Rapid screening of 420 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables using ultra high performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry

A new method for screening and identification 420 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)were developed.The samples were extracted with acetonitrile/acetic acid(99:1,V/V),and clean-up by SinChERS-Nano(single-step,cheap,effective,rugged,safe,nano)column,determined by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS.The accurate mass database and MS/MS database which contains 420 pesticides were established,the automatic retrieval of detection results was carried on according to the accurate mass,retention time,isotope ratio,ion fragment information,and so on.Method verification was performed on leeks samples.The results showed that 420 pesticides had good linearity in the range of 0.1-100μg/L,and the correlation coeffificients(R2)was greater than 0.990.The limits of detections(LODs)and limits of quantifications(LOQs)of 420 pesticides were in range of 0.05-2.0 and 0.1-5.0μg/L,respectively.The average spike recoveries at 3 levels were 70.1%to 119.7%,and the relative standard deviations(RSD)were lower than 20%(n=6).With this method,a survey of pesticide residues was conducted for 110 samples of 10 different fruits and vegetables,which provided scientific data for ensuring pesticide residue safety of the fruits and vegetables consumed daily by the public.This method was simple,sensitive and accurate,and could be used for rapid screening of 420 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables.

Simultaneous Screening of 733 Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables by a GC/LC-Q-TOFMS Combination Technique

In this paper,we report the construction of two accurate mass databases and the development of a combination detection method that simultaneously screens for 733 pesticide and chemical contaminant multi-residues via high-throughput liquid chromatography(LC)-and gas chromatography(GC)-quadru pole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(Q-TOFMS).This work demonstrates that electronic mass spectral standards may replace chemical-source standard materials as references through one sample preparation and the combination of GC/LC-Q-TOFMS screening.This cutting-edge technique has also replaced multiresidue determination using targeted detection with non-targeted screening.The pesticide residue types,sensitivity,recovery,and reproducibility of this combination technique are evaluated in eight fruit and vegetable matrices.This technique shows three advantages:①In comparison with the discovery capability of a single technique,the combination technique shows an improvement of 51.1%(GC-QTOFMS)and 39.6%(LC-Q-TOFMS),respectively;②the combination technique can satisfy a screening limit lower than 10μg·kg^-1 and meet the requirements of“uniform standards,”although some of the pesticide residues could be optimized to further improve screening sensitivity;③over 488 pesticides with recoveries between 60%-120%and relative standard deviation(RSD)<20%at a spiked level of 10μg·kg^-1 were detected with the combination technique in eight different matrices.From 2012 to 2017,this combination technique was applied in an investigation to screen pesticide residues from 1384 sampling locations for 38138 batched samples covering 18 categories and 134 types of fruits and vegetables obtained from across the mainland of China.After statistical analysis,533 pesticides in 115891 determinations were detected,and the regularity of pesticides in the fruits and vegetables sold on the Chinese market was shown.

Pesticide Residues and Government Regulation in China─Evidence from Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables

China is a big producer and exporter of fruits and vegetables,and pesticide residues are an important factor affecting the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables and their export trade.In this paper,we analyzed the pesticide residue data on fruits and vegetables in 32 major Chinese cities between 2012—2019,the export data of Chinese fruits and vegetables and the role of pesticides in foodborne diseases.The results showed that pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables(PRFV)partial excess of maximum residue standard(MRL)and residues of banned pesticide were still widespread in China.By comparing the standards of pesticide residues in the European Union and China and addressing the agricultural situation in China,this paper analyzed the main causes of PRFV in China and put forward some policy suggestions for strengthening government regulation of pesticide application in agricultural products.

Statistical Analysis of Regularity of Pesticide Residues in Vegetables Produced in Inner Mongoli

[Objective]The paper was to study regularity of pesticide residues in vegetables produced in Inner Mongolia.[Method]Mathematical statistic analysis was carried out on 6 800 samples of veggies,fruits,leguminous vegetables,nuts and seeds produced in Inner Mongolia.[Result]The dominated vegetables in Inner Mongolia were green leafy vegetables,solanaceous vegetables and melon vegetables,and their yields accounted for 70%of the total vegetables production.Since 2003,with the rapid increase of detected vegetable numbers,the status of vegetable quality safety had entered into a new stage of sustainable steady after a rapid decline or periodic fluctuation,and the differences in safety levels were obvious,of which the range of exceeding standard rate of pesticide residues in solanaceous vegetables,melon vegetables and leguminous vegetables(about 55%of the total vegetables)was under 2%,with average values of 1.1%,1.6%and 3.1%,respectively.They belonged to stable type.The exceeding standard rate of pesticide residues in green leafy vegetables and Chinese cabbage group(about 30%of total vegetables)presented a decreasing trend year by year,wondering in the range of 7%-10%.They belonged to main risk type.The time period of exceeding standard of pesticide residues in root vegetables and cole vegetables was under predictable,and its exceeding standard rate in some years was over 5%(amplitude variation is over 15percentage points).They belonged to random risk type.The kinds of pesticides,which exceeding standard rate in vegetables were relatively intensive,presented variance in different vegetable species.70%of the pesticides belonged to intermittent over-limits and the probability was below 5%.About 20%tradition pesticides often exceeded standard and their probabilities were over 30%.The exceeding standard of organophosphorus and carbamates pesticides in vegetables presented a decreasing tend,while the risk of some new pesticides containing nitrogen element and high effective pyrethroids showed an increasing tendency.[Conclusion]The paper provided decision making services for agricultural management departments.

Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Vegetable Samples from Some Agricultural Areas in Togo

The study was conducted to monitor the concentration of pesticide residues in three staple vegetables (tomato, cabbage, lettuce) collected from 12 prefectures belonging to 4 agro-ecological regions of Togo. A total of 150 samples of ripe tomato, cabbage and lettuce were collected from the study areas and analyzed for 20 OCPs (organochlorine pesticides) residues, which can be grouped into DDTs, Drins, Heptachlors, Chlordanes and HCHs. The data revealed that 100% of the analyzed vegetable samples were contaminated by one or more pesticide residues;83.32% and 100% were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set par European Union and FAO/WHO respectively whereas 16.68% were above the EU (MRLs) adopted values. Overall, cabbage contained the highest number of samples with pesticide residues above the MRLs followed by tomato, whilst none of lettuce samples contained pesticide residues above the MRLs. It is therefore proposed to perform continuous monitoring studies of pesticide residues in vegetables cultivated in Togo.

Variability of Pesticide Residues in Vegetables from the Marketplaces in Jinan City

In order to provide technological support for risk estimation of pesticide residues taken from vegetables, the residues of pesticide in vegetables in Jinan City, China, were investigated. Moreover, the variability of pesticide residues in vegetables was explored, and the variability factor was calculated. The level of pesticide residue was studied by statistical method. The variability factor was calculated using the Harrell-Davis method in accordance with principles recommended by the JMPR. In addition, the procedure of evaluation was validated according to the principles laid down by the JMPR （Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues）. The detection rate of pesticide residues in all marketplace samples was less than 20% in Jinan City. The unqualified rate of vegetables was low （0.6%）. The chlorothalonil was found as the pesticide with the highest rate of detection. The vegetables with the highest rate of pesticide residues detected were leafy vegetables. The relationship between variability factor and mean value of concentrations of contaminations was expressed by the formula, v=4.9×Cmean. The pesticide residues in vegetables from Jinan City is low. The evaluated variability factor is larger than that the value recommended by the JMPR, however, less than the default value used for acute intake assessment of pesticide residues in UK in most cases.

Research Progress of QuEChERS Pretreatment Technique in the Detection of Multiple Pesticide Residues

The QuEChERS extraction technique is a pretreatment technique that has been rapidly applied in recent years and is widely used in the field of pesticide residues with many advantages. This technique is based on solid phase extraction (SPE), which uses the interaction between adsorbent and impurities in the matrix to achieve the purpose of purification. The method has easier operation and better purification effect than SPE. In this paper, the research progress of the QuEChERS technique in pesticide residue detection in different fields in recent years and its future development were reviewed, hoping to provide reference for further development and utilization of the QuEChERS technique in pesticide residue detection in the future.

Determination of 14 Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Mutton by Gel Permeation Chromatography-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(GPC-GC-MS)

[Objectives]This study was conducted to purify mutton samples by gel permeation chromatography(GPC).[Methods]Fourteen organophosphorus pesticide residues in samples were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)in selective ion scanning mode(SIM).[Results]The organophosphorus pesticide standard solutions showed good linearity in the mass concentration range of 0.1-10.0μg/ml with correlation coefficients(r)not lower than 0.999,and the detection limits(S=3 N)ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 mg/kg.The average recovery values were in the range of 80.2%-99.7%,with relative standard deviations(RSDs,n=3)in the range of 1.8%-6.3%,at the addition levels of 0.5,1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg.[Conclusions]The method is simple,sensitive and accurate,and can be used for the determination of organophosphorus pesticide residues in mutton.

Pesticide Residue Content in Vegetable Bases of Lhasa City

[Objectives]To understand the quality safety of vegetables produced in vegetable planting bases around Lhasa City.[Methods]Four vegetable planting bases in the east,west,south,and north of Lhasa City were randomly selected for testing using rapid measuring instrument for agricultural residues and solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometer,with 120 vegetable samples selected.The testing samples included seven categories:green leafy vegetables,eggplants,melons,onions and garlic,root vegetables,beans,and fungi,totaling 29 types of vegetables.The samples were tested for 8 common prohibited and restricted pesticides in organic phosphorus and carbamate esters,including methamidophos,parathion,methyl parathion,monocrotophos,isocarbophos,methamidophos,aldicarb,and carbofuran.[Results]The pesticide inhibition rate of 6 kinds of vegetables detected by the rapid measuring instrument for agricultural residues was relatively high,with green leafy vegetables being the majority,reaching over 25%.By further establishing a solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method,the accuracy of the data was verified experimentally.The experimental results indicated that the inhibition rate of vegetable samples in this experiment did not exceed 15%,and it was determined as a pollution-free vegetable.[Conclusions]According to the restriction standard of national pesticide use,the inhibition rate of vegetable samples was less than or equal to 40%,indicating that the quality of vegetables was qualified.

Matrix Effects of Fourteen Organophosphorus Pesticides Residues in Nine Kinds of Vegetable Matrices

The matrix effects of 14 organophosphorus pesticides in 9 kinds of vegetables matrices were preliminarily studied by gas chromatography/flame photomet- ric detection（FPD） in the paper. The matrix effects of 14 organophosphoms pesticides in 9 kinds of vegetable matrices at 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/L were compared, respectively. The results showed that matrix enhancement effect and matrix attenuation effect existed in all cases, while matrix effects did not have strong correlation with concentrations of pesticides, but were related to species of vegetables and structure and polarity of pesticides.

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

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

Determination of Coumoxystrobin Residue in Vegetables by QeEChERS-UPLC-MS/MS

[Objectives]This study was conducted to establish a method for determining residual coumoxystrobin in vegetables using QeEChERS-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(QeEChERS-LC-MS/MS).[Methods]The sample was extracted by acetonitrile,and the extract was purified by QeEChERS,concentrated by nitrogen blowing,and then detected.[Results]Coumoxystrobin had a good linear relation in the range of 0.01-10.0 mg/kg,and the linear equation was y=4686.92×x+5683.28,R^(2)=0.999.The limit of detection was 0.001 mg/kg,and the limit of quantitation was 0.003 mg/kg.[Conclusions]The method has the advantages of convenient and fast operation and stable detection process,and can provide technical support for the supervision and monitoring of coumoxystrobin.

Determination of Pesticides Residues in Some Fruits and Vegetables Imported to Iraq

A study was carried out in the laboratories of the National Center for Pesticides Control/State Board for Plant Protection / Ministry of Agriculture in 2010-2011. The aim was to determine the residues of some pesticides in fruits and vegetables imported to Iraq from neighboring countries （Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Iran）. Two types of fruits （apples and oranges） and two types of vegetables （tomatoes and cucumber） were selected for the purpose of this study. These fruits and vegetables are the most agricultural products imported for human consumption in Iraq. Samples were taken from different border points and from local markets. Extraction, clean up and analysis were then processed. The results indicated the presence of small amounts of residues of certain pesticides such as Deltamethrin and Abamectin and Thiamethoxam in some samples. However, these amounts were less than the limit allowed internationally. No indication was observed for the presence of other pesticides residues such as Bifenthrin Trticonazol and Imidacloprid ... etc. in the samples analyzed. Therefore, there is a need to continuity of inspection on pesticides residues in agricultural products imported to Iraq in order to prevent the entry of contaminating materials and secure human safety.

Detection and Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Chinese Chives and Risk Assessment of Dietary Intake

[Objectives]This study was conducted to understand the status of pesticide residues and dietary intake risk of Chinese chives in Tangshan area. [Methods] Sixty eight kinds of pesticide residues in 415 Chinese chive samples collected from Tangshan area were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography(GC) in 2020. [Results] The results showed that 41 kinds of pesticide residues were detected in the 415 Chinese chive samples, and the detection rate was 69.4%(288/415), and there was a combination of pesticides in many samples. According to the National Food Safety Standard―Maximum Residue Limits of Pesticides in Food(GB 2763-2019), the residues of 12 pesticides exceeded the maximum residue limits(MRLs), and the unqualified rate was 38.07%(158/415). The highest detection rate of clothianidin was 41.20%(171/415), but there was no MRL in GB 2763-2019. The next was procymidone, the detection rate of which was 35.42%(147/415), and the over-standard rate was 30.12%(125/415). Forbidden and restricted pesticides were detected in some samples. According to the dietary exposure risk assessment, the NEDI/ADI values were all less than 1 and the intake risk was within acceptable range. In Tangshan area, the types of pesticides used in Chinese chive production are complex, and there are risks of multi-residue pollution and use of banned and restricted pesticides and unregistered pesticides. It is suggested that routine monitoring of pesticide residues and management of pesticide use should be strengthened to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products. [Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for the safe production of Chinese chive and the standardized and rational use of pesticides.

Q-Learning-Based Pesticide Contamination Prediction in Vegetables and Fruits

Pesticides have become more necessary in modern agricultural production.However,these pesticides have an unforeseeable long-term impact on people's wellbeing as well as the ecosystem.Due to a shortage of basic pesticide exposure awareness,farmers typically utilize pesticides extremely close to harvesting.Pesticide residues within foods,particularly fruits as well as veggies,are a significant issue among farmers,merchants,and particularly consumers.The residual concentrations were far lower than these maximal allowable limits,with only a few surpassing the restrictions for such pesticides in food.There is an obligation to provide a warning about this amount of pesticide use in farming.Previous technologies failed to forecast the large number of pesticides that were dangerous to people,necessitating the development of improved detection and early warning systems.A novel methodology for verifying the status and evaluating the level of pesticides in regularly consumed veggies as well as fruits has been identified,named as the Hybrid Chronic Multi-Residual Framework(HCMF),in which the harmful level of used pesticide residues has been predicted for contamination in agro products using Q-Learning based Recurrent Neural Network and the predicted contamination levels have been analyzed using Complex Event Processing(CEP)by processing given spatial and sequential data.The analysis results are used to minimize and effectively use pesticides in the agricultural field and also ensure the safety of farmers and consumers.Overall,the technique is carried out in a Python environment,with the results showing that the proposed model has a 98.57%accuracy and a training loss of 0.30.

Rapid Screening of Pesticide Residues in Strawberry Based on HPLC-QTOF/MS SWATH Acquisition Mode

[Objectives]The paper was to establish a rapid screening method of pesticide residues in strawberry based on HPLC-QTOF/MS SWATH acquisition mode.[Methods]The strawberry sample was extracted with acetonitrile,purified with anhydrous magnesium sulfate,sodium chloride and primary secondary amine(PSA)powder,and then loaded on the machine.The full information spectrum was collected by positive ion mode and screened by comparing with the spectrum library,and 20 kinds of pesticide residues were quantitatively analyzed.[Results]The detection limits of 20 pesticide residues were 0.0002-0.0100 mg/kg,and they showed good linearity in the range of 0.0005-0.1000μg/mL(R 2≥0.995).The recoveries ranged from 62.8%to 106.3%.[Conclusions]This method is rapid,simple,sensitive and non-targeted,and can be used for rapid screening of multiple pesticide residues in strawberry.

Multiple Pesticide Residues in Bananas Sold in Tangshan City and Dietary Risk Assessment

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the pesticide residue status of bananas in Tangshan area and the dietary intake risk of consumers.[Methods]High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS)was applied to detect 70 pesticide residues in 191 batches of banana samples extracted from Tangshan area,and chronic and acute risk assessments were conducted.[Results]Among the 191 batches of bananas,172 batches of samples were detected to contain agrochemicals,with a detection rate of 90.05%.Seventeen agrochemicals were detected,accounting for 24.29%of the total agrochemicals tested.There was a phenomenon of multiple pesticide residues in a single sample,and high detection rates were found in carbendazim(49.21%),prochloraz(41.88%),pyraclostrobin(34.03%)and imidacloprid(30.37%).According to GB 2763-2021 National Food Safety Standards—Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Food,the over-standard rate of imidacloprid was 17.8%;and the chronic and acute dietary risks of the 17 pesticide residues were all less than 100%.[Conclusions]The pesticide residues in bananas consumed by consumers on a daily basis do not pose unacceptable dietary risks.

Determination of 2 Amides Pesticide Residues in Agricultural Products by Terahertz Time-domain Spectroscopy

[Objective] The aim was to explore the application of terahertz （THz） technique in pesticide recognition and residue determination. [Method] THz far-infrared spectral characteristics of 2 herbicides （butachlor and metolachlor） were measured by THz time-domain spectroscopy （THz-TDS） under conditions of room temperature and nitrogen,meanwhile their refractive index and absorption coefficient between 0.2 and 2.2 THz were calculated by using models based on Fresenl equations. [Result] The 2 pesticides both had a series of different characteristic absorption peaks between 0.2 and 2.2 THz,respectively. Their molecular structures were similar,but there were great difference in absorption and refractive index spectrum between them. [Conclusion] THz-TDS technique is feasible to detect pesticide residues,especially there is a greater advantage in identifying the structure of similar substances.

Simultaneous Determination of Four Pesticide Residues in Fruit Juice by HPLC

[Objective] This study was conducted to develop a system for simultaneous determination of imidacloprid, diflubenzuron, thiabendazole and carbendazim in fruit juice by HPLC. [Method] Using acetonitrile as the extraction solvent, the pesticides in fruit juice were purified through a NH2 solid phase extraction （SPE） cartridge, then detected by HPLC. [Result] There was a good linear relationship between the peak area and the concentrations of imidacloprid, diflubenzuron, thiabendazole and carbendazim in a range of 0.05-5.0 μg/ml, and the linear correlation coefficient varied in a range of 0.999 0-0.999 8; the limit of detection for imidacloprid, diflubenzuron, thiabendazole and carbendazim was 0.003, 0.005, 0.003 and 0.007 mg/kg, respectively. The recovery rate of imidacloprid, diflubenzuron, thiabendazole and carbendazim standards added at three levels （0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg） ranged from 82% to 107%, with RSD less than 4.5%. [Conclusion] The sensitivity, accuracy and precision of this method were able to meet the requirements for pesticide residue analysis.

Determination of 10 Pyrethroids Pesticide Residues in Rice by GC-MS-MS

[Objective] A method was developed for the determination of 10 pyrethroids pesticide residues in rice by GC-MS-MS. [Method] Pyrethroids were extracted with acetonitrile, followed by a salting-out step with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and sodium chloride, cleaned up by florisil solid phase extraction （SPE） cartridge, and determined by multiple reaction monitoring mode. [Result] The method showed good linearity over the range of 0.010-0.500 mg/L for 10 pyrethroid pesticide with correlation coefficients over 0.99. The detection limits were 0.005 -0.010 mg/kg. The method was validated by analyzing samples spiked with 0.05, 0.10, 0.20 mg/kg of 10 pyrethroid pesticides, respectively. The average recoveries in rice ranged from 75.0-115.5%, and the relative standard deviations （RSD） were between 3.9%-6.9%. [Conclusion] The method is easy, accurate and reliable, which can meet the requirement for the simultaneous determination and confirmation of pyrethroid pesticide residues in rice.