Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables of the argentine domestic market: Occurrence and quality

Therapeutic potential of salvigenin to combat atrazine induced liver toxicity in rats via regulating Nrf-2/Keap-1 and NF-κB pathway

Atrazine (ATR) is the second most extensively used herbicide which adversely affects the body organs including liver. Salvigenin (SGN) is a flavonoid which demonstrates a wide range of biological and pharmacological abilities. This study was planned to assess the protective ability of SGN to avert ATR induced liver damage in rats. Thirty-two rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into four groups including control, ATR (5 mg/kg), ATR (5 mg/kg) + SGN (10 mg/kg) and SGN (10 mg/kg) alone supplemented group. ATR exposure reduced the expression of Nrf-2 while instigating an upregulation in Keap-1 expression. Furthermore, the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme‑oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutathione reductase (GSR) contents were decreased while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels after ATR treatment. Moreover, ATR poisoning increased the levels of ALT, AST, and ALP while reducing the levels of total proteins, and albumin in hepatic tissues of rats. Besides, ATR administration escalated the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 while inducing a downregulation in the expressions of Bcl-2. Similarly, ATR intoxication increased the levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, ATR disrupted the normal histology of hepatic tissues. However, SGN treatment remarkably protected the liver tissues via regulating antioxidant, anti, inflammatory, anti-apoptotic as well as histology parameters. Therefore, it is concluded that SGN can be used as therapeutic agent to combat ATR-induced hepatotoxicity.

Determination, temporal variation and potential health risk assessment of pesticide residues in grapes from South and Southwest China

Pesticide residues in grapes from South and Southwest China were determined using the QuEChERS procedure and UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS methods. The 4-year monitoring and survey showed 94.6% of the 1341 samples of grapes collected from eight main production areas contained one or multiple pesticide residues (above the respective LOQs). Overall, 40 pesticides were detected, including 24 fungicides, 12 insecticides, 2 acaricides and 2 plant growth modulators, of which one pesticide was unauthorised for use in treating grapes. Two or more pesticide residues were discovered in 87.4% of the samples (above the respective LOQs), and pesticide residues in 5.7% of the samples exceeded the MRLs, such as difenoconazole, cyhalothrin, propiconazole, etc. The main risk factors affecting the safety of grape before 2019 were difenoconazole, cyhalothrin and cyazofamid. After 2019, however, the frequency of occurrence of the above pesticides significantly declined, and the banned or restricted pesticides including omethoate were not found, which was credited to the stricter supervision and management policies by local governments. Despite the high detection rates and multi-residue occurrence of pesticides in grapes, about 84% of the samples were compliant with regulatory standards. Moreover, the accumulative chronic diet risk determined from ADI is very low. This study and timely monitoring can ensure that grape growers comply with GAP and minimise the occurrence of residues.

Determination of 57 pesticide residues in fishery products by GC tandem mass spectrometry combined with QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extraction

An analytical method using GC-MS/MS combined with quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction was developed to determine 57 pesticides in fishery products. The limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ, respectively) of the analytical method ranged between 0.91 and 2.12 ng/g wet mass and 3 and 7 ng/g wet mass, respectively. Moreover, the linearity of the calibration curves was acceptable (R2 > 0.99). The relative pesticide recoveries ranged between 53.87 and 127.2%, and reproducibility ranged between 0.25 and 10.87%. The pesticide residues in brown seaweed, eel, flatfish, shrimp, and abalone samples were analyzed using the developed analytical method, and the results indicate that most samples were not contaminated by the 57 target pesticides, except low levels (< 10 ng/g) of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethene, alachlor, ametryn, isoprothiolane, and prometryn in several samples.

SERS combined with QuEChERS using NBC and Fe3O4 MNPs as cleanup agents to rapidly and reliably detect chlorpyrifos pesticide in citrus

The surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique is being increasingly used for the detection of pesticide residues in agricultural products. However, there are large amounts of fluorescence-producing substances in agricultural products, which seriously affect the Raman signal of the analyte. In this paper, the QuEChERS method was used to remove interfering fluorescent substances in the analyte, and the purification effects of different doses of nano bamboo charcoal (NBC) and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4 MNP) adsorbents were studied. Meanwhile, the Raman spectral acquisition conditions (AuNPs, test solution, and NaCl) were optimized based on the orthogonal test method. The results showed that 300 µL AuNPs, 40 µL test solution, and 100 µL 1.5% NaCl gave the best SERS response effect. 12.5 mg NBC combined with 10 mg Fe3O4 MNPs could effectively remove the interfering substances from citrus. The Raman spectra of chlorpyrifos molecules were theoretically modeled using density-functional theory (DFT). By comparing the DFT results with the actual tests, five feature peaks, at 338, 522, 558, 672, and 1600 cm-1, were obtained for the detection of chlorpyrifos pesticide residues in citrus. Based on the Raman feature peak intensity at 672 cm-1, the concentration of chlorpyrifos in citrus showed a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9979) in the concentration range of 3-20 mg kg-1. The recovery rate was 92.12% to 98.38%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.77% to 5.29%. The lowest detection concentration was about 3 mg kg-1, and the detection time of a single sample could be completed within 15 min. This study showed that the combination of SERS and QuEChERS preprocessing methods could achieve rapid detection of chlorpyrifos pesticide residues in citrus.

Determination, Quality, and Health Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Kumquat in China

Pesticide residues in kumquat fruits from China, and the quality and chronic/acute intake risks in Chinese consumers, were assessed using the QuEChERS procedure and UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS methods. Our 5-year monitoring and survey showed 90% of the 573 samples of kumquat fruits collected from two main production areas contained one or multiple residual pesticides. Overall, 30 pesticides were detected, including 16 insecticides, 7 fungicides, 5 acaricides, and 2 plant growth modulators, of which 2 pesticides were already banned. Two or more residual pesticides were discovered in 81% of the samples, and pesticide residues in 9.4% of the samples surpassed the MRLs, such as profenofos, bifenthrin, triazophos, avermectin, spirodiclofen, difenoconazole, and methidathion. The major risk factors on the safety of kumquat fruits before 2019 were profenofos, bifenthrin, and triazophos, but their over-standard frequencies significantly declined after 2019, which was credited to the stricter supervision and management policies by local governments. Despite the high detection rates and multi-residue occurrence of pesticides in kumquat fruits, about 81% of the samples were assessed as qualified. Moreover, the accumulative chronic diet risk determined from ADI is very low. To better protect the health of customers, we shall formulate stricter organic phosphorus pesticide control measures and stricter use guidelines, especially for methidathion, triazophos, chlorpyrifos, and profenofos. This study provides potential data for the design of kumquat fruit quality and safety control guidelines and for the reduction in health risks to humans.

Recent trends in pesticides in crops: A critical review of the duality of risks-benefits and the Brazilian legislation issue

Due to the increasing population worldwide, in recent years, an exponential increase in agricultural practices has occurred in order to attend to the growing demand for food. Unfortunately, this increase is not associated with the supply of foodstuffs free of environmental pollutants. In Brazil, agriculture is one of the most important economic pillars, making the country one of the largest consumers of pesticides around the world. The intense use of pesticides, mainly glyphosate, 2,4-D, and atrazine, constitutes an essential factor in the viability of this great agricultural productivity. Sugarcane, corn, soybean, and citrus crops consume around 66% of the total pesticides worldwide, representing 76% of the planted area. Pesticide residues have been frequently detected in food and the environment, becoming a significant concern for human health. Monitoring programs for pesticide use are essential to reduce the potential negative impacts on the environment and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of their use. However, in Brazil, the approval status of pesticide-active ingredients is very discrepant compared to other agricultural countries. Moreover, the duality of benefits and risks of pesticide application creates an economic and toxicological conflict. In this paper, we have critically reviewed the duality of risks-benefits of the use of pesticides in agriculture and the current Brazilian legislation issues. We have also compared this flawed legislation with other countries with high economic potential. Due to the negative environmental impacts on soil and water by the high levels of pesticides, remediation techniques, sustainable agriculture, and the development of new technologies can be considered some viable alternatives to reduce the levels in these compartments. Besides, this paper includes some recommendations that can be included in the coming years.

Atrazine characterization: An update on uses, monitoring, effects, and environmental impact, for the development of regulatory policies in Argentina

Atrazine (ATZ) is the third most widely used herbicide in Argentina (10 000 t year^-1 ) and is approved for sugar cane, flax, corn, sorghum, and tea. An assessment of the ATZ environmental impacts was conducted at the request of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Argentina. A review of 541 national and international technical and scientific reports and a survey among agricultural technicians, applicators, and producers was done. The survey revealed that 94% of ATZ applications are terrestrial and use diversion exists, associated mainly with soybean cultivation. Atrazine was reported at high frequencies (50%-100%) in surface and groundwater, sediments, and soils, sometimes exceeding permitted limits. Several sublethal effects induced by ATZ on invertebrate and vertebrate species were found, sometimes at concentrations lower than those in water quality guidelines (<3 µg L^-1 ) or the environmental concentrations found in Argentina. Available epidemiological or human health studies of local populations are extremely scarce. This assessment also demonstrated that herbicides are ubiquitous in the environment. The investigation highlights the need for further studies assessing the adverse effects of ATZ on local species, ecosystems, and human health. Therefore, the precautionary principle is recommended to promote better application standards and product traceability to reduce volumes entering the environment and to avoid use deviation. In addition, this work concluded that there is a need for reviewing the toxicological classification, establishing buffer zones for ATZ application, introducing specific management guidelines, and expanding local studies of toxicity, ecotoxicity, and human epidemiology for environmental and health risk assessments. This study could also serve as a preliminary risk evaluation for establishing a final regulatory action and for considering ATZ inclusion in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention. Finally, the requirements to consider its inclusion in Annex A (Elimination) or B (Restriction) of the Stockholm Convention were evaluated and discussed, and information on the potential of long-range transport was the only criterion with no information to consider. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:684-697. © 2022 SETAC.

Residue Levels and Dietary Intake Risk Assessments of 139 Pesticides in Agricultural Produce Using the m-PFC Method Based on SBA-15-C18 with GC-MS/MS

A survey was designed to investigate the pesticide residues in agricultural produce and to estimate their potential intake risks to inhabitants. A total of 314 samples of nine types of fruits and vegetables were collected from the supermarkets and vegetable markets of Shandong Province (China) from October 2020 to February 2022. An accurate and reliable multi-residue method, based on GC-MS/MS detection, as well as the multiplug filtration cleanup method, based on SBA-15-C18, was prepared by a solution chemical reaction. Additionally, an in situ co-condensation method was established for the quantification of 139 pesticide residues. Residues that contained no pesticides were detected in 66.5% of the 314 samples. Moreover, of the samples, 30.6% were at or below the MRLs, and 2.9% were above the MRLs. Residues of procymidone were found to be the one that most often exceeded the MRLs (1.3% of the samples). Tebuconazole was found most frequently in 22.0% of the samples analyzed. Consumer exposure to the 139 pesticides did not exceed 100% ADI and ARfD. This led to a consideration that these pesticide residues in the nine commodities may not raise the health risk of the consumers in the long and short term. The highest value of chronic dietary intake was obtained from spirodiclofen, which resulted in a 24.1% of ADI. Furthermore, the highest exposure levels in the short term were obtained from the consumption of leeks with procymidone (58.3% ARfD).

Quality Control of Pesticide Residue Measurements and Evaluation of Their Results

Pesticide residues are monitored in many countries around the world. The main aims of the programs are to provide data for dietary exposure assessment of consumers to pesticide residues and for verifying the compliance of the residue concentrations in food with the national or international maximum residue limits. Accurate residue data are required to reach valid conclusions in both cases. The validity of the analytical results can be achieved by the implementation of suitable quality control protocols during sampling and determination of pesticide residues. To enable the evaluation of the reliability of the results, it is not sufficient to test and report the recovery, linearity of calibration, the limit of detection/quantification, and MS detection conditions. The analysts should also pay attention to and possibly report the selection of the portion of sample material extracted and the residue components according to the purpose of the work, quality of calibration, accuracy of standard solutions, and reproducibility of the entire laboratory phase of the determination of pesticide residues. The sources of errors potentially affecting the measured residue values and the methods for controlling them are considered in this article.

Novel fungal organophosphorus hydrolases in acidic media: an application to apples decontamination

Organophosphorus pesticides bring significant improvements in agriculture, but their toxicity causes environmental and health negative impacts. The aim of this work was the development of robust biocatalysts to be applied in bioremediation. Four fungi were evaluated as hydrolase sources capable of degrading organophosphorus pesticides: Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp., Penicillium chrysogenum, and Penicillium nalgiovense. The hydrolysis rates of methyl paraoxon obtained under acidic conditions were in the range of 10 to 21 mg L^-1 d^-1, which is remarkable since most similar biocatalysts are active under alkaline conditions. Penicillium chrysogenum activity was outstanding, and it was selected to prepare, characterize, and study the applications of its enzymatic extract. It was used to evaluate the bioremediation of apple surfaces at pH 2 in the presence of SDS, achieving complete methyl paraoxon degradation under proposed conditions. These results indicate that this biocatalyst could complement industrialized fruit washing processes for the elimination of organophosphorus pesticides.

Reversibility of glyphosate sorption in pampean loess-derived soil profiles of central Argentina

There is a growing concern about glyphosate's behavior in the environment. Herbicide behavior in soils greatly depends on adsorption-desorption phenomena, which have shown great variability in soils, although the reversibility of this process has been less examined. The adsorption-desorption behavior of glyphosate was measured on representative soil profiles of the northeast region of Argentinean Pampas, a semi-arid crop cultivating region. Two soil profiles samples (P1 and P2, both Entic Haplustoll) were collected and segmented into depth increments of 0-10, 10-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm. Batch adsorption/48 h-desorption isotherms were performed in a controlled setup. Soil samples had a high sand content (77-92%), and a low content of clay (<3%), but markedly differing in the available P content, especially in the upper layers of soil profiles (0-40 cm, P1 range 133-170 ppm; P2 range 7-43 ppm). Adsorption-desorption isotherms showed a similar range of variation, between 150 and 1400 L kg ^-1for K_Fads and 450-1400 L kg ^-1for K_Fdes, without appreciable evidence of hysteresis (0.95 ± 0.05). Sorption capacity parameters showed a distinct behavior with depth, P1 exhibiting a U-shape with minimum values at intermediate depths (20-60 cm), while P2 decreases sharply between 0 and 40 cm. General linear models considering the specific surface area (SSA) of each sample and the spatial correlation structure for soil profiles showed a main positive association of K_Fads and K_Fdes with the soil organic matter, together with a positive association with iron content (K_Fads), and a negative association of K_Fdes with available P content. These results indicate high adsorption extents and sorption reversibility of glyphosate to sandy loam soils of the region, which implies the potential for the herbicide to be available for leaching or degradation under a scenario of intensive use.

Pesticide Residues in Vegetables and Fruits from Farmer Markets and Associated Dietary Risks

The use of pesticides leads to an increase in agricultural production but also causes harmful effects on human health when excessively used. For safe consumption, pesticide residues should be below the maximum residual limits (MRLs). In this study, the residual levels of pesticides in vegetables and fruits collected from farmers' markets in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt were investigated using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. A total number of 40 pesticides were detected in the tested vegetable and fruit samples. Insecticides were the highest group in detection frequency with 85% and 69% appearance in vegetables and fruits, respectively. Cucumber and apple samples were found to have the highest number of pesticide residues. The mean residue levels ranged from 7 to 951 µg kg^-1 (in vegetable samples) and from 8 to 775 µg kg^-1 (in fruit samples). It was found that 35 (40.7%) out of 86 pesticide residues detected in vegetables and 35 (38.9%) out of 90 pesticide residues detected in fruits exceeded MRLs. Results for lambda-cyhalothrin, fipronil, dimothoate, and omethoate in spinach, zucchini, kaki, and strawberry, respectively, can cause acute or chronic risks when consumed at 0.1 and 0.2 kg day^-1. Therefore, it is necessary for food safety and security to continuously monitor pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in markets.

Legacy and emerging pollutants in Latin America: A critical review of occurrence and levels in environmental and food samples

The increase and indiscriminate use of personal care products, food products, fertilizers, pesticides, and health products, among others, have resulted/are resulting in extensive environmental contamination. Most of these products contain traces of widespread chemicals, usually known as emerging pollutants (EPs) or pollutants of emerging concern (PEC). The Latin American (LA) region comprises 20 countries with different social and cultural aspects, with 81 % of the population living in urban areas. The LA region has some countries on the top list of users/consumers of EPs, from pesticides and fertilizers to personal care products. However, there is a gap in information related to the distribution of EPs in the environment of this region, with very few existing review texts exploring this issue. Therefore, this present paper advances this approach. An exhaustive literature review, with the selection of 176 documents, provided unique up-to-date information on the presence/distribution of 17 classes of legacy or emerging pollutants in different food and environmental matrices (soil, sediment, water, and air). The study shows that the wide distribution and recorded levels of these pollutants in the continental environment are potential risks to human health, mainly through food and drinking water ingestion. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are pollutants of deep public concern since they show carcinogenic properties. Several classes of pollutants, like endocrine disruptors, have caused harmful effects on humans and the environment. Besides that, pharmaceutical products and pesticides are compounds of high consumption worldwide, being environmental contamination a real and ongoing possibility. Finally, gaps and future research needs are deeply pointed out.

Assessment of pesticide use and pesticide residues in vegetables from two provinces in Central Vietnam

Pesticide residue in food, especially in vegetables, is one of the important parameters to assess food safety. This study evaluates the pesticide use in vegetables from two provinces in Central Vietnamand and present data on pesticides detected in vegetables sampled from the sites. The potential health risk associated with the contamination of four commonly used pesticides in different vegetables is also discussed. Both household surveys and monitoring campaigns were conducted. The survey showed that improper pesticide application, storage, and waste disposal prevailed at the study sites. Only 20% of the respondent were aware of pesticide toxicity. As a result, pesticides were detected in 81% out of 290 vegetable samples collected at harvesting time. Up to 23% of samples had pesticide residues above the Maximum Residue Limit values. The highest total pesticide concentration quantified in vegetables in Thua Thien Hue was 11.9 mg/kg (green onions), and in Quang Binh was 38.6 mg/kg (mustard greens). Median residue levels of individual pesticides in vegetables ranged from 0.007 to 0.037 mg/kg. Among the ten target pesticides, cypermethrin, difenoconazole, and fenobucarb were detected at the highest frequencies (72%, 41%, and 37%, respectively). Pesticide residues varied between seasons at both study provinces. Pesticide contamination in the wet season was significantly higher than in the dry season. This study also discovered a potential health risk associated with fipronil residues in vegetables in Thua Thien Hue province. The paper provides recommendations for mitigation measures (both technological and social) in reducing potential health risks linked to pesticide use in vegetables in the region.

Advancement and New Trends in Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Food: A Comprehensive Review

Food safety is a rising challenge worldwide due to the expanding population and the need to produce food to feed the growing population. At the same time, pesticide residues found in high concentrations in fresh agriculture pose a significant threat to food safety. Presently, crop output is being increased by applying herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, nematicides, and soil amendments. A combination of factors, including bioaccumulation, widespread usage, selective toxicity, and stability, make pesticides among the most toxic compounds polluting the environment. They are especially harmful in vegetables and fruits because people are exposed to them. Thus, it is critical to monitor pesticide levels in fruits and vegetables using all analytical techniques available. Any evaluation of the condition of pesticide contamination in fruits and vegetables necessitates knowledge of maximum residue levels (MRLs). We set out the problems in determining various types of pesticides in vegetables and fruits, including the complexity and the diversity of matrices in biological materials. This review examines the different analytical techniques to determine the target analytes that must be isolated before final consumption. Many processes involved determining pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and their advantages and disadvantages have been discussed with recommendations. Furthermore, MRLs of target pesticide residues in fruit and vegetable samples are discussed in the context of data from the literature. The review also examines MRLs' impact on the international trade of fruits and vegetables. Accurate, sensitive, and robust analytical procedures are critical to ensuring that pesticide levels in food products are effectively regulated. Despite advances in detection technology, effective sample preparation procedures for pesticide residue measurement in cereals and feedstuffs are still needed. In addition, these methods must be compatible with current analytical techniques. Multi-residue approaches that cover a wide range of pesticides are desired, even though pesticides' diverse natures, classes, and physio-chemical characteristics make such methods challenging to assemble. This review will be valuable to food analysts and regulatory authorities to monitor the quality and safety of fresh food products.

Simultaneous Determination of Multi-Class Pesticide Residues and PAHs in Plant Material and Soil Samples Using the Optimized QuEChERS Method and Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis

New analytical approaches to the simultaneous identification and quantification of 94 pesticides and 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in five representative matrices (pepper, apple, lettuce, wheat, and soil) were developed. The analyses were based on gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The procedure was optimized by changing the solvent used during the extraction, from acetonitrile to the acetone: n-hexane mixture at a volume ratio of 1:4 (v/v), as well as the use of a reduced amount of water during the extraction of compounds from cereals. An additional modification was the use of florisil instead of GCB in the sample cleanup step. A full method validation study was performed, at two concentration levels (LOQ and 1000 × LOQ), which showed satisfactory results for all analytes from the PAHs group, with recoveries ranging from 70.7-115.1%, and an average RSD of 3.9%. Linearity was tested in the range of 0.001-1.000 mg/kg and showed coefficients of determination (R²) ≥ 0.99 for all PAHs. Satisfactory recovery and precision parameters (LOQ and 100 × LOQ) were achieved for almost all analytes from the pesticide group in the range of 70.1-119.3% with the mean RSD equal to 5.9%. The observed linearity for all analytes in the concentration range of 0.005-1.44 mg/kg was R² ≥ 0.99, with the exception of famoxadone, chizalofop-p-ethyl, prothioconazole, spirodiclofen, tefluthrin, and zoxamid. The extended uncertainties were estimated, using a top-down approach of 9.9% (average) and 15.3% (average) for PAHs and pesticides samples, respectively (the coverage factor k = 2, the 95% confidence level). Ultimately, the method was successfully applied to determine pesticide residues in commercial samples of fruit, vegetables and grain, and soil samples for PAHs, which were collected from selected places in the Podkarpacie region. A total of 38 real samples were tested, in which 10 pesticides and 13 PAHs were determined. Proposed changes allow us to shorten the sample preparation time (by 20%) and to reduce the consumption of organic solvents (by 17%). The use of florisil for sample cleanup, instead of GCB, improves the recovery of compounds with flat particles.

Social and environmental conflicts caused by agrochemical use in Salta, Santiago del Estero and Santa Fe, Argentina

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the understanding and visibility of conflicts and disputes over the use of agrochemicals in the provinces of Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero and Salta, in Argentina. Secondary information sources were gathered and systematized to perform a first contextual analysis of regulatory frameworks, public policies and the emergence of social construction processes related to environmental and health risks. This analysis revolved around three dimensions: a regulatory dimension, a political-institutional dimension, and a territorial-health dimension. In all three jurisdictions, there are specific laws that govern the use of agrochemicals and certain institutionalization intended to implement, control and monitor them. However, similarly to what has happened at the regional and international levels, the study revealed multiple conflict situations and/or events that call environmental and health impacts into question. Agrochemical use policy is shattered into multiple regulations, institutions and levels of competence, a framework in which health and environmental policies are left behind. Despite some progress, there is no official recognition of the health and environmental damage caused by the use of agrochemicals.

Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis reveals new biomarkers and mechanistic insights on atrazine exposures in MCF‑7 cells

Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is a long-suspected endocrine-disrupting chemical. However, most endocrine-disrupting toxicity studies on ATZ have been based on animal models and those investigating inner mechanisms have only focused on a few genes. Therefore, the possible link between ATZ and endocrine-disrupting toxicity is still unclear. In this study, multi-omics and molecular biology techniques were used to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of ATZ exposure on MCF-7 proliferation at environmentally relevant concentrations. Our study is the first report on ATZ-induced one carbon pool by folate metabolic disorder in MCF-7 cells. A concentration of 1 μM ATZ yielded the highest cell viability and was selected for further mechanistic studies. A total of 34 significantly changed metabolites were identified based on metabolomic analysis, including vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, and corresponding derivatives. Folate and pyridoxal have potential as biomarkers of ATZ exposure. One carbon pool by folate metabolic pathway was identified based on metabolic pathway analysis of the significantly altered pathways. Moreover, FTCD and MTHFD related to this pathway were further identified based on transcriptomic analysis and protein assays. Folate and different forms of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate, which participate in purine synthesis and associate with methyl groups (SOPC, arachidonic acid, and L-tryptophan) in one carbon pool by the folate metabolic pathway, potentially promote MCF-7 cell proliferation. These findings on the key metabolites and regulation of the related differentially expressed genes in folate metabolism will shed light on the mechanism of MCF-7 cell proliferation after ATZ exposure. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanistic understanding of toxicity caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Pesticide residues in vegetables produced in rural south-western Uganda

This study investigated seven pesticides in vegetables produced in rural South-western Uganda to determine their suitability for human consumption. Pesticide residue concentrations (ppm) were determined using QuEChERS method, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS and UV-Vis. Cypermethrin, dimethoate, metalaxyl, profenofos, malathion, dichlorvos and mancozeb concentrations detected in sprayed samples ranged between 0.00403 and 0.05350, 0.17478-62.60874, 0.12890-3.55681, 0.00107-0.59722, 0.03144-0.63328, 0.00240-0.34102 and 0.00001-0.00244, respectively. The residues exceeded MRLs in sprayed samples (59.52%), unsprayed samples (18%) and market samples (8%). The quality index of the market vegetables was found to be optimal (14.29%), good (75%), adequate (3.57%) and inadequate (14.29%). Pesticide residues may lower food quality and pose risk to human health. Therefore, regulation and monitoring pesticide residues in vegetables produced in south-western Uganda in order to avoid harmful effects on human health would be paramount.

Method optimization and validation for the routine analysis of multi-class pesticide residues in Kinnow Mandarin and fruit quality evaluation

The present study describes the selection of a sensitive multi-residue method that can be used for the routine testing of pesticides in Kinnow Mandarin. The citrate-buffered QuEChERS extraction followed by primary secondary amines and C₁₈ clean-up was found suitable for the analysis of fifty four pesticides. The limit of quantification for the selected pesticides was lower than maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by European Union, Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), and twelve other countries. The method's accuracy ranged from 74.4 to 112% and expanded uncertainty ranged from 7.5 to 49.6%. The validated method was applied to Kinnow Mandarin samples, collected from 22 export units of district Sargodha, Pakistan. Almost 27% of the samples (n = 22) were exceeding the CAC-MRLs. The index of quality for residues (IqR), for 64% of the samples, was considered adequate. The study indicates the need for regular monitoring to protect public health and ensure safe and consistent trade.

Ameliorative effects of biochar on persistency, dissipation, and toxicity of atrazine in three contrasting soils

The presence of atrazine a persistent herbicide in soil poses a serious threat to the ecosystem. The biochar amendment in soil altered the fate of this herbicide by modifying the soil properties. The present study examines the dissipation and toxicity of atrazine in three contrasting soils (silty clay, sandy loam, and sandy clay) without and with biochar amendment (4%). The experiment was performed for 150 days with three application rates of atrazine (4, 8, and 10 mg kg^-1). The speciation and degradation of atrazine, metabolite content, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activities were evaluated in all treatments. Three kinetic models and soil enzyme index were calculated to scrutinize the degradation of atrazine and its toxicity on soil biota, respectively. The goodness of fit statistical indices suggested that the first-order double exponential decay (FODE) model best described the degradation of atrazine in silty clay soil. However, a single first order with plateau (SFOP) was best fitted for atrazine degradation in sandy loam and sandy clay soils. The half-life of atrazine was higher in sandy clay soil (27-106 day^-1) than silty clay (28-77 day^-1) and sandy loam soil (27-83 day^-1). The variations in the dissipation kinetics and half-life of the atrazine in three soil were associated with atrazine partitioning, availability of mineral content (silica, aluminum, and iron), and soil microbial biomass carbon. Biochar amendment significantly reduced the plateau in the kinetic curve and also reduced the atrazine toxicity on soil microbiota. Overall, biochar was more effective in sandy clay soil for the restoration of soil microbial activities under atrazine stress due to modulation in the pH and more improved soil quality.

Multiple pesticides occurrence, fate, and environmental risk assessment in a small horticultural stream of Argentina

Peri-urban horticulture is crucial to local populations, but a global paucity of information exists regarding the contamination of the associated waterways because of this activity. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide pollution of surface water, suspended particulate matter and bottom sediments from the Carnaval Creek Basin (La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina) - a representative system of waterways surrounded by horticultural production - by over 40 selected herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides by gas-chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Six sampling campaigns were conducted biannually from 2015 to 2017. Glyphosate and (aminomethyl)phosphonic acid (AMPA), surprisingly, were the most frequently detected pesticides, in concentrations comparable to those reported in areas with genetically modified extensive crops (maximum in water, 20.04 and 4.86 μg·L^-1; in sediment, 1146.5 and 4032.7 μg·kg_dw^-1, respectively). The insecticides chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and λ-cyhalothrin were detected in more than 30% of the samples. The concentrations tended to greatly exceed those previously reported - by up to more than 800 times for chlorpyrifos in water (maximum 2.645 μg·L^-1) and more than 400 times for lambda-cyhalothrin in sediments (maximum 2607.7 μg·kg_dw^-1). The total pesticide concentration in surface water was found to be influenced by precipitation regimes but was independent of the season of the year, with precipitations of more than 140 mm diluting the pesticide concentrations to levels below detection limits. An environmental risk assessment performed with the pesticide concentrations of pesticides in surface water revealed that the surrounding horticultural activity posed a high risk for aquatic biota, with 30% of the samples exceeding the threshold value by more than a thousand times. We conclude that pesticides from horticultural use are a major threat to small streams and their biodiversity. This work provides valuable information that is scarce regarding the impact on watercourses exclusively as a consequence of horticulture.

Impact of sonolytic ozonation (O3/US) on degradation of pesticide residues in fresh vegetables and fruits: Case study of Faisalabad, Pakistan

High pesticide residues in fresh produce is a serious food safety issue. This study was aimed at assessing the pesticides residues in some important vegetables and fruits marketed in Faisalabad, Pakistan and the impact of sonolytic ozonation (O₃/US) treatment in removing these contaminants. From a short grower's survey, five registered and mostly used pesticides (acetamiprid, carbendazim, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam) were identified. A time optimization trial of O₃/US application (05, 10 and 15 min) on okra, showed that 10 min treatment significantly reduced three identified chemicals (thiamethoxam 100 %, imidacloprid and thiacloprid 97.17 %), without any adverse effect on its quality. In follow up trial, five fresh vegetables (cauliflower, chillies, cucumber, spinach and tomato) three fresh fruits (grapes, guava and peach) collected from three markets of Faisalabad, were pooled together to have uniform samples. Vegetables and fruits were treated with O₃/US for 10 and 6 min, respectively, along with control (simple tap wash) for determining the impacts on pesticides degradation. Samples were processed for extraction, clean up and analysis using HPLC-UV-Vis in isocratic mode. The data revealed the presence of five mentioned chemicals, with an accumulative mean residue of 9.006 and 1.921 µg/g in tested vegetables and fruits, respectively. After subjecting to O₃/US, the accumulative chemical residues were reduced to 3.214 µg/g (64.313 %) and 1.064 (44.6 %) in treated vegetables and fruits respectively. Irrespective of fresh produce, the mean residues of thiamethoxam, imidachloprid, acetamiprid and thiachloprid and carbendazim were reduced by 99.3 %, 52.6 %, 65.2 %, 87.3 % and 72% respectively. It was concluded that sonolytic ozonation treatment was effective in significant reduction of pesticide residues from vegetables and fruits and thus can be employed as a good food safety practice at culinary level to reduce the associated health hazardous risks.

Endophytic bacterium CIMAP-A7 mediated amelioration of atrazine induced phyto-toxicity in Andrographis paniculata

The presence of atrazine, a triazine herbicide, and its residues in agriculture soil poses a serious threat to human health and environment through accumulation in edible plant parts. Hence, the present study focused on atrazine induced stress amelioration of Andrographis paniculata, an important medicinal plant, by a plant growth promoting and atrazine degrading endophytic bacterium CIMAP-A7 inoculation. Atrazine has a non-significant effect at a lower dose while at a higher dose (lower: 25 and higher: 50 mg kg^-1) 22 and 36% decrease in secondary metabolite content and plant dry weight of A. paniculata was recorded, respectively. Endophyte CIMAP-A7 inoculation significantly reduced atrazine soil content, by 78 and 51% at lower and a higher doses respectively, than their respective control treatments. Inoculation of CIMAP-A7 exhibited better plant growth in terms of increased total chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein, and metabolite content with reduced atrazine content under both atrazine contaminated and un-contaminated treatments. Atrazine induced oxidative stress in A. paniculata was also ameliorated by CIMAP-A7 by reducing stress enzymes, proline, and malondialdehyde accumulation under contaminated soil conditions than un-inoculated treatments. Furthermore, the presence of atrazine metabolites deisopropylatrazine (DIA) and desethylatrazine (DEA) strongly suggests a role of CIMAP-A7 in mineralization however, the absence of these metabolites in uninoculated soil and all plant samples were recorded. These findings advocate that the amelioration of atrazine induced stress with no/least pesticide content in plant tissues by plant-endophyte co-interactions would be efficient in the remediation of atrazine contaminated soils and ensure safe crop produce.

Analysis of Multi-Pesticide Residues and Dietary Risk Assessment in Fresh Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) from Local Supermarkets of the Metropolitan Region, Chile

In recent years, the official authorities in Chile have reported transgressions in the maximum residue levels of pesticides in fresh vegetables. There is no official information about traceability, pesticide levels, and potential health risks. The aim of this study was to analyse pesticide residues and their corresponding dietary risk assessments in tomatoes from supermarkets in the Metropolitan Region. Pesticides were extracted using the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe, QuEChERS method, and their concentrations were determined by using chromatography with HPLC-FL/UV and GC-MS/ECD/NPD, following the Analytical Quality Control and Method Validation Procedures for Pesticides Residues Analysis in Food and Feed, SANTE guide and ISO 17025:2017 standard. In addition, a dietary risk assessment was carried out by comparing Chilean data to international references. The results reported that 9% of the samples had pesticide residue levels above the maximum residue levels permitted in Chile. All the scenarios evaluated revealed the highest estimated daily intake and hazard quotients for methamidophos and chlorpyrifos. Both the active substances used were acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and were neurotoxic under chronic risk assessment. The results showed the highest chronic hazard index in the Chilean scenario for all age groups and genders. The evidence obtained revealed that methamidophos, methomyl, and chlorpyrifos should be restricted for their use in Chilean agriculture.

Validation of exposure indexes to pesticides through the analysis of exposure and effect biomarkers in ground pesticide applicators from Argentina

The characterization of the population exposed to pesticides and the use of effective biomarkers to evaluate potential health effects are determinant to identify vulnerable groups, understanding the causality of diverse pathologies and propose prevention policies. This is particularly important in countries where intensive agricultural practices had an explosive expansion in last decades. The aim of this study was assessing the usefulness of two exposure indexes questionnaire-based: Intensity Level of the pesticide Exposure (ILE) and Cumulative Exposure Index (CEI) and their scales, in terrestrial applicators of pesticide from the Province of Córdoba (Argentina). The analysis was performed contrasting ILE and CEI results with perceived symptomatology, in addition to effect and exposure biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was designed to compare pesticides body burdens and effect biomarkers between subjects occupationally (OE) and non-occupationally exposed (NOE) to pesticides. Prevalence of perceived symptomatology and genotoxicity damage was higher in the OE group. The exposure condition was the only variable explaining these differences. Significant associations were found between CEI and neurologic symptomatology (p < 0.05) and between ILE and plasmatic cholinesterase (p < 0.1). However, residues of HCB, β-HCH, α-endosulfan, pp'DDE, endrin, β-endosulfan, pp'DDT, endosulfan sulfate and mirex were found in blood samples from both groups. To our knowledge, this is the first report on pesticides body burdens in occupational exposure settings in Argentina. So far, our current results indicate that the occupational condition affects the health of the workers. Significant associations found between symptomatology and biomarkers with scales of CEI and ILE suggest their usefulness to verify different levels of exposure. Further research is necessary to propose these indexes as an affordable tool for occupational health surveillance in areas with difficult access to health care centres.

Levels of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in the Turkish domestic markets

In this work, pesticide residues in 493 fruit and vegetable samples obtained from markets in Turkey were detected after QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electron spray ionization (LC-ESI/MS/MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). Validation of the method was tested based on the European Union SANTE/12682/2019 guidelines. The samples were analyzed to determine the concentrations of 500 pesticide residues. The results indicated that 254 samples of 493 samples contaminated with pesticides, only 22% contained pesticide residues at or below maximum residue limits (MRLs), and 30% contained pesticide residues above MRLs. Chlorpyrifos was the most common pesticide (105 samples) from the detected pesticides; 49 samples were found above to MRLs with concentrations of 0.011-2.001 mg/kg. Among samples, peach (88%), dill (84%), mushroom (83%), arugula (73%), and spinach (72%) were the crops with the higher percentages of pesticide residues.

Evaluation of atrazine neurodevelopment toxicity in vitro-application of hESC-based neural differentiation model

Atrazine is one of the widely used herbicides in the world and most of the current researches on atrazine neurodevelopment toxicity have focused on rodents or zebrafish models in vivo, resulting in relatively high cost, time consumption, and lower translational value to identify its hazard for the developing brain. Major international initiatives have pushed forward to convert the traditional animal-based developmental toxicity tests to in vitro assays using human cells to detect and predict chemical health hazards. In this study, we presented a human neural differentiation model based on human embryonic stem cells (hESC) that can be used to test toxicity at different stages of neural differentiation in vitro. hESC were differentiated into neural stem cells (NSC) and then terminally differentiated towards mixed neurons and glial cells for 21 days. Cell survival, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and gene expression levels were examined. Our results demonstrated that atrazine inhibited the proliferation of hESC and NSC, and showed different toxic sensitivity on these two kinds of cells. Also, atrazine blocked the NSC cell cycle G1 phase via down-regulating CCND1, CDK2, and CDK4, with no obvious effect on apoptosis. In addition, atrazine curbed EB spontaneous differentiation and NSC-induced neurons and glia cells differentiation. Atrazine altered genes expression levels of PAX6, TUBB3, NCAM1, GFAP, TH, NR4A1, and GRIA1. From the data we obtained, we recognized that the dopaminergic system was not the only target of atrazine neurotoxicity, glutamatergic neurons and astrocytes were also adversely affected.

Evaluation of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from the Aegean region of Turkey and assessment of risk to consumers

Pesticides may cause a potential risk to human health when applied in excess to control pests, diseases, and weeds in crop fields. In the current study, conducted in the Aegean region of Turkey from 2012 to 2016, a total of 3044 samples of 16 different commodities of fruits and vegetables were screened to identify pesticide residues and health risk to consumers posed by such residues was assessed. Results showed that 354 samples out of the total samples had higher maximum residue limit (MRL) values, while the MRL values were lower in 473 samples. In the study, residues of 64 different pesticides detected in 3044 samples in which 11.6% samples exceeded maximum residue limit (MRL) levels as compared with that of the approved MRL level by the Turkish authorities. Out of total samples, number of samples having high MRL level were as follows: 74 for chlorpyrifos (2.43%), 145 for azoxystrobin (3.8%), 112 for triadimenol (3.8%), 103 for carbendazim (3.4%), 98 for chlorpyrifos (3.2%), 94 for pyrimethanil (3.10%), 90 for cyprodinil (2.9%), 76 for fludioxonil (2.50%), 75 for indoxacarb (2.40%), 66 for imidacloprid (2.10%), and 60 for boscalid (1.90%). Residues of one, two, three, four, and even more than five pesticides were detected, respectively, in 16.1, 5.8, 2.8, 1, and 1.7% of the total test samples. The lowest estimated daily intake (EDI) values ranged from 3.57×10^-3 to 8.98. The lower values of hazard quotient (HQ) were obtained in dried apricot, grape, and strawberry with the value of 0.01, although the HQ value in 32 out of 62 pesticides tested was found to be close to 0.

Pesticide residues and health risk appraisal of tomato cultivated in greenhouse from the Mediterranean region of Turkey

This research aims at assessing the health risks associated with pesticide residues in greenhouse grown tomato production in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. A multiresidue method based on modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) was used for sample preparation that is applied for pesticide detection from extraction of tomato samples in the methodology generated by The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Official Method. The restrain of the quantification varied from 0.002 to 0.009 mg kg-1. The validated data exposed both adequate recoveries, repeatability and reproducibility, including accomplished all other requirements of the European DG SANTE/12682/2019 Guideline. This study divulges that tomatoes cultivated in greenhouse demonstrate 61.5% of samples with one or various pesticide residues. The maximum permitted residue level of above the EU DG Guideline was in 12.2% of the samples. The main determined pesticide residues on the tomatoes cultivated in greenhouse were identified as chlorpyrifos methyl, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, and acetamiprid. Chlorpyrifos methyl (9.5%), cyfluthrin (6.6%), deltamethrin (5.5%), and acetamiprid (3.2%) were recognized as the most conducing residues to the hazard index (HI). The HI was 9.5% for adults and 11.02% for children (3 to <10 years). The major contributor of the HI was chlorpyrifos in both.

A global systematic review, meta-analysis and health risk assessment on the quantity of Malathion, Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos in Vegetables

It is widely believed that an increasing trend in the production and consumption of vegetables has led to a dramatic rise in the use of pesticides potentially threatening the health of consumers around the world. This systematic study along with meta-analysis has mainly centered on the evaluation of the quantity of three well-known pesticides namely, Malathion (MLT), Diazinon (DZN) and Chlorpyrifos (CPF) in vegetables. In this regard, a comprehensive literature search has been performed over the last decade (January 1, 2011 to June 21, 2020) within the scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Of 1239 articles identified through the database screening, 22 plus 37 data report were retained and included in the meta-analysis phase. Additionally, the probabilistic human health risks for the consumers due to the intake of CPF, DZN and MLT from eating vegetables were estimated by the Monte Carlo Simulated (MCS) method. According to the findings, the maximum quantities of MLT, DZN and CPF in the vegetables were observed in Pakistan (222 μg/kg, 95%CI = 214.94-229.08), Thailand (245.00, 95% CI = 235.2-254.8) and South Korea (440 μg/kg, 95% CI = 437.19-442.81), while the lowest concentration levels were reported in China (1.7 μg/kg, 95% CI = 1.56-1.84), Poland (0.57, 95% CI = 0.46-0.68) and Poland (5.78 μg/kg, 95% CI = 4.40-7.12), respectively. The results of the Egger's and the Begg's tests revealed that no bias with regard to the potential publication was observed. Finally, non-carcinogenic risk assessment results demonstrated that the exposure to the studied pesticides thorough vegetables consumption could not threaten the health of consumers.

Pesticides in edible mushrooms in Vietnam

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides have been established for edible mushrooms in order to control quality and ensure benefits of consumers in numerous countries, especially areas comprising Europe. In this study, by means of optimising extract purification conditions, a high sensitivity and reliability method to simultaneously determine 180 pesticides in mushrooms has been proposed. Matrix effects were minimised by combining QuEChERS extraction and a mixed mode of SPE cleaned up with different adsorbent materials after sample preparation. The method was completely validated following the requirements of SANTE/12682/2019. The LOQs ranged from 2 to 5 μg/kg, well below the MRLs as regulated by the EU (10-50 μg/kg). Both relative standard deviation of repeatability (RSD_r) and reproducibility (RSD_R) were less than 20% and recoveries varied from 70 to 120%. Therefore, this method was considered to be suitable for routine analysis of multi-pesticide residues in edible mushrooms.

Microbiological quality and determination of pesticide residues in the lettuce produced in Bahía Blanca's horticultural belt, Argentina

The aims of this research were 1) to find out the possible microbiological contamination and residues of pesticides (chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin) in lettuce grown in Bahía Blanca's horticultural belt, and bacteriological quality of waters used for irrigation and post-harvest washing, 2) to investigate and compare the internalization capacity of a strain of Escherichia coli isolated from irrigation water with another hospital uropathogenic strain. Some strains of bacteria can internalize into the plant tissue. This capability presents food safety threats as they cannot be removed with standard sanitation practices. To determine bacteriological quality of lettuce, E. coli, Salmonella spp and E. coli O157: H7/NM (n = 10) were investigated. Bacteriological quality of water was determined by quantification of fecal coliforms/100 mL (n = 20). Pesticides were determined by using an improved and validated QuEChERS method combined with GC-MSD. Irrigation water in 19/20 samples did not present health risk. Bacteriological quality of lettuce met demands in 9/10 samples. Pesticides were detected in half of the samples, values exceeding the FAO recommendations. An effort is strongly recommended to implement both, best phytosanitary practices and monitoring programmes. Uropathogenic strain was able to internalize into plant tissue, while the nonpathogenic one was not.

Chlorpyrifos and persistent organic pollutants in feathers of the near threatened Olrog's Gull in southeastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

The use of bird feathers to assess environmental contamination has steadily increased in ecotoxicological monitoring programs over the past decade. The Olrog's Gull (Larus atlanticus) is a species endemic to the Atlantic coast of southern South America, constituting one of the three threatened gull species listed in the entire American continent. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and chlorpyrifos in the Near Threatened Olrog's Gull through the analysis of body feathers sampled at the Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, the main wintering area of the species in Argentina, controlling for sex and age class. Chlorpyrifos showed the highest concentrations among all contaminants and groups of individuals (X¯ = 263 ng g^-1), while among POPs the concentration of organochlorine pesticides was higher than polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, likely indicating the current use of these agricultural contaminant in the region. The highest values of total POP concentrations (males X¯ = 280 ng g^-1, females X¯ = 301 ng g^-1) were found in juvenile gulls, likely as a consequence of the incorporation of pollutants during the breeding season. Subadult and adult birds showed difference between sexes in the concentration of contaminants, with higher levels in males than females. The results highlight the need to include birds of different sex and age classes in order to better understand the variation in pollutants loads. The present study provides relevant information to improve the conservation status of the Olrog's Gull and new insights about the environmental health of the Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, Argentina, a MAB-UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. However, there is a continued need for long-term monitoring programs focusing on this threatened species to understand the effects of pollutants on its population.

Dynamics of the Degradation of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Herbicides in Vegetables

(1) Background: Aryloxyphenoxy-propionates and cyclohexanediones are herbicides most widely used in dicot crops worldwide. The main objective of the study was to determine the dynamics of herbicide residues in carrot, lettuce, cauliflower, and onion in order to suggest a low level of residues in harvested vegetables. (2) Methods: Small plot field trials were carried out in four vegetables in the Czech Republic. The samples of vegetables were collected continuously during the growing season. Multiresidue methods for the determination of herbicide residues by LC-MS/MS were used. Non-linear models of degradation of individual herbicides in vegetables were calculated using the exponential decay formula. Action GAP pre-harvest intervals for the 25% and 50% maximum residue limit (MRL) and 10 µg kg⁻¹ limit (baby food) were established for all tested herbicides. (3) Results: The degradation dynamics of fluazifop in carrot, onion, and cauliflower was significantly slower compared to quizalofop and haloxyfop. The highest amount (2796 µg kg⁻¹) of fluazifop residues was detected in cauliflower 11 days after application. No residue of propaquizafop and cycloxydim was detected in any vegetable samples. (4) Conclusions: Aryloxyphenoxy-propionate herbicide (except propaquizafop) could contaminate vegetables easily, especially vegetables with a short growing season. Vegetables treated with fluazifop are not suitable for baby food. Lettuce and cauliflower treated by quizalofop are not suitable for baby food, but in onion and carrot, quizalofop could be used. Propaquizafop and cycloxydim are prospective herbicides for non-residual (baby food) vegetable production.

Levels and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in vegetables from Yamaltu area in Gombe, Nigeria

The study determined the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues and assesses health risks linked with the consumption of vegetables cultivated in the Yamaltu area in Gombe, Nigeria. OCPs residues were solvent extracted and analyzed with a high performance liquid chromatography equipped with UV/VIS Detector. The mean concentrations of ten detected OCPs residues were almost all above the set limit of EU/WHOMRL. The estimated daily intake of OCPs from samples was below the acceptable daily intake, hazard index estimated were <1, indicated no probable non-carcinogenic health effect, while the carcinogenic health effect showed that children were more vulnerable for the consumption of the contaminated vegetables.

Pesticide residue monitoring and risk assessment in the herbal fruits Schisandra chinensis, Lycium chinense, and Cornus officinalis in Korea

Schisandra chinensis, Lycium chinense, and Cornus officinalis are cultivated in South Korea, China and Japan. Because of their beneficial biological effectiveness, the consumption of these herbs is increasing. The objective of this study was to analyze the pesticide residue levels on these herbal fruits produced in Korea. A short- and long-term risk assessment of the pesticides in herbal fruits was conducted. Pesticides were detected in most samples, and all samples with multiple residues were also noted. The average numbers of pesticides detected in the S. chinensis, L. chinense, and C. officinalis samples were 1.84, 10.28, and 5.87, respectively. The short-term and highest long-term risks, and the cumulative risk (cHI) were 0.633%, 1.14%, and 7.56% (S. chinensis), 1.0 × 10-1%, 1.1 × 10-5%, and 4.0 × 10-5% (L. chinense), and 2.2 × 10-5%, 1.6 × 10-5%, and 8.9 × 10-5% (C. officinalis). No significant health risk for consumers via herbal fruit consumption was detected.

Non-thermal technologies: Solution for hazardous pesticides reduction in fruits and vegetables

Pesticide residues in the food above the maximum permissible residual limit (MRL) for safe consumption are a severe concern today. Though unit operations employed in domestic and industrial-scale processing of foods such as high-temperature decontamination and chemical washings degrade the agrochemicals and reduce toxicity, eliminating pesticides from the fresh and raw fruits and vegetables with the retainment of nutritional and organoleptic attributes demand appropriate non-thermal technologies. In this review, the potential of novel technologies like the pulsed electric field, high-pressure processing, irradiation, ozone, ultrasonication, and cold plasma for the reduction of pesticides in fruits and vegetables have been discussed in terms of their mechanism of action, playing around factors, advantages, and limitations. All the reviewed non-thermal technologies exhibited promising effects on pesticide degradation with their unique mechanism of action. Also, these techniques' potential to reduce the pesticides below MRLs and yield nontoxic metabolites in fruits and vegetables were analyzed. However, investigating the impact of the technologies on the nutritional and organoleptic quality profile of the commodities at the processing conditions causing noticeable pesticide reduction and the pathways of degradation reactions of various pesticides with each emerging technology should be studied to enhance the applicability.

Magnetic restricted-access carbon nanotubes for the extraction/pre-concentration of organophosphates from food samples followed by spectrophotometric determination

In this work, magnetic restricted-access carbon nanotubes (M-RACNTs) were synthesized, characterized and used in the dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) of organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) from food samples (broccoli, eggplant, cauliflower, and soy milk), followed by spectrophotometric determination in a flow injection analysis system. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were incorporated in the multi-walled carbon nanotubes employing dimethylformamide. The dimethylformamide was used as a solvent in the incorporation process, forming the suspension of both particles. The resulting M-CNTs were covered with an external bovine serum albumin (BSA) layer, chemically crosslinked. M-RACNTs were able to efficiently capture OPPs, excluding about 95% of the proteins from food matrices. The analyses were carried out in a flow injection analysis system (FIA), with the spectrophotometric detection (at 560 nm) of the complex formed by the reaction between OPPs, N-bromosuccinimide and rhodamine B. A fractional factorial design method was used to optimize the experimental parameters. The addition/recovery test showed results from 95.5% to 108.9%. Accuracies were checked by comparing the results obtained with the proposed and standard HPLC methods, which were in agreement. The proposed method was linear from 5 to 90 μg L^-1 of OPPs, with limits of detection and quantification of 0.74 and 5 μg L^-1 and precision of 3.67%, expressed as relative standard deviation. The pre-concentration factor was about 164 times.

Occurrence, temporal variation, quality and safety assessment of pesticide residues on citrus fruits in China

Citrus is highly consumed in China and considered a major source of pesticide carrier in human diet. In this paper, pesticide residues in mandarins, tangerines and oranges from China were evaluated, as well as the quality and long-term dietary risks for the Chinese consumers. Temporal variations for eight MRL non-compliant pesticides were also investigated. 106 pesticides were analyzed using QuEChERS procedure and UPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS and GC methods. Forty different pesticides were detected in 86% of the 2922 samples from 2013 to 2018. Chlorpyrifos was the most frequently detected pesticide with a detection rate of 40%. Residues of eight pesticides in 3.8% of the total samples exceeded their MRLs. The most severely excessive pesticide was bifenthrin with 283% MRL. The occurrences and exceeding rates of eight pesticides presented clear temporal variations during the six harvesting years. Isocarbophos, carbofuran and triazophos were the main risk factors threatening the citrus safety pre-2015, whereas profenofos and bifenthrin gradually became dominant after 2016, coinciding with government control measures. The index of quality for residues (IqR) levels of 88% of the samples were below 1.0, which indicated a satisfactory quality of citrus fruits in China, although 70% of the samples contained two or more residues. The cumulative chronic dietary risks were acceptable for both the Chinese general population and children and would not pose health risks. However, more strictly enforced control measures for methidathion and isocarbophos, and reduced usage of triazophos, quinalphos, profenofos and bifenthrin should be pursued to further improve the safety of citrus fruits.

Fate of Residual Pesticides in Fruit and Vegetable Waste (FVW) Processing

Plants need to be protected against pests and diseases, so as to assure an adequate production, and therefore to contribute to food security. However, some of the used pesticides are harmful compounds, and thus the right balance between the need to increase food production with the need to ensure the safety of people, food and the environment must be struck. In particular, when dealing with fruit and vegetable wastes, their content in agrochemicals should be monitored, especially in peel and skins, and eventually minimized before or during further processing to separate or concentrate bioactive compounds from it. The general objective of this review is to investigate initial levels of pesticide residues and their potential reduction through further processing for some of the most contaminated fruit and vegetable wastes. Focus will be placed on extraction and drying processes being amid the main processing steps used in the recuperation of bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetable wastes.

The outer influences the inner: Postharvest UV-B irradiation modulates peach flesh metabolome although shielded by the skin

UV-B-driven modulation of secondary metabolism in peach fruit by enhancing the biosynthesis of specific phenolic subclasses, is attracting interest among consumers. However, current literature explored the UV-B-induced metabolic changes only in peach skin subjected to direct UV-B irradiation. Accordingly, this study aimed to understand whether UV-B radiation penetrates the fruit skin and is able to induce metabolic changes also within the inner flesh. Peaches were UV-B-irradiated either 10 or 60 min, and the flesh was sampled after 24 and 36 h. Non-targeted metabolomics revealed that UV-B has a strong impact on peach flesh metabolome, determining an initial decrease after 24 h, followed by an overall increase after 36 h, particularly for terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, phytoalexins and fatty acids in the 60 min UV-B-treated samples (+150.02, +99.14, +43.79 and +25.44 log₂FC, respectively). Transmittance analysis indicated that UV-B radiation does not penetrate below the skin, suggesting a possible signalling pathway between tissues.