Pesticide Residues In Food Research Articles

Premature thelarche and pesticide exposure: A case-control study in an intensive agricultural area.

The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture significantly enhances crop yields and pest control. However, it also raises concerns regarding environmental and human health impacts. Children are particularly vulnerable to health effects of pesticide exposure, especially for neurological development and reproductive health. This study aims to evaluate the association between dietary pesticide exposure and idiopathic premature thelarche in girls living in an intensive agricultural area in central Italy. Using a case-control study, pesticide residues exposure was assessed through dietary intake of local food and by urinary levels. Results showed that the dietary intake of some pesticides from fruit and vegetables was higher in affected girls than healthy controls, although not significantly associated with idiopathic premature thelarche risk. Moreover, low health risk was obtained for cumulative dietary exposure. Despite this, further efforts are needed to reduce pesticide residues in food due to their potential endocrine disrupting properties, considering that diet may be one of several sources of exposure, especially in rural areas.

A Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Aptasensor for Carbendazim Detection.

Carbendazim (CBZ) is used to prevent fungal infections in agricultural crops. Given its high persistence and potential for long-term health effects, it is crucial to quickly identify pesticide residues in food and the environment in order to mitigate excessive exposure. Aptamer-based sensors offer a promising solution for pesticide detection due to their exceptional selectivity, design versatility, ease of use, and affordability. Herein, we report the development of an electrochemical aptasensor for CBZ detection. The sensor was fabricated through a one-step electrodeposition of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Then, a CBZ-specific aptamer was attached via Pt-sulfur bonds. Upon combining CBZ with the aptamer on the electrode surface, the redox reaction of the electrochemical probe K4[Fe(CN)6] is hindered, resulting in a current drop. Under optimized conditions (pH of 7.5 and 25 min of incubation time), the proposed aptasensor showed a linear current reduction to CBZ concentrations between 0.5 and 15 nM. The limit of detection (LOD) for this proposed aptasensor is 0.41 nM. Along with its repeatable character, the aptasensor demonstrated better selectivity for CBZ compared to other potential compounds. The recovery rates for detecting CBZ in skim milk and tap water using the standard addition method were 98% and 96%, respectively. The proposed aptasensor demonstrated simplicity, sensitivity, and selectivity for detecting CBZ with satisfactory repeatability. It establishes a strong foundation for environmental monitoring of CBZ.

Setting of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Pesticides in Foods

Under the Food Sanitation Law, standards for the production and specifications of food ingredients for distribution may be established. Food that does not meet these standards is prohibited from being distributed. For pesticide residues in food, maximum residue limits (MRLs) are set for each pesticide and food type. Even pesticides without specific MRLs must comply with a uniform limit of 0.01 ppm. Thus, the positive list system controls pesticide residues in food in Japan. The MRLs for the pesticides were established based on current international agreements and concepts, and are calculated from crop residue trials for registered usage methods where maximum residue concentrations are expected. MRLs are determined if the dietary intake, when draft MRLs are adopted, does not exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and acute reference dose (ARfD) as evaluated by the Food Safety Commission. The residue definition for MRL setting may be selected from the pesticide components themselves but also their metabolites and degradates, determined by considering the feasibility of analytical methods. Exposure to pesticides via food is estimated using monitoring data from quarantine stations and local governments, as well as market basket surveys. Currently, this exposure level is considered tolerable.

A Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor for Carbendazim Detection Based on Synergy Amplified Effect of Bioelectrocatalysis and Nanocomposites.

The highly selective and sensitive determination of pesticide residues in food is critical for human health protection. Herein, the specific selectivity of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was proposed to construct an electrochemical sensor for the detection of carbendazim (CBD), one of the famous broad-spectrum fungicides, by combining with the synergistic effect of bioelectrocatalysis and nanocomposites. Gold nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide (AuNP-rGO) composites were electrodeposited on a polished glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Then the MIP films were electropolymerized on the surface of the nanolayer using CBD as the template molecule and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as the monomer. The detection sensitivity of CBD on the heterogeneous structure films was greatly amplified by AuNP-rGO composites and the bioelectrochemical oxidation of glucose, which was catalyzed by glucose oxidase (GOD) with the help of mediator in the underlying solution. The developed sensor showed high selectivity, good reproducibility, and excellent stability towards CBD with the linear range from 2.0 × 10-9 to 7.0 × 10-5 M, and the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.68 nM (S/N = 3). The expected system would provide a new idea for the development of simple and sensitive molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MIESs).

Partnerships for improved food safety: MESPT's engagements in effective pesticides governance and management in selected counties in Kenya

Pesticides continue to receive criticism due to their adverse impacts on the environment and human health, a food safety concern emanating from pesticide residues in food and the occupational pesticide exposure risks on farms. This usage has elicited increased attention from policymakers, consumer organizations, and the private and public sectors, pushing the authorities to strengthen pesticide governance and compliance. For instance, the East Africa Community (EAC) has borrowed heavily from the United States and European Union in revising its pesticide standards, which are currently under adoption among the six member states. The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) in Kenya is at the frontline in the domestication and adoption of the EAC standards by developing new bills and reviewing regulations guiding pesticide usage. Furthermore, with agriculture being a devolved function, counties have woken up and are exploring avenues for promoting the wise use of pesticides. Counties are leveraging partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration to efficiently strengthen the pesticide policy-practice nexus. Micro Enterprises Support Program Trust (MESPT), a development organization in Kenya, is closely partnering with and building the capacity of 21 county governments to improve food safety and increase sustainable agricultural productivity through good agricultural practices (GAP) initiatives. This paper reviews the deliberate programmatic interventions by MESPT in facilitating investments within food safety control systems by key sector players. Furthermore, the paper highlights institutional efforts to strengthen farmer organizations to comply with and adapt sustainable agricultural practices that promote the reduced and safe use of pesticides in production. Through MESPT interventions, County Governments have established a functional food safety coordination mechanism and surveillance system backed by legal infrastructure. Additionally, the private sector has been capacitated on food safety compliance, thus influencing smallholder farmers to meet market standards, especially for formal markets. Across the counties, multi-stakeholder collaborations have been strengthened, fueling timely discussions on pesticide compliance toward improved food safety.

Ultrasensitive Electrochemiluminescence Aptamer Sensor Based on Ru@ZIF-Pd Cathode for Acetamiprid Detection.

Ru(bpy)32+ is commonly used in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) as a conventional luminophore. However, Ru(bpy)32+ can leak off the electrode surface, resulting in a reduced ECL signal. In this work, a nanocube composite material Ru@ZIF was prepared by incorporating doping luminescent Ru(bpy)32+ into the skeleton of Zn(II) ions and 2-methylimidazole (2-MI), and the ECL probe Ru@ZIF-Pd was prepared by in situ growth of Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs). Potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) was used as a coreactant to investigate the cathodic ECL behavior. The ZnCoCH@MXene-Au (ZC@T-Au) was used as a coreactant accelerator to promote the production of SO4•-, which effectively amplified the ECL intensity of Ru@ZIF-Pd. Under optimal experimental conditions, we successfully constructed an aptamer ECL sensor, which achieves an accurate detection of acetamiprid from 0.1 fM to 10 μM with a detection limit of 0.029 fM. It provides a potential idea for the detection of pesticide residues in food.

Organophosphate pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in Nigeria: prevalence, environmental impact, and human health implications.

Pesticides have become indispensable in modern agriculture, aiding in crop protection, and ensuring food security. However, their extensive use has raised concerns about environmental contamination and human health risks. This manuscript reviews the prevalence of organophosphate pesticide (OPP) use in Nigerian agriculture and explores methods for detecting pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. Despite the critical role of pesticides in safeguarding crop yields, the lack of regulatory enforcement and monitoring in Nigeria poses significant challenges. The review underscores the importance of understanding the health implications of pesticide residues in food. While acute and sub-chronic health effects of OPP exposure have been studied, there remains a need for a focused review of the long-term impacts, particularly in the context of limited regulatory oversight. Additionally, the manuscript highlights gaps in knowledge regarding the effects of pesticides on biodiversity, ecosystems, and vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Recommendations include longitudinal studies to assess cumulative and delayed health consequences, systematic reporting of poisoning incidents, and routine analysis of food products to ensure safety. By addressing these gaps, a more comprehensive understanding of the consequences of OPP usage in Nigeria can be achieved, facilitating the development of effective risk management strategies to protect both the environment and public health.

Assessing Pesticide Exposure and Regulatory Challenges in Malaysia: A Review of Population Monitoring, Food Residue, and Environmental Contamination

AbstractPesticide applications do not always stay confined to their target. Human exposure to pesticides can lead to various health effects, such as cancer, reproductive toxicity, and neurodegenerative disorders. For that reason, stringent regulations govern pesticide registration and application before they enter the market. This objective of this article is to review studies conducted in Malaysia related to human biomonitoring and pesticide residue monitoring in the environment and food with the aim to explore the extent and pathway of pesticide exposure among the population, which indirectly allows us to examine the effectiveness of pesticide regulatory systems. Articles published from 2010 until 2024 from ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar were explored. In Malaysia, biomonitoring of pesticide is conducted sporadically by independent researchers and does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the population's exposure through various routes of exposures. Additionally, the effectiveness of environmental regulatory measures remains unclear because of lack of monitoring data available publicly for interpretation. Moreover, dietary exposure assessments of pesticide residues in food are conducted randomly in Malaysia. This approach contrasts with other countries where the Total Diet Studies comprehensively evaluate the entire population's exposure to pesticide residues through dietary pathways. In summary, there is a need for a more comprehensive and systematic study of Malaysia's pesticide regulatory system specifically through biological, environmental, and food monitoring. Understanding the effectiveness of current regulations in controlling pesticide exposure is vital not only for public health but also for overall environmental well-being of the nation.

Public Health Implications of Pesticide Residues in Food: Risks, Regulations, and Interventions

Pesticides enter food primarily through direct application to crops during farming, where residues can remain on the surface or be absorbed into plant tissues. Additionally, pesticide drift from nearby treated areas and contamination of soil or water used for irrigation can introduce residues into food crops, further increasing the risk of exposure. This paper focuses on the public health implications of pesticide residues in food. The paper found that pesticide residues in food pose significant public health challenges, with potential risks ranging from acute toxicity to chronic health issues such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurological disorders. Vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are particularly at risk. Effective regulation and monitoring become crucial as the agricultural sector relies heavily on pesticides for crop protection. Regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) play crucial roles in setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) to ensure food safety. However, implementing these regulations faces obstacles, particularly in developing countries, where resource constraints, lack of technical expertise, and socio-economic factors impede effective monitoring. Integrating pest management (IPM), advanced monitoring techniques and consumer education are essential to mitigate the risks posed by pesticide residues. The global harmonization of pesticide standards and continued research into safer alternatives and residue detection methods are critical for ensuring a secure food supply. As agricultural practices evolve, a multi-stakeholder approach involving policymakers, farmers, and consumers will be vital in reducing pesticide exposure and safeguarding public health.

How knowledge, awareness and perceptions of pesticide residue risks in fruits and vegetables, influence purchase decisions across Malaysian communities

Understanding consumer perceptions and behaviours toward pesticide residues in food is vital for food safety and public health. This study examines the knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of 303 participants from rural, suburban, and urban Malaysian communities regarding pesticide residue risks in their food purchases, particularly fruits and vegetables. Participants completed adapted questionnaires via Google Forms or in-person interviews, covering sociodemographic information, food purchasing habits, and levels of knowledge, awareness, and perception of pesticide residues. Results indicate that urban communities have the highest knowledge about pesticide residues, followed by rural and suburban areas. Awareness levels are even across all community types, with rural areas slightly higher. Urban participants also show the highest perception levels, followed by rural and suburban communities. Rural communities demonstrate a strong positive correlation between knowledge and perception, while suburban areas show a moderately positive correlation. Urban communities exhibit significant correlations between knowledge awareness and perception, with a weaker relationship with awareness. These findings highlight the interplay between community settings and consumer behaviour in purchasing fruits and vegetables. The study emphasises the need for tailored educational and policy interventions to address the varying levels of knowledge and concerns about pesticide residues across different Malaysian communities.

Nationwide Surveillance and Cumulative Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Egyptian Vegetables: Results from 2018 to 2021

Pesticide residues in food are a global concern due to their potential impacts on human health and the environment. This study investigates pesticide residues in vegetables commonly consumed in Egypt, utilizing advanced analytical techniques such as Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). A total of 4200 vegetable samples, including cucumber, squash, eggplant, okra, peas, onion, green onion, parsley, lettuce, and cantaloupe, were collected from 20 markets across different Egyptian governorates between 2018 and 2021. The analysis revealed that 42% of the samples contained pesticide residues, with only 13% of the analyzed samples exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by Codex/EU-MRL standards. Despite this, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the detected pesticides did not surpass acceptable daily intake (ADI) limits, suggesting no immediate chronic health risks to consumers. These findings highlight Egypt’s ongoing commitment to food safety, while also underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices to ensure the long-term safety and quality of the food supply.

Determination of organochlorine pesticide residues in food by polystyrene coated silica magnetic microspheres combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

In this work, a sample pre-treatment technology, based on magnetite-silica-polystyrene (Fe3O4@SiO2@PS) composite as the adsorbent, combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) has been developed and used for the trace analysis of organochlorine pesticide residues in food. SEM, TEM, FI-IR, VSM, XPS, BET, TGA and XRD techniques were used to characterize the synthetic adsorbent material, the adsorbent had excellent magnetic separation properties (saturation magnetization values with 32.7 emu g−1) and adsorption properties (adsorption capacity with 16.67 mg g−1 to 20.53 mg g−1), and the adsorption performance of Fe3O4@SiO2@PS aligned with the pseudo-second-order kinetics. Under the optimal conditions, the developed method showed satisfactory performance within a range of 0.01 to 4 mg L−1 (R2 ≥ 0.9971), the low detection limits (LOD) were from 0.05 to 0.20 μg kg−1, and the quantification limits (LOQ) were from 0.16 to 0.67 μg kg−1, respectively. The spiked recovery rates ranged from 74.7 % and 93.7 %, with relative standard deviations (RSD) from 2.09 % to 6.43 %. Thus, the developed adsorbent and method offer an efficient alternative to the commonly used SPE-based approach.

The impact of pesticides: Assessing residue persistence, environmental contamination, and human health risks

The intensification of agricultural practices to meet global food demand has led to extensive pesticide use, which poses significant challenges for food safety, environmental health, and human well-being. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the global use of pesticides in agriculture, focusing on the persistence of pesticide residues in food crops, their environmental impacts, and the associated health risks. Historically, pesticides have been integral to agricultural productivity, but their adverse effects have become increasingly clear. Notably, pesticide residues in food can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. This review also discusses regional disparities in pesticide-related health outcomes, with a focus on Brazil. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable pest management practices, including organic farming and improved regulatory measures, to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticide use. By integrating these strategies, a more balanced and sustainable agricultural system can be achieved, safeguarding both human health and environmental quality.

Self-driven photoelectrochemical sensor based on Z-type perovskite heterojunction for profenofos detection in milk and cabbage

With growing public concern about the accumulation of pesticide residues in food and their potential impacts on health and the environment, the demand for advanced detection technologies has become more critical. To address this need, we have developed an innovative self-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor, utilizing a Z-type heterojunction structure. This sensor exploited the synergistic interactions between the carbonyl groups in polyvinylpyrrolidone and the Pb2+ ions in the perovskite, and was further enhanced by the strong hydrogen bonds formed between polyethylene glycol and MA+. To optimize the sensor's performance, we incorporated perylene tetracarboxylic acid, which enhanced interface adhesion and promotes charge separation, elements crucial for the visible light-driven PEC process. This strategic design resulted in a sensor with high sensitivity and stability, which was capable of detecting profenofos residues in complex food matrices such as milk and cabbage. The sensor demonstrated a linear detection range from 0.1 to 107 ng L−1 and an exceptional detection limit of 0.033 ng L−1. When applied to real samples, the sensor achieved recovery rates ranging from 96.68 % to 107.2 %, with relative standard deviations between 1.08 % and 4.54 %. In light of these results, the sensor not only showed high efficiency in real-time monitoring of pesticide contamination, but also highlights its significant potential for broader application in the field of food safety.

Rapid dual-modal detection of two types of pesticides in fruits using SERS-based immunoassay

Pesticide residue is a harmful chemical residue produced in agricultural production, posing a threat to human health. To detect mixed pesticide residues in food rapidly and simultaneously, we present a dual-channel dual-modal test strip immunoassay. According to the standard colorimetric bar, the naked-eye test can achieve semi-quantitative detection. By collecting the Raman spectra of the signal probes, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection can achieve accurate quantification of pesticide residues. Specifically, a double-layer 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) molecule-labeled bimetallic core-shell material (AuMBA@AgMBA) was conjugated with target antibodies to obtain signal probes. Here, antibody bonding was achieved by the dehydrated condensation of its amino group with the carboxyl group of the outer 4-MBA. In addition, the Au nanoparticles were connected to rabbit IgG by electrostatic adsorption as indicating probes to ensure the normal operation of the test strips. Under the optimal parameters, the detection ranges of acetamiprid and carbendazim were 0.3–2 μg/kg and 3–30 μg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the recovery experiments showed that the results of the SERS method matched well with the high-performance liquid chromatography method. The SERS immunoassay is characterized by high sensitivity, rapidity and reliability, which has potential to simultaneously detect mixed pesticides in the field.

Assessment of the toxic influence of locally formulated pesticides on hepatic and renal biomarkers in male Wistar rats.

There is growing concern of the potential damage to vital organs after long term exposure to locally formulated pesticides in rural area of Nigeria. This study was designed to assessed the effects of the individual chemical compound and their combination on the kidney and liver of rats' model. Fifty-four rats divided into six groups and three sub-groups were exposed to 25, 50 and 75% dose of each of the pesticide's LD50 for 4h at 3days interval in an inhalation chamber for 28days. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TOT_BIL), creatinine and urea assay showed significant increase at the aforementioned doses in comparison to the control group. The red blood cell counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations were significantly altered in the rats administered varying doses of the pesticides when compared with the control. Similar result was obtained for the differential white blood cell counts. Histopathological examinations of the liver tissue of rats showed infiltrated sinusoids, traces of karypyknosis, vacuolar degeneration and microvesicular steatosis while that of the renal tissue showed glomeruli atrophy leading to widened Bowman's spaces as well as few shrunken glomeruli and varied level of degenerative tubular changes to tubular necrosis. This study established that individual pesticides and their mixture is toxic to the liver and kidney, as evidenced by the elevated markers of renal and liver functions and distortion of the structure of both organs as revealed by their photomicrographs. Therefore, it is a matter of public health significance to regularly monitor pesticide residues in foods and humans in order to assess the food safety risk and population exposure to pesticides.

A study protocol for a randomized clinical trial on exposure and effects of pesticides consumption - the PEST-EXPO Brazil study

Randomized clinical trials are considered the gold standard for studies with dietary interventions, which is mainly due to the fact that they can establish causal relationships between food exposure and body composition measures or biomarkers. The aim of this study was to describe the details of a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial protocol to identify, characterize and evaluate the effects of human dietary exposure to pesticide residues in food. Specific aspects of planning (development of a research question, determination of objectives, selection of participants, randomization and blinding) and performance (recruitment of participants, measures to improve adherence, data collection, follow-up and evaluation of results) are addressed in this study. The study design proved effective in characterizing dietary patterns with foods originating from both conventional and organic agriculture. A total of 148 individuals were recruited for the study. The conventional group was represented by 47 % of the sample and the organic group was represented by 53 %. The practice of evidence-based nutrition has demanded that trials be well designed and systematically performed in the field of clinical nutrition. Therefore, this clinical trial emphasizes the importance of improving studies with toxicological nutrition that assess sources of exposure through food.•This double-blind, randomized clinical trial details the protocol for identifying, characterizing, and evaluating the effects of dietary exposure to pesticide residues.•The protocol demonstrates that well-designed and systematically conducted trials emphasize the importance of robust methodologies in evidence-based nutrition.•In the face of the global climate crisis, this clinical trial underscores the importance of enhancing studies in toxicological nutrition, particularly those evaluating sources of exposure through food, to better understand the dietary impacts on health.

Dual colorimetric platforms for direct detection of glyphosate based on Os-Rh nanozyme with peroxidase-like activity

BackgroundTo minimize the impact of pesticide residues in food on human health, it is necessary to enhance their detection. Recently, many nanozyme-based colorimetric methods for pesticides detection have been developed, however, they often required the assistance of natural enzymes, which made the process and result of methods susceptible to the stability and activity of natural enzymes. To overcome these drawbacks, methods for direct detection of pesticides using nanozymes have been developed, and there are few studies in this field currently. Thus, it is of great research and practical significance to develop more nanozymes-based colorimetric methods for direct detection of pesticides. ResultsDual colorimetric platforms based on Os-Rh nanozyme with excellent peroxidase-like activity were constructed for directly detection of glyphosate in this work. Results showed that glyphosate was able to sensitively and selectively inhibit the peroxidase-like activity of Os-Rh nanozyme through hindering the decomposition of H2O2 by Os-Rh nanozyme to produce HO∙. Based on this, the dual colorimetric platforms achieved highly sensitive detection for glyphosate over a wide linear concentration range (50–1000 μg L−1 in solution platform and 200–1000 μg L−1 in paper platform), with the detection limits of 28.37 μg L−1 in solution platform and 400 μg L−1 (naked-eye detection limit)/123.25 μg L−1 (gray scale detection limit) in paper platform, respectively. Moreover, the dual colorimetric platforms possessed satisfactory reliability and accuracy for practical applications, and has been successfully applied to the detection of real samples with the spiked recoveries of 92.78–102.75 % and RSD of 1.17–3.88 %. SignificanceThe dual colorimetric platforms for glyphosate direct detection based on Os-Rh nanozyme developed in this work not only owned considerable practical application potential, but also could provide more inspirations and ideas for the rational design and development of colorimetric sensing methods for the rapid detection of pesticides based on nanozymes.

Hierarchical magneto-colorimetric labels for immediate lateral flow immunoassay of chlorothalonil residues

Quantitative detection of pesticide residues in food and environmental samples using an improved lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is of considerable importance for real-time analysis. This paper proposes a highly sensitive LFIA platform based on a hierarchical magneto-colorimetric compact. This compact serves as both the target magnetic enrichment substrate and a photosensitive label. Initially, a large porous dendritic silica template is prepared and doped with superparamagnetic ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at high densities within its vertical channels. The sequential assembly of central–radial channels allow for the three-dimensional integration of these two components, enabling independent control of their discrete functions without mutual interference. Following alkyl organosilicon encapsulation and silica sealing, the composite spheres are then applied in LFIA to detect chlorothalonil residues. Fe3O4 NPs enhance the binding efficiency to target analytes, while AuNPs amplify the signal, leveraging their high loading densities and robust optical properties. The developed LFIA platform exhibited a detection limit of 0.34 ng/mL for chlorothalonil and a linear range of 0.0085–824 ng/mL. The recoveries varied between 85.1 % and 103.1 %, and the relative standard deviations were 1.25%–8.84 %. This LFIA approach demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and flexible detection modes, making it highly suitable for the on-site monitoring of pesticide residues.

Assessing external exposome by implementing an Environmental Data Management System using Open Data

Due to the increasing importance of exposome in environmental epidemiology, feasibility and usefulness of an Environmental Data Management System (EDMS) using Open Data was evaluated. The EDMS includes data from 10 European cities (Celje (Slovenia), Łódź (Poland), Manchester (UK), Palermo (Italy), Paris (France), Porto (Portugal), Regensburg (Germany), Reus (Spain), Rijeka (Croatia), Thessaloniki (Greece)) about external non-specific and specific exposome factors at the city or country level (2017–2020). Findings showed that the highest values of life expectancy were in Reus females (86 years) and Palermo males (81 years). UK had the highest obesity rate (28%), Croatia the highest prescribed drug consumption (62%), Greece and Portugal the highest smoking rates (37%, 42%) and daily alcohol consumption (21%), respectively. The most polluted cities were Thessaloniki for PM10 (38 µg/m3), Łódź for PM2.5 (25 µg/m3), Porto for NO2 (62 µg/m3) and Rijeka for O3 (92 µg/m3). Thessaloniki had the highest grey space (98%) and Łódź the highest cumulative amount of pollen (39,041 p/m3). The highest daily noise levels ≥ 55 dB was in Reus (81% to traffic) and Regensburg (21% to railway). In drinking water, arsenic had the highest value in Thessaloniki (6.4 µg/L), boron in Celje (24 mg/L) and lead in Paris (46.7 µg/L). Portugal and Greece showed the highest pesticide residues in food (7%). In conclusion, utilizing open-access databases enables the translation of research findings into actionable strategies for public health interventions.