Residual Pesticide Levels Research Articles

Occurrence, distribution, and dietary risk assessment of pesticides in apples at the provincial scale

Apples are widely favored by consumers, but the presence of pesticide residues can pose risks to their quality and safety. This study investigated the residual levels of pesticides in commercial apples from 11 cities in Shanxi Province, using analytical methods to detect 102 pesticides. A total of 34 pesticides were detected, with the highest detection rate observed for carbendazim (78.95%), tebuconazole (57.14%), and acetamiprid (53.38%). Pesticide concentrations ranged from below 2 μg/kg to 522.96 μg/kg, with all levels remaining within the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in China. The retention factors, which characterize the distribution pattern, exhibited a significantly positive correlation with the base-10 logarithms of the octanol-water partition coefficient (pKow). All detected pesticides showed acceptable acute dietary risks, with values below 21.33% for different consumer groups, as assessed by deterministic and probabilistic models. This study enhances the understanding of residual pesticide levels and dietary risks of pesticides in apples at the provincial scale and promotes the rational application of pesticides.

Residue of Pesticides in Fruits, Vegetables, and Their Management in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, using pesticides to manage pests in the growing of fruits and vegetables is a standard practice. Various classes of pesticides have been approved to combat pests, but the majority of those in use now are outdated broad-spectrum insecticides with significant residual effects on crops of freshly eaten fruits and vegetables. This review reveals that Ethiopia’s assessment of the residual pesticide level in fruits and vegetables has been lacking. According to the reviewed literature, crops that are often treated with pesticides in many countries have significant residual pesticide levels. However, Ethiopia has not adequately reported on this issue. Furthermore, due to a lack of knowledge regarding the impact of pesticide residues on human health, Ethiopians frequently use pesticides improperly to control pests in fruits and vegetables. The majority of consumers eat their fruits and vegetables unprocessed, without washing or cooking them first. To reduce the risk of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables for consumer safety and to battle the health effects of toxic chemicals in humans, monitoring pesticide residues and raising awareness about the adverse effects of pesticides on humans are urgently needed. Before they may be registered and sold, pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables as well as in the environment must also undergo proper testing and evaluation. New pesticide generations that have fewer side effects on fruits and vegetables must also be developed. By washing, peeling, canning, or boiling fruits and vegetables before consumption, the detrimental effects of pesticide residues on human health can be minimized.

Preservation of citrus fruit, and dissipation by diffusion and degradation of postharvest pesticides during storage

We investigated the effects of residues of the postharvest pesticides 2,4-dichlorophenol, carbendazim, iprodione and prochloraz in citrus fruits, where they were encountered in average contents of 0.765 ± 0.060, 0.367 ± 0.030, 0.739 ± 0.055, and 0.929 ± 0.074 mg kg−1, respectively, and exhibited half-lives of 6.47–77.00 d upon storage at 3 °C for 45 d. The contents in 2,4-dichlorophenol and carbendazim did not exceed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by the European Union (1.0 mg kg−1) and China (5.0 mg kg−1). Preservatives added to Valencia citrus fruit (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) were degraded slowly at 3 °C. More than 50 % of their amounts remained on the fruit peel and never reached the pulp —by exception, the content in carbendazim of the pulp of oranges stored at 21 °C for 7 d was as high as 0.52 mg kg−1, which testifies to the need for storage at lower temperatures. Residue degradation exhibited strong, negative correlation with temperature, the relationship between the degradation rate constant (k) and temperature being of the Arrhenius type. Carbendazim proved an effective preservative for citrus fruit. Fruits should be carefully controlled for residual pesticide levels in order to ensure that they are safe for human consumption.

Multi-residue analysis of certain lanolin nipple care products for trace contaminants

BackgroundTopical lanolin is commonly used on nipples to aid breastfeeding success. The raw material undergoes refinement to remove contaminants such as pesticides, which may accumulate from exogenous environmental sources. The level of refinement influences final lanolin purity. For use in nipple creams, a lanolin which complies with a published monograph (either USP or Ph. Eur.) is desirable to ensure a non-toxic product with neutral taste and smell, and low allergenicity.MethodsThe aim of this study was to determine the residual trace pesticide levels and quantify the Free Lanolin Alcohols (FLA) levels in two commercially available lanolin products (HPA LANOLIN (Lansinoh Laboratories Inc.); PURELAN (Medela AG)) and two lanolin ingredients (PHARMALAN PH EU-SO-(RB) and CORONA-8 SO-(RB) (Croda, Goole, UK)) using established validated methods. Test samples were subjected to Gas-Chromatographic and Liquid-Chromatographic analysis to quantify and identify a panel of 178 pesticide residues. FLA levels and the presence of oxidative metabolites were also determined.ResultsThe purity of the lanolin ingredients was consistent with expectations based on their level of refinement; lanolin in compliance with the Ph. Eur. monograph demonstrated the highest level of purity. Differences were seen between the lanolin nipple creams tested, in terms of FLA levels and pesticide residue levels. Specifically, the HPA LANOLIN contained an extremely low level of FLA (0.61%), which was fourfold less than in the PURELAN (2.76%). Additionally, the HPA LANOLIN did not contain any detectable pesticide residues. The PURELAN was found to contain a number of pesticide residues, however the detected levels were low and within the permitted limits and so despite their presence, the PURELAN was still compliant with the relevant monographs.ConclusionsThis data reinforces that the purity of monograph compliant Lanolin makes it suitable for use on the nipples of breastfeeding mothers. A higher level of refinement leads to a reduction in pesticide contaminants also reduces FLA levels in the final material, minimizing the risk of allergenicity.

Comparison of pesticide residue and specific nutrient levels in peeled and unpeeled apples.

Studies have shown that the consumption of apples has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases and some cancers, largely as a result of their micronutrient and phytoconstituent contents. Apple peel not only contains more polyphenols than the flesh, but also is likely to contain pesticide residues. The present study aimed to compare the contents of certain micronutrients and residual pesticide levels in peeled and unpeeled apples. Peeled apples contained fewer pesticide residues at lower concentrations than unpeeled apples. However, whether samples were peeled or not, the exposure values for pesticide residues in apples never exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI), but ranged between 0.04% and 2.10% of the ADI in adults for food intake estimated at the 95th percentile (277 g per person per day). Determination of polyphenol, fibre, magnesium and vitamin C levels showed that the nutritional differences observed between peeled and unpeeled apples were marginal. The consumption of apples, such as the apples tested in the present study, results in an exposure to pesticides that is low for unpeeled apples, and lower for peeled apples. Moreover, there was no significant loss of nutritional value from eating peeled apples based on the nutrients investigated. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb in fish and mussels in İzmir, Turkey, and the related health risk assessment (dose assessment and pesticide levels) to the consumers.

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (210Po and 210Pb) and residual pesticide levels were determined from the fish (red mullet, common sole, anchovy, horse mackerel, gray mullet, and sardine) and mussel samples collected in İzmir Bay seasonally from October 2012 and July 2013. The 210Po and 210Pb concentrations varied between 5.7 ± 4.0Bqkg-1 dry weight (dw) to 353.7 ± 45.0Bqkg-1(dw) and 0.7 ± 0.2Bqkg-1 (dw) to 4.3 ± 0.8Bqkg-1 (dw), respectively. From a public health point of view, the fish and mussel collected from the İzmir Bay are not harmful to consumers.

Health Risks associated with residual pesticide levels in fish reared in purified wastewater from slaughterhouse

The main objective of the present research was to determine the concentrations of the selected pesticides in muscle, liver and skin of common carp. Fish were sampled in two different seasons from fish pond which received previously treated slaughterhouse wastewater. Pesticides including etridiazole, chloroneb, trifluralin, propachlor, chlorothalonil, hexa-chlorocyclopentadiene, atrazine, simazine, alachlor, metribuzin, metolachlor, DCPA, cyanazine, chlorobenzilate, endrin aldehyde, cis permethrin and trans permethrin were determined by using a GS-MS method. Many of pesticides were not determined or determined in low concentrations. Propachlor was found in muscle, skin and liver. The recommended acceptable daily intake was higher in comparison with the estimated daily intake for examined pesticides via fish reared in treated slaughterhouse wastewater. It is very important to maintain the safety of the fresh fish produced in wastewater in order to ensure food safety and avoid health problems in humans.

Validation of analytical methods for organochlorine pesticide detection in shellfish and cephalopods by GC-MS/MS.

This study validated the analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in shellfish and cephalopods using a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), and monitored residual pesticide levels. The QuEChERS method was used to analyze OCPs and was validated by checking the linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), accuracy, and precision. Octopus minor and Venerupis philippinarum, were purchased from four cities in the South Korean peninsula. The LOD values were 0.10-0.80ng/g in shellfish and 0.21-0.77ng/g in cephalopods, while the LOQ values were 0.31-2.41ng/g in shellfish and 0.63-2.33ng/g in cephalopods. Accuracy ranged from 83.5 to 117.4% and 79.8 to 118.4%, and precision ranged from 0.3 to 27.5% and 1.2 to 27.9%, in shellfish and cephalopods, respectively, conforming to the Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines. Although residual OCP levels were below detection limits, the QuEChERS method may be effective for analyzing the OCPs in shellfish and cephalopods.

Residual Distribution Kinetics of Pesticides in Cherry Tomato Peel, Pulp, and Fruit as a Function of Irrigation Water Salinity, Household Rinsing, and Storage Regimen

The increased demand of high quantity and quality of cherry tomatoes requires the application of a wide range of pre-harvest pesticides. The application of dozens of pre-harvest pesticides frequently results in multiple pesticide residues, to which the end consumer is exposed. Incorrect usage of these pesticides may result in hazardous food contamination and therefore, it is crucial to monitor pesticide residues in pre- and post-marketed agricultural commodities. Hence, the objectives of the present study were to characterize the distribution and residual levels of pre-harvest pesticides applied on cherry tomatoes, as a function of regulated storage conditions, irrigation water salinity levels, and tap water rinsing. The fruits were grown in a greenhouse and were designated for the local and international markets. The residual pesticide levels allowed us to perform a dietary risk assessment for the consumption of contaminated tomatoes. Tetraconazole was the only pesticide residue, exceeding the maximal residue limit (MRL) value of 50 µg/kg in the fruits after 5 days of storage time. Since tetraconazole was shown to potentially impair reproduction and fetal development, it is suggested that the last application of this pesticide would be restricted to not less than 56 days before harvest. The extent of pesticide peel penetrability as well as the pesticide distribution and residual levels in the peel and pulp were unaffected by the salinity level (electrical conductivity 1.5–3 ds/m) of the irrigation water. The most commonly applied household washing procedure for fruit and vegetables, using running tap water for 30 s, was ineffective in removing residual pesticides from the peel. Hence, more efficient washing procedures are required to improve consumers’ safety.

Analytical approach, dissipation pattern and risk assessment of pesticide residue in green leafy vegetables: A comprehensive review.

The category of 'leafy vegetables' comprises a wide range of plants, including cabbage, lettuce, leeks, spinach, Swiss chard and kale, and it forms a significant component of the human diet. Typically, leafy vegetables are low in calories and fat, are great sources of vitamins, protein, dietary fibre and minerals (including iron, calcium, and nitrates), and are rich in phytochemicals. To counter the impact of pests on vegetables, a broad variety of pesticides are used. Because of their large surface areas, leafy vegetables are expected to have high residual pesticide levels. As such, a sound analytical approach is needed to detect and quantify residue levels that are equal to or lower than the maximum residue limits, thus rendering the products safe for consumption. Overall, leafy vegetables consumed raw (after a tap water wash only), boiled or steamed contribute 2% of total vegetable consumption globally, and they might have a comparatively greater influence on health than cereal ingestion. Consequently, in this review paper, we highlight the importance of leafy vegetables, the pesticides that are commonly used on them and various analytical techniques, including sample preparation, extraction, clean-up and final detection. The effects on dissipation patterns, pre-harvest residue limits and safety/risks imposed by various pesticides are also reviewed and discussed. In conclusion, environmentally friendly extraction methods coupled with high-throughput techniques with greater reproducibility and lower uncertainty are needed for quantifying residues in leafy vegetables at very low concentrations. Commercial and household food preparation, such as washing, peeling, blanching and cooking are effective in removing most of the pesticide residues that are loosely attached on vegetables.

Acute Toxicity of Larval Honeybee to the Most Common Pesticides Detected in Pollen

Residual pesticide levels detected in pollen and honey in hive would be important factor in risk assessment of pesticide exposure for adult and larval honeybee. Herein, we investigated the cumulative mortality of larvae on single exposure of the four most common pesticides detected in pollen, and compared its susceptibility with the lethal dose 50% of adult bees. Four pesticides used in this study were acetamiprid, chlorothalonil, coumaphos, and tau-fluvalinate, which were mixed in artificial diet at the average and maximum residual concentrations reported in pollen. Chlorothalonil and tau-fluvailnate at the average levels induced higher cumulative mortality (respectively 25% and 17%) than other tested pesticides. Mortality occurred more quickly after single exposure in larvae treated with the maximum pesticide levels than the average levels. However, cumulative larval mortality did not increase pesticide-dose dependently in a single exposure test of four all pesticides. Based on the lethal dose 50% of pesticides for adult bees, the larval mortality was greater than bee adult mortality. Therefore, larval stage of honeybee might be much more sensitive to pesticides relative to the adult stage.

Pesticide exposure of honeybees (Apis mellifera) pollinating melon crops

The decline of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) populations impacts global agricultural production and affects both food production and the economy. One of the probable causes for this decline is the indiscriminate use of pesticides. Here, we compare the levels of pesticide exposure among honeybees that are used to pollinate melon (Cucumis melo L.) crops, honeybees that forage in the forest, and stingless bees, Melipona subnitida, that forage in the forest. The level of pesticide exposure was determined by measuring residual pesticide levels of 152 compounds in the honey. Honey samples from the present study contained 19 different pesticides, 13 of which were present in honey from bees pollinating melon crops. The levels of some compounds were sufficiently high to promote toxic effects in the bees. Thus, crop pollination presents a toxicological risk to bees that may reduce their life span.

Human health risks associated with residual pesticide levels in edible tissues of slaughtered cattle in Benin City, Southern Nigeria

Pesticide residues in meat is of growing concern due to possible adverse effects on humans. Pesticide levels were assessed in five edible cattle parts: muscle, liver, kidney and tongue tissues to determine human health risk associated with consumption of these tissues. Health risk estimates were analysed using estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) for two (2) age/weight categories: 1–11years/30kg for children while 70kg was used for adult. Risks were categorized for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects and measured at the average, maximum, 50th and 95th percentiles of the measured exposure concentrations (MEC). Total pesticide residues ranged from 2.38 to 3.86μg/kg (muscle), 3.58 to 6.3μg/kg (liver), 1.87 to 4.59μg/kg (kidney) and 2.54 to 4.35μg/kg (tongue). Residual pesticide concentrations in the tissues were in the order: Liver>Tongue>Muscle>Kidney. The concentrations of all the assessed pesticides observed in the tissues were however lower than the recommended maximum residual limits (MRLs). Human health risk estimations for the children showed EDI values for heptachlor epoxide, aldrin and dieldrin exceeding threshold values. Non-cancer risk posed to children on consumption of contaminated cattle parts showed HQ values for heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin and HI values for organochlorines exceeding 1, indicating the possibility of non-carcinogenic health risks to consumers especially children from consumption of cattle meat from the selected abattoirs.

서울지역 학교급식 식재료의 잔류농약 위해성 평가

We tested for residual pesticide levels in school foodservice agricultural products in Seoul, Korea from 2010 to 2012. A total of 316 samples of 23 different types of agricultural products were analyzed via gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphate detector (GC-NPD), an electron capture detector (GC-μECD), a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MSD), and a high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). We used multi-analysis methods to analyze 185 different pesticide types. Among the selected agricultural products, residual pesticides were detected in 26 samples (8.2%), of which 6 samples (1.9%) exceeded the Korea Maximum Residue limits (MRLs). We detected pesticide residue in more than 65% of the Chwinamul, while 6 among 9 analyzed samples contained pesticide residue, and 1 sample exceeded the Korea MRLs. Among the 185 kinds of pesticides that we have tested, 18 were detected, while 7 of them were detected more than twice. Data obtained were then used for estimating the potential health risks associated with the exposures to these pesticides. The most critical commodity is carbofuran in the perilla leaves, which has contributed 3.8% to the hazard index (HI). These results showed that the detected pesticides could not be considered as a serious public health problem. Nevertheless, constant supervision is recommended.

Determination of Carbamate and Organophosphorus Pesticides in Vegetable Samples and the Efficiency of Gamma-Radiation in Their Removal

In the present study, the residual pesticide levels were determined in eggplants (Solanum melongena) (n = 16), purchased from four different markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The carbamate and organophosphorus pesticide residual levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the efficiency of gamma radiation on pesticide removal in three different types of vegetables was also studied. Many (50%) of the samples contained pesticides, and three samples had residual levels above the maximum residue levels determined by the World Health Organisation. Three carbamates (carbaryl, carbofuran, and pirimicarb) and six organophosphates (phenthoate, diazinon, parathion, dimethoate, phosphamidon, and pirimiphos-methyl) were detected in eggplant samples; the highest carbofuran level detected was 1.86 mg/kg, while phenthoate was detected at 0.311 mg/kg. Gamma radiation decreased pesticide levels proportionately with increasing radiation doses. Diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and phosphamidon were reduced by 40–48%, 35–43%, and 30–45%, respectively, when a radiation strength of 0.5 kGy was utilized. However, when the radiation dose was increased to 1.0 kGy, the levels of the pesticides were reduced to 85–90%, 80–91%, and 90–95%, respectively. In summary, our study revealed that pesticide residues are present at high amounts in vegetable samples and that gamma radiation at 1.0 kGy can remove 80–95% of some pesticides.

Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Commercially Dried Vegetables

We tested for residual pesticide levels in dried vegetables in Seoul, Korea. A total of 100 samples of 13 different types of agricultural products were analyzed by a gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphate detector (GC-NPD), an electron capture detector (GC-μECD), a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MSD), and a high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). We used multi-analysis methods to analyze for 253 different pesticide types. Among the selected agricultural products, residual pesticides were detected in 11 samples, of which 2 samples (2.0%) exceeded the Korea Maximum Residue limits (MRLs). We detected pesticide residue in 6 of 9 analyzed dried pepper leaves and 1 sample exceeded the Korea MRLs. Data obtained were then used for estimating the potential health risks associated with the exposures to these pesticides. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) range from 0.1% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for bifenthrin to 8.4% of the ADI for cadusafos. The most critical commodity is cadusafos in chwinamul, contributing 8.4% to the hazard index (HI). This results show that the detected pesticides could not be considered a serious public health problem. Nevertheless, an investigation into continuous monitoring is recommended.

Microbial Safety, Nutritive Value and Residual Pesticide Levels are Comparable among Commercial, Laboratory and Homemade Baby Food Samples – A Pilot Study

Objective: Parents are often concerned about potential safety and nutritional differences between store-bought and homemade baby foods but research evaluating them is limited. Thus, samples from commercial, lab-made and home- made baby foods were analyzed in this pilot study to compare their microbial safety, nutritive value and residual pesticide levels. Methods: Ten samples were collected per group, totalling thirty. Commercial samples were provided by a large-scale commercial manufacturer along with their corresponding recipes prepared in the laboratory and at home by ten different mothers in the Brampton and Guelph areas of Ontario, Canada. Results: Except for zinc, samples produced commercially, at the lab and at home had comparable mean contents for total energy, fat, carbohydrate, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Homemade samples had higher mean zinc content than commercial baby foods (P<0.05). Commercial samples had the lowest bacterial growth (< 5 Cfu/g total plate counts). However, all baby food samples were microbiologically safe. At least one sample from all three groups contained pesticide residues. Peaches in all the three groups tested positive for N-methyl carbamate screen (oxamyl or carbaryl). However, the levels of pesticide residues found in all baby food samples were below government maximum residue limits. Conclusion: Baby foods prepared commercially, in the laboratory and at home are similarly safe and nutritious. When preparing them at home, extra care should nevertheless be taken to prevent contamination since slight negligence can lead to serious health complications for the baby. Replication of findings in other jurisdictions and with a larger sampling frame would strengthen the generalizability of the study findings.

ベビーフード中の残留農薬実態（１９９９年４月〜２００５年６月）

A survey of pesticide residues in 316 baby foods on the Tokyo market from April 1999 to June 2005 was carried out. Fifteen kinds of pesticides, including organophosphorus, organochlorine, carbamate, pyrethroid and others, were detected between at levels Tr (below 0.01 ppm) and 0.55 ppm from 28 samples. The baby foods in which residual pesticides were detected were produced from flour, leaf vegetable and fruits. The pesticides were detected in baby foods produced with minimal processing, such as straining and squeezing. For the baby foods containing pesticides, the amounts of intake of the pesticides were calculated from the recommended servings, and compared with the ADI values. Residual pesticide levels in baby food were between 0.06 and 16.6% of the ADI. Therefore, these foods should be safe in normal usage.

米中の農薬残留実態（１９９５年４月〜２００５年３月）

Pesictide residues in 343 samples of domestic rice and 32 samples of imported rice purchased on the Tokyo market from April 1995 to March 2005 were investigated. Residues of eleven kinds of pesticides (including organophosphorus, organochlorine, carbamate, pyrethroid and organonitrogen pesticides and bromide) were detected at levels between trace and 1 ppm in 47 domestic rice samples. DDVP and bromide residues were detected at levels between 0.01 ppm and 5 ppm in 18 imported rice samples. For rice samples that were found to containing pesticides, the amounts of pesticide intake were calculated according to the daily intake of rice, and they were compared with the ADI values. Since residual pesticide levels were 17/10,000-2/5 of ADI, all the rice samples were considered to be safe for human consumption.

市販ベビーフード中の残留農薬実態（１９９６年４月〜１９９８年６月）

Between April 1996 to June 1998, 133 samples of 9 food commodities were analyzed for pesticide residues. In 8 samples of 5 commodities, 5 kinds of pesticides residues were detected. The baby foods in which the pesticides were detected were produced from vegetables and fruits. In our investigations, pesticide residues have been frequently detected in the raw materials. For the baby foods containing pesticides, intake amounts of the pesticides calculated from the daily feeding volume and the ADI were compared. Residual pesticide levels in baby food commodities are low, and it was concluded that they are not likely to present any problem in normal usage.