Investigation of pesticide residues in grape, apricot and plum product of Maragheh county in 2020

Abstract

Background: food security is one of the most important issues for consumers of agricultural products. The use of pesticides is very effective in increasing the quality and quantity of agricultural products. However, excessive use of pesticides, lack of awareness of farmers, as well as non-observance of pre harvest interval (PHI), can lead to the emergence of pesticide residues in agricultural products, and environmental pollution. Therefore, evaluation of the pesticide residues in agricultural products including fruits and vegetables is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the pesticide residues in products of grape, apricot and plum of Maragheh County in 2020. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 32 samples of the grape, apricot and plum were randomly collected from the central fruit and vegetable field of Maragheh in a period of 4 months in 2020. In total, in 64 samples (without washing, with washing,) the residual levels of 8 pesticides in 28 samples and 17 pesticides in 36 sample were determined. Pesticide residues were analyzed using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS, Agilent-7890A). The pesticide extraction from the matrix was done following the modified QuEChERS method. The Non-cancer risk assessment for two age groups of adults and children performed based on the method proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Finally, data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 software at a significance level of 0.05. Results and discussion: In 100% of grape samples (unwashed and washed), at least 11 pesticide residues were found, while 33.33 % of the samples contained more than 11 pesticides residues. In 100% of apricot samples (unwashed and washed), at least 11 pesticide residues were found, while 83.33 % of the samples contained more than 11 pesticides residues. In 100% of plum samples (unwashed and washed), at least 10 pesticide residues were found, while 83.33 % of the samples contained more than 10 pesticides residues. In samples of grapes, apricots and plums, except for the parathion pesticide, all other pesticide residues were higher than the maximum residue levels (MRLs) recommended by the European Union. In samples of grapes, except for pesticides of parathion, disulfoton, ethion, and azinohos methyl, and in samples of apricot and plum, except for pesticides of parathion, fenitrothion, chlorpyrifos, malathion, and azinphos methyl, other pesticide residues were higher than the MRL recommended by the Standard Organization of Iran. The results of cumulative risk assessment of multiple pesticide residues in the samples showed that HQ values mean due to the consumption of unwashed grape, apricot and plum for adults were 0.37, 0.17 and 0.11, and children were 1.48, 0.68 and 0.45, respectively. Also, HQ values mean due to the consumption of washed grape, apricot and plum for children were 0.84, 0.45 and 0.26, respectively. Conclusion: In general, the mean residues of the pesticide in 100% samples of grape, apricot and plum in both unwashed and washed treatments was higher than MRL. The results showed that children are more at risk of pesticides than adults. The health risk does not threaten the age groups of adults due to the consumption of unwashed grape, apricot and plum. However, children are at risk of multiple residues of pesticide from the consumption of unwashed and washed grape