eight pesticide residues at three different sites (Kalabagh, Kundian, and Chashma) in water, sediment, and the fish species (Labeo rohita) during both dry and wet seasons to measure the intensity of this pressure. Pesticide analysis was carried out using gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector. The results revealed the highest concentrations of pesticides during both dry and wet seasons at all sites, measuring 0.83 and 0.62μg/l (water), 12.37 and 9.20μg/g/dw (sediment), and 14.27 and 11.29μg/g/ww (L. rohita), respectively. Overall, pesticide concentrations were higher in the dry season than in the wet season across all study sites. Based on detection frequency and concentration in both seasons at all sites, dominant pesticides included cypermethrin and carbofuran (in water), as well as endosulfan and cypermethrin (in sediment and fish tissue). Levels of endosulfan and cypermethrin exceeded standard limits. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) indicated no correlation among pesticides in fish tissue, sediment, and water. However, pesticides exhibited different behavior in different seasons. Furthermore, endosulfan and triazophos impose great human health risk, as indicated by the THQ value (> 1). The overall HI value was greater for site 1 in the dry season (8.378). The study concluded that the presence of agricultural pesticides in the Indus River poses a risk to aquatic life and has the potential to disrupt the entire food chain. This highlights the importance of sustainable practices for the study area and Pakistan overall agricultural and environmental sustainability. It is further recommended to strengthen regulations for reduced pesticide use and promote eco-friendly pest management.