Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Research Articles

Co-occurrence and exposure assessment of deoxynivalenol and fumonisins from maize and maize-based products in Indonesia

This study was conducted to investigate the co-occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins (FBs) in maize-based food products and their dietary exposure to the Indonesian population. A survey of 45 samples of maize and maize-based-food products collected from markets in Indonesia were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry after a Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) extraction and clean-up process. Results revealed that 35.56% of maize food products were found to contain DON and FBs simultaneously. FBs frequently detected in 84.44% of samples and DON was found in 42.22% of the samples with mean positive levels ranging from 0.12 to 264.24 µg/kg (FBs) and 2.62 µg/kg to 122.28 µg/kg (DON). None of the quantifiable samples exceeded the maximum limits established by the European Commission (EC) and National regulation. The highest total means exposure to DON and FBs was found in infants and toddler attaining up to 0.025 and 0.087 µg/kg body weight (bw) per day while 95th percentile (P95) values were 3.8 and 4.4 times higher than the mean exposure. Both for DON and FBs, total mean and P95 exposures of the population did not exceed the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 1 µg/kg bw/day for DON and 2 µg/kg bw/day for FBs, respectively. Therefore, the risk assessment indicates that there is no potential risk to health from DON and FBs through maize and maize-based food intake.

A study of the pesticide residues in rapeseeds in China: Levels, distribution and health risk assessment

The aim of this survey was to evaluate the residue levels, distribution and exposure risk of the 38 most commonly used pesticides in rapeseed samples collected from the main production areas in China over a two-year period. The sampling area covered 12 provinces, including Guizhou, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces. The pesticide residues were determined using a QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe) method coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. 8.4% of the rapeseed samples contained pesticides with a residue level ranging from 0.001 to 0.634 mg/kg. The detected analytes were imidacloprid, quizalofop-P-ethyl, thiamethoxam, paclobutrazol, prochloraz, tebuconazole, difenoconazole, s-metolachlor, carbofuran, and carbendazim. The concentrations of four analytes, including thiamethoxam, difenoconazole, carbendazim and prochloraz, exceeded the maximum residue level set by the Chinese government for rapeseed, with exceedance rates of 0.1%, 0.1%, 0.1%, and 1.1%, respectively. Based on the index of quality for residues (IqR) values, 91.6% of the total rapeseed samples had an IqR category of Excellent (IqR = 0). Only 1.5% of the tested samples were of inadequate quality. Furthermore, the assessment of chronic and acute exposure, as well as health risks associated with pesticide residues in rapeseed, was conducted for different age groups within the Chinese population, including adults (6–14 years), children (15–49 years), and the elderly (50–74 years). The results of this assessment indicated that pesticide residues in rapeseed cultivated in China are not expected to be of short- or long-term risks to the Chinese customers.

Occurrence of Pesticides in Polished Rice Samples From Tanjung Karang and Sekinchan and the Health Risk among Consumers

Introduction: One of the key staple foods in many different countries, including Malaysia, is rice (Oryzae sativa L.). Pesticides are used to reduce weed growth and safeguard crops from insect attacks in order to boost paddy output. Objective: This research quantifies the concentration of pymetrozine, chlorantraniliprole, and difenoconazole, along with any potential health risks to consumers. Methods: Samples of polished rice from three rice milling factories in Tanjung Karang and Sekinchan were extracted using the QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe) technique. The amount of pesticide residue in polished rice was then measured using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). A health risk assessment was conducted utilizing the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) to estimate the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Results: The mean concentration of pesticides in polished rice ranged from less than the detection limit (difenoconazole) to 1.122 µg/kg (pymetrozine). No rice samples above the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) specified in the Food Act 1983 as implemented by Malaysia’s Food Regulations 1985. Pymetrozine, chlorantraniliprole, and difenoconazole in rice had respective MRLs of 50 µg/kg, 2000 µg/kg, and 100 µg/kg. For all age groups, no significant non-carcinogenic health risk was associated with consuming polished rice from the study area, where the HQ and Hazard Index (HI) were less than one. When LCR values were less than 10-6, carcinogenic health risks of consuming polished rice from the study area were at a clearly acceptable risk level. Conclusion: As no sample exceeded the MRL, the findings indicated that all rice samples collected from Tanjung Karang and Sekinchan were safe for consumption.

Detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in High-Protein Food Products.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) belong to the emerging class of persistent organohalogenated contaminants in the environment. We determined the levels of 10 PFAS in selected samples representing different food types, with a special focus on those rich in protein such as fish, meat and meat preparations, liver, eggs, and leguminous vegetables. Such determinations were based on the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe extraction procedure followed by micro-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The most frequently found was perfluorooctanoic acid, in 84% of the food samples. However, its maximum measured concentration was 0.50 ng g-1 , in a herring sample. The highest concentrations were for perfluorobutanoic acid (35 ng g-1 measured in a pork liver sample) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (12 ng g-1 measured in a herring sample). Because these compounds may bioaccumulate in human tissues by dietary intake, further research into their impact on human health is called for. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2589-2598. © 2023 SETAC.

A green QuEChERS syringe filter based micro-solid phase extraction using hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent as immobilized sorbent for simultaneous analysis of five anti-diabetic drugs by HPLC-UV

BackgroundHere, it has been discussed about creating a specific and sustainable analytical technique for monitoring anti-diabetic drugs in order to accurately determine the dosage in patients and reduce side effects, remove them from wastewater (as emerging contaminants), and ultimately abate pharmaceutical pollutants in the environment. ResultsIn this research, a green and reproducible Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) method based on syringe filter based micro-solid phase extraction (SF-μSPE) coupled with HPLC-UV using a green sorbent was developed and optimized for the extraction of five anti-diabetic drugs from wastewater, serum, and plasma real samples. A novel green sorbent composed of a liquid mixture of thymol: menthol ([Thy]:[Men], 1:1) hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent (HNADES) and curcumin (Cur) immobilized into the non-toxic and biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibers’ mat was synthesized simply via cheap equipment. Cur was added to enhance the hydrophobicity and functionality of the sorbent. The immobilization process was performed by soaking the mat in the liquid mixture for a specific duration. The correct synthesis and experimental molar ratio of the HNADES components were confirmed by ATR-FTIR and NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy. The prepared green sorbent (Cur-HNADES/PVA) was characterized using ATR-FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX/EDX mapping analysis, and water contact angle (WCA) measurement, and it exhibited satisfactory adsorption capacity for the target analytes. SignificanceUnder optimal conditions (pH = 6.0, adsorption cycle = 3, sample volume = 5.0 mL, desorption cycle = 1, type and volume of elution = 80:20 %v/v MeOH/ACN and 500.0 μL), the method was validated in terms of specificity, linear dynamic ranges (LDRs = 0.1–2000.0 μg L−1 and 0.1–1800.0 μg L−1), limits of detection (LODs = 0.03–0.09 μg L−1), and precision (within-day RSDs% = 0.32–1.45% and between-day RSDs% = 0.59–2.03%). Evaluation of the greenness aspects of the proposed method was accomplished using the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) approaches. It is noteworthy that the conducted research represents the first report of the synthesis and application of this novel and green sorbent for the determination of anti-diabetic drugs in the mentioned real samples.

Dissipation, residue distribution, and risk assessment of ethiprole and its metabolites in rice under various open field conditions.

Ethiprole has been registered to control planthoppers in rice fields for many years in Asia. However, its dissipation and residues in rice under natural field conditions and health hazards are largely unclear. Herein, a modified QuEChERS and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established to detect ethiprole and its metabolites, ethiprole amide and ethiprole sulfone, in brown rice, rice husks, and rice straw. The field experiments were implemented in 12 representative provinces of China under Good Agricultural Practices to study the fate and terminal residues of ethiprole and its metabolites in rice. Finally, the dietary risk of ethiprole was evaluated. The average recoveries of these analytes in all matrices were 86.4%-99.0% with a repeatability of 0.575%-9.38%. The limits of quantification for each compound were 0.01 mg kg-1 . Dissipation of ethiprole followed the single first-order, first + first-order, and first-order multi-compartment kinetic models with a half-life of 2.68-8.99 days in rice husks. The dissipation half-life of ethiprole combining all metabolites was 5.20-16.2 days in rice husks. The terminal residues of ethiprole and its metabolites at preharvest intervals of 21 days were < 0.011, 0.25, and 0.20 mg kg-1 in brown rice, rice husks, and rice straw, respectively. Ethiprole amide was undetectable in all matrices, and the risk quotient of ethiprole was far less than 100%. Ethiprole rapidly converted to ethiprole sulfone in rice, and ethiprole and ethiprole sulfone mainly remained in rice husks and straws. The dietary risk of ethiprole was acceptable for Chinese consumers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues by GC-MSMS and UPLC-MSMS in Edible Vegetables.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase related to pesticide residues in foods, which may increase the risks to the consumer of these foods with the different quality and concentrations of pesticide residues. Pesticides are used for controlling pests that reduce yields. On the other hand, it has become a major public health concern due to its toxic properties. Thus, the objective of the current study employed the application of Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) method, in combination with gas and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric detection (GCMSMS, LCMSMS) in order to determine 137 pesticide residues (63 insecticides, 41 acaricides, 40 herbicide, 55 fungicide, nematicide, growth regulator, Chitin synthesis inhibitors, and Juvenile hormone mimics), in 801 vegetables such as 139 tomatoes, 185 peppers, 217 squash, 94 eggplants, and 166 cucumbers from different locations in Hail and Riyadh cities. The results showed that the majority of pesticide residues were detected for each of the following pesticides: acetaimpride, metalaxyl, imidaclopride, bifenthrin, pyridaben, difenoconazole, and azoxystrobien, which were repeated in the samples studied 39, 21, 11, 10, 8, 7, and 5, respectively. In addition, results observed that the tomato was the most contaminated with pesticide residues; it was contaminated with 19 compounds and was followed by pepper, cucumber, and squash, and the last commodity in the contaminated ranking was eggplant. The highest calculated estimated daily intakes (EDIs) were recorded for tomatoes which were estimated between 0.013 to 0.516 mg/kg of body weight per day (bw/day) while the lowest EDIs value was between 0.000002 to 0.0005 mg/kg of bw/day for cucumber. Results indicated that the EDIs values were lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) values. Results observed that the most of pesticide residues exposure in food consumption in Saudi Arabia were lower than ADIs. In addition, the highest value for health risk index (HRI) was recorded with Ethion residue in tomato, but in sweet pepper, the highest value for HRI was 127.5 in the form of fipronil residue. On the other hand, results found that the highest values of HRI were 1.54, 1.61, and 0.047 for difenoconazole, bifenthrin, and pyridaben residues in squash, eggplant, and cucumber.

A Rapid Determination of 30 Prohibited Pesticide Residues in Lycii Fructus by UPLC-MS/MS

Prohibited pesticide residues have become one of the main factors affecting the quality and safety of Lycii Fructus, However, rarely studies focus on the rapid determination of these residues. Here, a total of 30 kinds of prohibited pesticide residues were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in five different process ways. Pretreatment methods, chromatographic separation and detection conditions in mass spectrometry were all optimized accordingly. Among the five different pretreatment methods, the first and third solid phase extraction failed to provide high recoveries of sulfosulfuron compounds (both lower than 60%). Recovery of chlorphenamidine by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe multiresidue method (QuEChERS) was lower than 60%, which did not meet the requirements of trace determination. The concentrations of 30 prohibited pesticides residues treated by straightforward and solid phase extraction showed good linearity in their corresponding ranges, with correlation coefficients over 0.99. The average recoveries of straightforward ranged from 78.13% to 110.9%, while RSD ranged from 1.3% to 16.9%, albeit poor purification was observed. The recovery yield from solid phase extraction was between 67.75% and 103.08% with RSD value from 0.8% to 14.0%, which met the requirements of trace determination, this method has good precision and stability. These results could be employed to other Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) in detecting prohibited pesticide residues.

Concentrations of pesticide residues in fish tissue are below detectability in the Menoua River (West Cameroon).

Fresh water fish are an important source of animal protein in the diet of Africans, but despite their exposure to pollutants, particularly pesticides, in rivers and streams, there is scarcity of data on fish accumulation levels of these pollutants. The concentrations of 259 pesticide residues were measured in two highly consumed fish species (Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus) sampled from the Menoua River, in the West Region of Cameroon. The pesticide residues were determined using QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results obtained show that concentrations of all pesticide residues in the samples were lower than 0.01mg/kg and therefore below the WHO maximum residue limit for the evaluated pesticides. However, the non-detection of pesticides in the studied fish does not call for complacency as this does not imply a complete absence of pesticides. Low levels of pesticide mixtures have been shown to result in combined effects that are synergistic. There is therefore a need for further research on the possible biological effects, including endocrine disruption, growth and reproduction inhibition on the fish populations as well as dietary risk assessment on the local population. The contamination of water, sediment and other aquatic resources also remains a question for future research.

Pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits from Istanbul by LC-MS/MS

Selected pesticide active ingredients are used in various stages of production of fruits and vegetables in Turkey for the purpose of pest control. Due to their harm to humans, animals and the environment, pesticide active ingredients and their residue limits were determined by legal regulations. The aim of this study was to determine and highlight the pesticide residue risk in fruits and vegetables sold in markets and greengrocers and widely consumed in Istanbul, one of the most populated cities in Turkey. 393 pesticide active ingredients in 100 fruit and vegetable samples (tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, strawberries and apples in total) were screened using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) with Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method. The mean recoveries of the pesticides were between 76.5 % and 115.5 %, LOQ for them was 0.01 mg kg-1. Pesticide residue was detected in 43% of the samples. A total of 7 (7%) samples contained pesticide residues above maximum residue limit (MRL). While pesticide residues were detected above MRL in tomato, strawberry and cucumber samples; no pesticide residues were found above MRL in pepper and apple samples. In the samples analyzed, 42 different pesticide residues were detected, the most detected pesticide active substance in the samples examined was Acetamiprid. Phorate Sulfone, one of the banned pesticides, was detected in a strawberry sample.

Preparation of SERS active filter paper for filtration and detection of pesticides residue from complex sample

The selectivity is needed mostly in SERS sensing because analytes of interest are commonly present in a complex mixture containing particles and impurities, which hinder the interactions between the laser and analyte being detected. In this manuscript, we describe our efforts developing a simple and instant. method to prepare a filter paper SERS sensor. Colloidal Ag nanoparticles were immobilized on one side of filter paper via an in-situ growth method. The fabrication process of the sensor could be finished in several minutes, and no special facility needed. The filter paper SERS sensor demonstrated a spectra uniformity with a 7.0 % point-by-point signal deviation. And the filter function of the sensor could effectively filter out interferences from samples in 1 min, that allowing the direct detection of thiram in ketchup by SERS with detection limit of 93 ppb. Furthermore, we used a Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method to detect malachite green (MG) in soil with a sensitivity as low as 0.01 ppm without any sample pre-treatment or purification. A SERS filter paper may open a new avenue for rapid testing of food quality during manufacturing as well as fast detection of potential contaminants in a myriad of substrates.

Use of QuEChERS as a manual and automated high-throughput protocol for investigating environmental matrices

Environmental pollution has strong links to adverse human health outcomes with risks of pollution through production, use, ineffective wastewater (WW) remediation, and/or leachate from landfill. ‘Fit-for-purpose’ monitoring approaches are critical for better pollution control and mitigation of harm, with current sample preparation methods for complex environmental matrices typically time-consuming and labour intensive, unsuitable for high-throughput screening.This study has shown that a modified ‘Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe’ (QuEChERS) sample preparation is a viable alternative for selected environmental matrices required for pollution monitoring (e.g. WW effluent, treated sludge cake and homogenised biota tissue). As a manual approach, reduced extraction times (hours to ∼20 min/sample) with largely reproducible (albeit lower) recoveries of a range of pharmaceuticals and biocidal surfactants have been reported. Its application has shown clear differentiation of matrices via chemometrics, and the measurement of pollutants of interest to the UK WW industry at concentrations significantly above suggested instrument detection limits (IDL) for sludge, indicating insufficient removal and/or bioaccumulation during WW treatment. Furthermore, new pollutant candidates of emerging concern were identified – these included detergents, polymers and pharmaceuticals, with quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) biocides observed at 2.3–70.4 mg/kg, and above levels associated with priority substances for environmental quality regulation (EQSD). Finally, the QuEChERS protocol was adapted to function as a fully automated workflow, further reducing the resource to complete both the preparation and analysis to <40 min. This operated with improved recovery for soil and biota (>62%), and when applied to a largely un-investigated clay matrix, acceptable recovery (88.0–131.1%) and precision (≤10.3% RSD) for the tested pharmaceuticals and biocides was maintained. Therefore, this preliminary study has shown the successful application of a high-throughput QuEChERS protocol across a range of environmental solids for potential deployment in a regulated laboratory.

Effect of formulation on the indoxacarb and lufenuron dissipation in maize and risk assessment.

The supervised field trials were conducted in maize crops using nano-microemulsion (NM) and a commercial formulation of indoxacarb and lufenuron to evaluate the effect of nano-formulation on the dissipation pattern. A modified QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe)-UPLC-MS/MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) method was utilized for sample analysis. Results showed that the initial deposits of indoxacarb and lufenuron in plants using nano-microemulsion were 0.98mg/kg and 8.18mg/kg at recommended dosage, while using the commercial formulation, they were 0.85mg/kg and 5.53mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, half-life (t1/2) values of using nano-microemulsion were 1.25days and 2.51days, which were shorter than indoxacarb (1.87days) and lufenuron (3.00days) from the commercial formulation, suggesting that pesticide formulations have a moderate impact on the initial deposit and dissipation rate. The terminal residue test showed that indoxacarb and lufenuron residues in maize grain and maize straw were below the available maximum residue limit (MRL, 0.01mg/kg), suggesting 2% indoxacarb NM and 5% lufenuron NM are safe to use under the recommended dosage. The risk quotient value (RQ of indoxacarb and lufenuron equal to 17.7% and 2.4%, respectively) also revealed an acceptable risk for human consumption. These findings provide scientific evidence of the proper application of 2% indoxacarb NM and 5% lufenuron NM on maize crops.

Validation of the Multiresidue Method Analysis for Pesticides in Bee Honey by UPLC-MS/MS using the Method of Samples Preparation QuEChERS

In this paper we present the results of evaluating the suitability of the developed method for the simultaneous determination of 200 pesticide residues in bee honey using ultraperformance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The main stages of extraction of pesticides from the matrix using QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe) sample preparation are described. Appropriate mobile phase composition was used to better identify analytes, internal standards were not applied. The studied list of pesticides is relevant for use in modern agriculture. The limit of quantification of the method (LOQ) for each of the analytes is 0.001 mg/kg, the relative standard deviation in the conditions of repeatability and reproducibility &lt; 20.0 %, the expanded measurement uncertainty is less than the limit of regulatory requirements &lt; 50.0 %. The calibration graph for each of the analytes had a coefficient R2 &gt; 0.99. The use of QuEChERS sample preparation methods allows to reduce labor intensity, time and reagents, increase the accuracy and precision of research in comparison with classical methods of sample preparation. The described method makes it possible to detect a wide range of pesticides and has a fairly high sensitivity

A Comparison between a Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography System and a Traditional QuEChERS-LC Method with Regard to Matrix Removal and Matrix Effects in Pesticide Analysis Using Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

In this study, a fully automated two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) system was used for the investigation of the clean-up effect and was compared with a traditional Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) liquid chromatography (LC) method. The focus of those investigations was on negative electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. For that purpose, matrix fingerprinting profiles were created. The results allowed a comparison of both methods regarding the estimation of the number and the polarity of detected compounds. Moreover, the results of the present study were compared with the results generated in positive ESI mode (presented in a previous study). Furthermore, the two methods were compared with regard to matrix effects (ME) of 321 analytes in positive ESI mode and 96 analytes in negative ESI mode. In general, fewer compounds could be detected when 2D-LC and/or the negative ESI mode was used. Especially, very polar compounds with m/z values >1000 could be separated and could not be detected anymore when 2D-LC was applied. Furthermore, the best results were obtained for most analytes when 2D-LC was used, although the extent of ME seemed to be higher with 2D-LC.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of flexible cotton fiber-Ag for rapid adsorption and detection of malachite green in fish

The residual of malachite green (MG) in fish is one of the major food safety concerns for consumers. It is important to develop simple and instant analytical methods to identify MG residues in fish. We fabricated flexible cotton surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate, which offers good flexibility, uniformity and excellent adsorption capability. The UV–vis DRS spectra, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron elemental mapping images shown that the Ag NPs were closely packed on the surface of cotton fiber. The adsorption feature of cotton fiber could adsorb MG from solution and surface of fish. The Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method was used to adsorb MG in fish for SERS sensing. The limit of detection of MG in fish using this developed method was as low as 0.05 ppm. The QuEChERS-SERS analysis method exhibits the capability for multiplex detecting mixture of MG and Dimetridazole at different ratios (5 ppm, 1/400 and 1/4000) from fish. The results indicated that the cotton fiber-Ag composite was suitable employed as SERS substrate for simple and instant detecting trace contaminants in food.

Pesticide Residues on Tomatoes Grown and Consumed in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya

The effects of pesticides on human health are of great concern worldwide despite their usefulness in agriculture. The aim of the study was to evaluate pesticide residues on tomatoes grown and consumed in Kirinyaga County in order to determine whether the levels fall within recommended MRLs. Reported increased use of unspecified pesticides and undocumented residue levels in tomatoes produced in the country justified the need to evaluate pesticide residues in tomatoes grown in the area and consumed locally. The study, which was conducted in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya between July 2017 and July 2018 used analytical study design. Tomato samples of Rambo variety mainly grown in open fields and greenhouses in the Irrigation Scheme were purposively sampled from thirty-five sampling sites in open fields, greenhouses, markets and consumers. The samples were taken to Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) laboratory in Nairobi for analysis. Analysis was done using Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) multi-residue analytical method for Low-Fat products. Four pesticide residues detected on tomatoes above the recommended EU and Cordex MRLs were: malathion (0.0315±0.0032 mg/kg) in open fields, carbendazim (1.2341±0.1667 mg/kg) and thiamethoxam (0.3736±0.0358 mg/kg) from greenhouses and acephate (0.0321±0.0032 mg/kg) from the market. Pesticide residue levels of tomatoes from consumers were all significantly (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.01) below the EU and Cordex permitted MRLs. Occurrence of pesticide residues on tomatoes from production to consumption levels is of great concern to consumers because of the perceived long term negative health effects. Implementation, strengthening and enforcement of the food policy in the country will enhance frequent monitoring of pesticide residue levels in fresh produce consumed locally in Kenya.

Impact of Photolysis and TiO2 on Pesticides Degradation in Wastewater

Pesticide residues are harmful to the environment and human and animal health even at low levels because of long-term bioaccumulation. In this study, photolysis was applied to treat three representative water samples: aqueous atrazine and dimethoate solutions as target pesticides, as well as wastewater and agriculture wastewater containing pesticide residue. It was performed using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at two wavelengths (254 and 306 nm) with exposure times ranging from 2 to 12 h in the presence and absence of a photocatalyst to identify the optimal degradation conditions. Extraction and analyzation process were performed by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) methods and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole detector (GC–MSMS/TQD), respectively. Photodegradation increased with an increase in exposure time and the TiO2 catalyst was beneficial for degradation. Both selected irradiation wavelengths were effective, although the wavelength of λ = 306 nm was the most efficient.

A laboratory comparison of the interactions between three plastic mulch types and 38 active substances found in pesticides.

BackgroundIn semi-arid regions, the use of plastic mulch and pesticides in conventional agriculture is nearly ubiquitous. Although the sorption of pesticides on Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) has been previously studied, no data are available for other plastics such as Pro-oxidant Additive Containing (PAC) plastics or “biodegradable” (Bio) plastics. The aim of this research was to measure the sorption pattern of active substances from pesticides on LDPE, PAC and Bio plastic mulches and to compare the decay of the active substances in the presence and absence of plastic debris.MethodsFor this purpose, 38 active substances from 17 insecticides, 15 fungicides and six herbicides commonly applied with plastic mulching in South-east Spain were incubated with a 3 × 3 cm2 piece of plastic mulch (LDPE, PAC and Bio). The incubation was done in a solution of 10% acetonitrile and 90% distilled water at 35 °C for 15 days in the dark. The Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe approach was adapted to extract the pesticides.ResultsThe sorption behavior depended on both the pesticide and the plastic mulch type. On average, the sorption percentage was ~23% on LDPE and PAC and ~50% on Bio. The decay of active substances in the presence of plastic was ~30% lesser than the decay of active substances in solution alone. This study is the first attempt at assessing the behavior of a diversity of plastic mulches and pesticides to further define research needs.

Estimation of Pesticide Residues in Selected Products of Plant Origin from Poland with the Use of the HPLC-MS/MS Technique

The purpose of this work was to compare the content of pesticide residues (250) in unprocessed plant products from farms situated in the eastern part of Poland. The content of pesticide residues in the analysed samples was assayed with the use of the QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe) method combined with HPLC-MS/MS (high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry) analysis. The analyses revealed that among 160 analysed samples, pesticide residues were detected in 83 samples (approximately 52%), while in 77 samples (approximately 48%), no presence of those substances was noted. In all the samples in which the presence of the sought compounds was identified, their levels did not exceed the Maximum Residue Levels (MRL). The most often identified ones were azoxystrobin—detected in 36 samples (22.5%), linuron—assayed in 33 samples (20.6%), chlorpyrifos and carbendazim—each detected in 13 samples (8.1%), metalaxyl and metalaxyl M—in 11 samples (6.9%), and acetamiprid—in 7 samples (4.4%).