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

A systematic review/meta-analysis of xenobiotics in apple products highlights lack of compliance with European Food Safety Authority Regulation

Apples and their derivatives are among the most widely consumed fruit products in the world and iconic examples of food-safety issues. By using a systematic search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, we extracted 1374 publications on pesticides, mycotoxins, and heavy metal contents in apple products, which represented 44%, 48%, and 26% of publications on fruit, respectively. We selected 90 articles in which we were able to assess compliance with the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) regulations and found a 42.8% overall rate of checks exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), a 51.6% rate for pesticides, a 42.55% rate for heavy metals, and a 40.2% rate for mycotoxins. Over 60% of the 92 pesticides considered were banned by the European Union. The rate of noncompliance was much higher in the Middle East (65.2%), Africa (50%), Asia (43.9%), Europe (37.5%), and South America (33.3%) than in North America (12.5%). We observed an influence of the climate Köppen classification and the 2024 Human Development Index (HDI) on the rate of exceeding MRLs. Our data raise questions about the compliance with production regulation requirements and the efficacy of controls. According to the criteria that define MRLs, we also question non-negligible public health issues generated by the high rate of noncompliance.

Pesticide residues in grapes and wine: An overview on detection, health risks, and regulatory challenges

Grapes are fruits widely grown and known throughout the world, and they have significant economic and nutritional value. However, grapes are highly susceptible to attack by pests and insects, which reduces production and product quality. Pesticides are the most utilized solution for meeting global consumption demands and avoiding losses, and they can be used at any production stage. Although the benefits of using pesticides in grape production are evident, the prescribed limits must be observed to minimize their harmful effects on human health, as the accumulation of these compounds in the body over the long term can decrease life expectancy. This review of the literature intends to give a comprehensive analysis of pesticide residues in grape juice and wine, investigate analytical methodologies for pesticide detection, and set maximum residue limits (MRLs). Furthermore, the impacts of pesticide use and exposure to residues on the gut microbiota and adverse effects on human health were examined. Finally, insights into advances in detection and removal methods to mitigate the impact of pesticide residues in grape wine were presented. This review considers future perspectives in the field, including the development of safe and sustainable pesticides, with the improvement of international regulations to ensure food safety, aiming to expand pre-existing knowledge to provide more sustainable agricultural practices, encouraging global wine production. The target audience for this review includes researchers and academics, professionals in the agricultural and wine industry, regulators and government authorities, health professionals, and health and food safety-conscious consumers.

Rational design, synthesis, and antimicrobial evaluation of novel 1,2,4-trizaole-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives with a dual thioether moiety

In this paper, a series of novel 1,2,4-trizaole-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives with a dual thioether moiety were constructed. The synthetic compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS, and single crystal diffraction. The antimicrobial activities of title compounds against fungi (Pyricutaria oryzae Cav., Phomopsis sp., Botryosphaeria dothidea, cucumber Botrytis cinerea, tobacco Botrytis cinerea, blueberry Botrytis cinerea) and bacteria (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola, Xoc; Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, Xac) revealed these compounds possessed excellent antibacterial activity through mycelial growth rate method and turbidity method, respectively. Among them, compounds 7a, 7d, 7g, 7k, 7l, and 7n had the antibacterial inhibition rate of 90.68, 97.86, 93.61, 97.70, 97.26, and 92.34%, respectively. The EC50 values of 7a, 7d, 7g, 7k, 7l, and 7n were 58.31, 48.76, 58.50, 40.11, 38.15, and 46.99 μg/mL, separately, superior to that of positive control pesticide thiodiazole copper (104.26 μg/mL). The molecular docking simulation of compound 7l and glutathione s-transferase also confirmed its good activity. The in vivo bioassay toward Xac infected citrus leaves was also performed to evaluate the potential of compounds as efficient antibacterial reagent. Further study of antibacterial mechanism was also carried out, including extracellular polysaccharide production, permeability of bacterial membrane, and scanning electron microscope observations. The excellent antibacterial activities of these compounds provided a strong support for its application for preventing and control plant diseases.

Role of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Insecticide Residue Degradation

Lactic acid bacteria are gaining global attention, especially due to their role as a probiotic. They are increasingly being used as a flavoring agent and food preservative. Besides their role in food processing, lactic acid bacteria also have a significant role in degrading insecticide residues in the environment. This review paper highlights the importance of lactic acid bacteria in degrading insecticide residues of various types, such as organochlorines, organophosphorus, synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and diamides. The paper discusses the mechanisms employed by lactic acid bacteria to degrade these insecticides, as well as their potential applications in bioremediation. The key enzymes produced by lactic acid bacteria, such as phosphatase and esterase, play a vital role in breaking down insecticide molecules. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges and future directions in this field. However, more research is needed to optimize the utilization of lactic acid bacteria in insecticide residue degradation and to develop practical strategies for their implementation in real-world scenarios.

Residual levels of pesticides in filet green beans from Souss-Massa, Morocco

A total of 30 samples of filet green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) from various popular markets in the Souss-Massa region (Morocco) were analyzed during 2021 for the presence of pesticide residues. We performed a QuEChERS extraction (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) combined with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The method was validated in accordance with SANTE 11312/2021 guidelines. The results of this survey indicated that 8 out of 30 green bean samples are positives (0.015 to 0.112 mg/kg). Azoxystrobin was the most frequently detected pesticide, occurring in 5 samples. For authorized pesticides, none of the samples exceeded the European Maximum residue level (EU MRL) in green beans, but residue of fipronil-unauthorized substance was detected in one sample at 0.027 mg/kg. Hence, it is important to increase inspections for locally marketed fresh green beans and align agricultural practices with regulatory requirements.

Combined Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Profenofos-Induced Invisible Injury in Pakchoi (Brassica rapa L.) through Inhibition of Carotenoid Accumulation

Profenofos insecticide poses risks to nontarget organisms including mammals and hydrobionts, and its effects on crops are not known. This study examined the invisible toxicity of profenofos on pakchoi (Brassica rapa L.), using transcriptome and metabolome analyses. Profenofos inhibited the photosynthetic efficiency and light energy absorption by leaves and severely damaged the chloroplasts, causing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Metabolomic analysis confirmed that profenofos promoted the conversion of β-carotene into abscisic acid (ABA), as evidenced by the upregulation of the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway genes: zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED3), and xanthoxin dehydrogenase (XanDH). The inhibitory effects on carotenoid accumulation, photosynthesis, and increased ABA and ROS contents of the leaves led to invisible injury and stunted growth of the pakchoi plants. The findings of this study revealed the toxicological risk of profenofos to nontarget crops and provide guidance for the safe use of insecticides.

Method development of multi pesticide residue analysis in country beans collected from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and their dietary risk assessment

The aim of the study was to develop a modified QuEChERS method coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of five multi-class pesticides in country beans collected from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pesticides were extracted using ACN, and to minimize the co-extraction matrix, optimized d-SPE cleanup was done using sorbents (GCB, PSA, and C18). In the calibration range, the method showed excellent linearity with a correlation coefficient of R2 ≥ 0.9990 both in solvent- and matrix-matched calibration. For the selected pesticides, average recoveries (at four spiking levels (n = 5) of 10, 20, 100, and 200 µg/kg) of 70-100 % were achieved with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ≤ 9.5 %. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.3333 to 1.3333 μg/kg and 1.0 to 4.0 μg/kg, respectively. The dietary risk assessment, in terms of hazard quotient (HQ), was calculated to assess consumers' health risks.

Analysis of Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Residue in Locally Grown Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Eggplant Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Technique: A Bangladesh Perspective

Pesticides are chemical substances used to kill or control various types of pests, which are hazardous for crops and animals. Pesticides may remain on or in foods after these are applied to crops. Pesticide residue in food has been a major global concern since there are direct and indirect health hazards associated with the regular consumption of foods with pesticide residues. Chlorpyrifos is one of the most used pesticides that has received much attention worldwide due to its detrimental health impact. The presence of chlorpyrifos residue in food crops can have both long-term and short-term effects on consumer health. Bangladesh is an agricultural country that uses a high volume of pesticides every year including chlorpyrifos. This experimental study aimed to analyze chlorpyrifos pesticide residue in locally grown cauliflower, cabbage, and eggplant samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique followed by a suitable extraction process. Commercially available cauliflower, cabbage, and eggplant samples along with samples cultivated with the recommended pesticide dose were collected for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Samples cultivated without chlorpyrifos were collected as control samples for the validation study. The method was validated with respect to accuracy, recovery, reproducibility, linearity, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. The method has a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.011 mg/kg and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.034 mg/kg. The experimental results were compared to the maximum residue level (MRL) to assess the human health impact. Chlorpyrifos residue was found in 44% of cauliflower samples with 91% of samples higher than MRL. The residue was found in 68% of cabbage samples with 53% of samples higher than MRL. For eggplant, the residue was found in 80% of the samples with 65% of samples higher than MRL. The risk assessment based on the residue level found in this study shows a potential health hazard of having a high concentration of chlorpyrifos residue in locally grown vegetables.

Cyclotides: The next generation in biopesticide development for eco-friendly agriculture

Chemical pesticides remain the predominant method for pest management in numerous countries. Given the current landscape of agriculture, the development of biopesticides has become increasingly crucial. The strategy empowers farmers to efficiently manage pests and diseases, while prioritizing minimal adverse effects on the environment and human health, hence fostering sustainable management. In recent years, there has been a growing interest and optimism surrounding the utilization of peptide biopesticides for crop protection. These sustainable and environmentally friendly substances have been recognized as viable alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their outstanding environmental compatibility and efficacy. Numerous studies have been conducted to synthesize and identify peptides that exhibit activity against significant plant pathogens. One of the peptide classes is cyclotides, which are cyclic cysteine-rich peptides renowned for their wide range of sequences and functions. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of cyclotides, focusing on their structural attributes, developmental history, significant biological functions in crop protection, techniques for identification and investigation, and the application of biotechnology to enhance cyclotide synthesis. The objective is to emphasize the considerable potential of cyclotides as the next generation of plant protection agents on the global scale.

Spatial distribution and ecological-health risks associated with herbicides in soils and crop kernels of the black soil region in China

Herbicides are vital inputs for food production; however, their associated risks and hazards are pressing concerns. In black soil, the cumulative toxic effects of compound herbicides and potential risks to humans are not yet fully understood. Thus, this study conducted a comprehensive investigation to assess herbicide residue characteristics and the associated ecological health risks in representative black soil regions where major food crops (maize, soybean, and rice) are cultivated. Findings revealed that the soil harbored a collective presence of 29 herbicides, exhibiting total concentrations ranging from 111.92 to 996.14 μg/kg dry weight (dw). This can be attributed to the extensive use of herbicides over the years and their long half-lives, which results in the accumulation of multiple herbicide residues in the soil. Similarly, the total herbicide levels in maize, soybean, and rice kernels were 1173-61,564, 1721-9342, and 3775-8094 ng/kg dw, respectively. Multiple herbicide residues at all monitored sites were attributed to continuous crop barriers in soybean fields and the adoption of soybean and maize crop rotations. Notably, herbicides pose ecological risks in the black soil region, exhibiting high-risk levels of 79 %, 24 %, and 14 % at the sites monitored for oxyfluorfen, clomazone, and butachlor, respectively. Carcinogenic atrazine exhibited low- and medium-risk levels in 34 % and 63 % of soil samples, respectively. These results can serve as a scientific basis for establishing herbicide residue thresholds in agricultural soils within black soil areas and for implementing effective control measures to prevent herbicide contamination in agricultural ecosystems.

Investigation of pesticide residues level on commonly consumed leafy vegetables picked from the central market in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to investigate the presence of pesticide residues in a variety of commonly consumed leafy vegetables, including Grape leaves, Lettuce, Arugula, Spinach, Purslane, Ocimum, Parsley, Jew's mallow, Celery, Coriander, and Mint. A total of 100 samples were collected from the Central Market of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our methodology involved employing the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction method in combination with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to analyze a comprehensive database of 237 distinct pesticides. The range for limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method were 0.0001 to 0.0014 mg. Kg-1 and 0.0010 to 0.0064 mg. Kg-1 for tested pesticides, respectively. The recoveries were in the range of 70-172.9%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 19.0% for all tested pesticides. The results revealed that 60% of the analyzed samples were free from pesticide residues, while 40% exhibited contamination with 17 different pesticide residues. Notably, the most prevalent pesticide detected was Triallate in the Ocimum samples, followed by Metalaxyl in Grape leaves, Mint, and Spinach, and Methomyl in Celery. Approximately 45% of the samples contained pesticide residues that fell below or were equal to the European Union Maximum Residue Levels (EU MRLs), while the remaining 55% exceeded these MRLs. Remarkably, high pesticide concentrations were observed in all Ocimum samples (Triallate, Pyridaben, Hexythiazox, Imidacloprid), 67% of Grape leaves (Metalaxyl, Azoxystrobin, Difenoconazole Isomer), and 40% of Celery (Azoxystrobin, Methomyl). In conclusion, this study sheds light on the contamination levels of commonly consumed domestically produced and purchased leafy vegetables in the Central Market of Jeddah. To ensure food safety and the well-being of consumers, we strongly recommend enhanced scientific assessments and continued monitoring of pesticide usage in agricultural practices.

The Dangers of Acetaminophen for Neurodevelopment Outweigh Scant Evidence for Long-Term Benefits

Based on available data that include approximately 20 lines of evidence from studies in laboratory animal models, observations in humans, correlations in time, and pharmacological/toxicological considerations, it has been concluded without reasonable doubt and with no evidence to the contrary that exposure of susceptible babies and children to acetaminophen (paracetamol) induces many, if not most, cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the relative number of cases of ASD that might be induced by acetaminophen has not yet been estimated. Here, we examine a variety of evidence, including the acetaminophen-induced reduction of social awareness in adults, the prevalence of ASD through time, and crude estimates of the relative number of ASD cases induced by acetaminophen during various periods of neurodevelopment. We conclude that the very early postpartum period poses the greatest risk for acetaminophen-induced ASD, and that nearly ubiquitous use of acetaminophen during early development could conceivably be responsible for the induction in the vast majority, perhaps 90% or more, of all cases of ASD. Despite over a decade of accumulating evidence that acetaminophen is harmful for neurodevelopment, numerous studies demonstrate that acetaminophen is frequently administered to children in excess of currently approved amounts and under conditions in which it provides no benefit. Further, studies have failed to demonstrate long-term benefits of acetaminophen for the pediatric population, leaving no valid rationale for continued use of the drug in that population given its risks to neurodevelopment.

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.

Dissipation kinetics, decontamination, consumer risk assessment and monitoring of flonicamid and imidacloprid residues in capsicum under open field and polyhouse condition

Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based detection of flonicamid, imidacloprid and 6-chloronicotinic acid residues was validated and analysed in capsicum fruit, processed products and soil. The standard concentrations (0.0025 to 0.25 μg mL-1) of insecticides had a good linear curve (r2>0.99). Limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.0025 and 0.01 mg kg-1, respectively. The accuracy (80.53 to 100.33 %) of capsicum matrices and soil (89.41 to 100.52 %) and precision (RSD <10%) were established. Dissipation of imidacloprid (20 and 40 g a.i. ha-1) and flonicamid (75 and 150 g a.i. ha-1) at single (X) and double dose (2X) was studied under open field and polyhouse conditions. Under open field conditions, the flonicamid and imidacloprid residues persisted with half-life of 1.98, 2.90 days (X) and 2.80, 3.14 (2X) days, respectively. While under polyhouse conditions, the flonicamid and imidacloprid residues persisted with a half-life of 2.84, 3.66 (X) and 3.24, 3.97 (2X) days, respectively. The metabolite, 6-CNA, was not detected in any samples under open field and polyhouse condition. Among decontamination treatments, cooking in boiling water for 10 minutes reduced 78 to 81.60 percent of imidacloprid and flonicamid residues in both doses. The estimated dietary risk assessment of imidacloprid and flonicamid residues (RQ <1) indicated that the risk is within the acceptable limit. In farmgate capsicum samples, residues of flonicamid (7 samples) and imidacloprid (11 samples) were detected. Market samples of capsicum products (powder, flakes and sauce) were not detected with residues of selected insecticides.

Insight into the environmental fate, hazard, detection, and sustainable degradation technologies of chlorpyrifos-an organophosphorus pesticide

Pesticides play a critical role in terms of agricultural output nowadays. On top of that, pesticides provide economic support to our farmers. However, the usage of pesticides has created a public health issue and environmental hazard. Chlorpyrifos (CPY), an organophosphate pesticide, is extensively applied as an insecticide, acaricide, and termiticide against pests in various applications. Environmental pollution has occurred because of the widespread usage of CPY, harming several ecosystems, including soil, sediment, water, air, and biogeochemical cycles. While residual levels in soil, water, vegetables, foodstuffs, and human fluids have been discovered, CPY has also been found in the sediment, soil, and water. The irrefutable pieces of evidence indicate that CPY exposure inhibits the choline esterase enzyme, which impairs the ability of the body to use choline. As a result, neurological, immunological, and psychological consequences are seen in people and the natural environment. Several research studies have been conducted worldwide to identify and develop CPY remediation approaches and its derivatives from the environment. Currently, many detoxification methods are available for pesticides, such as CPY. However, recent research has shown that the breakdown of CPY using bacteria is the most proficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. This current article aims to outline relevant research events, summarize the possible breakdown of CPY into various compounds, and discuss analytical summaries of current research findings on bacterial degradation of CPY and the potential degradation mechanism.

Protective effect of vitamin C against thiamethoxam-induced toxicity in male rats

Background

Thiamethoxam (THM) is a neonicotinoid insecticide used to control different insect pests on fruits, vegetables, and field crops. The misuse and continuous exposure to THM cause many harmful effects on health and the reproductive system.

Aim

This work aims to investigate the efficiency of vitamin C (vit C) in reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of THM on the testes, liver, and kidney of male rats.

Methods

Forty-eight sexually mature male Wister albino rats (weight: 170-190 g; age: 10-11 weeks) were randomly allocated into six groups (8 males/group). The control group was orally given distilled water, vit C group was orally treated with 200 mg/kg b.wt of vit C, group 1/10 of THM LD50 orally treated with 156.3 mg/kg b.wt of THM, group 1/20 of THM LD50 orally treated with 78.15 mg/kg b.wt of THM, group 1/10 of THM LD50 + vit C orally treated with 156.3 mg/kg b.wt of THM + 200 mg/kg b.wt of vit C, and group 1/20 of THM LD50 + vit C orally treated with 78.15 mg/kg b.wt of THM + 200 mg/kg b.wt of vit C. All groups were treated for five days per week for a whole period of 58 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment, and serum was extracted for liver and kidney functions and antioxidant measurements. Reproductive organs (testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicles) were collected and weighed at the end of the experiment.

Results

The results showed that groups exposed to 1/10 and 1/20 of THM LD50 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the body weight, the reproductive organ weights (testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicles), spermatid count, sperm (count and motility), and testosterone concentration with an increase in abnormalities. In addition, the groups exposed to THM showed a decrease in protein concentration, albumin, and globulin, and caused an increase in glucose concentration. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, urea, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased while caused decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) due to exposure to THM. The co-administration of vit C with HM modulated the harmful effects of the insecticide on testicular, liver, and kidney parameters, which confirmed in histopathological examination of testis. Groups orally treated with vit C showed a significant increase in spermatogenesis, spermatid numbers, and the weight of seminal vesicles.

Conclusion

This study showed the importance of vit C in reducing toxic effects from exposure to THM. Accordingly, the intake of vit C by individuals who regularly handle this insecticide will be beneficial in reducing the adverse effects that may occur in the liver and kidney.

Residual Change of Four Pesticides in the Processing of Pogostemon cablin and Associated Factors

Before use as medicines, most traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plants are processed and decocted. During processing, there may be some changes in pesticide residues in TCM. In recent years, reports have studied the changes of pesticides during the processes of boiling, drying and peeling of TCM materials but have rarely involved special processing methods for TCM, such as ethanol extraction and volatile oil extraction. The changes of carbendazim, carbofuran, pyridaben and tebuconazole residues in common processing methods for P. cablin products were systemically assessed in this study. After each processing step, the pesticides were quantitated by UPLC-MS/MS. The results showed amount decreases in various pesticides to different extents after each processing procedure. Processing factor (PF) values for the four pesticides after decoction, 75% ethanol extraction and volatile oil extraction were 0.02~0.75, 0.40~0.98 and 0~0.02, respectively, which indicated that residual pesticide concentrations may depend on the processing technique. A risk assessment according to the hazard quotient with PF values showed that residual pesticide amounts in P. cablin were substantially lower than levels potentially posing a health risk. Overall, these findings provide insights into the safety assessment of P. cablin.

Bayesian-Based Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Fipronil in Food: A Case Study in Taiwan

Fipronil, a broad-spectrum insecticide, is widely used in agriculture and veterinary practices. Fipronil-induced neurotoxicity and potential adverse effects on humans and aquatic organisms have raised health concerns. Monitoring programs have been implemented globally to assess fipronil residues in food, including fruits, vegetables, and animal products. However, previous exposure assessments have often focused on specific food categories or subsets of items, resulting in limited insights into the overall health risks. Additionally, the large number of non-detect fipronil residues in food has introduced uncertainties in exposure assessment. To address these issues, a probabilistic exposure assessment and dose-response analysis were adopted in this study, considering the sample distribution below the detection limit to better characterize uncertainties and population variability in health risk assessments. The estimated fipronil exposure to the general public ranges from 6.38 × 10-6 ± 0.00017 mg/kg/day to 9.83 × 10-6 ± 0.00034 mg/kg/day. Only one out of 200,000 simulated individuals had a fipronil dose exceeding the probabilistic reference dose (0.048 mg/kg/day, pRfD), which aims to protect 99% of the population with effects less than 10% extra risk. By incorporating uncertainties in exposure and dose-response data, a more comprehensive understanding of the health risks associated with fipronil exposure in the Taiwanese population has been achieved.

Pesticide Use and Degradation Strategies: Food Safety, Challenges and Perspectives

While recognizing the gaps in pesticide regulations that impact consumer safety, public health concerns associated with pesticide contamination of foods are pointed out. The strategies and research directions proposed to prevent and/or reduce pesticide adverse effects on human health and the environment are discussed. Special attention is paid to organophosphate pesticides, as widely applied insecticides in agriculture, veterinary practices, and urban areas. Biotic and abiotic strategies for organophosphate pesticide degradation are discussed from a food safety perspective, indicating associated challenges and potential for further improvements. As food systems are endangered globally by unprecedented challenges, there is an urgent need to globally harmonize pesticide regulations and improve methodologies in the area of food safety to protect human health.

Impact of UV Irradiation on the Chitosan Bioactivity for Biopesticide Applications

Chitosan is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties that make it a promising candidate for plant protection. However, when sprayed in open fields, the bioactivity of chitosan significantly diminishes, suggesting a possible influence of sunlight on chitosan structure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of UV radiation, by using artificial UV sources simulating sunlight, on the stability of chitosan. A powdered chitosan with a low polymerization degree was selected and analyzed using various physicochemical methods, both before and after irradiation. Some minor differences appeared. UV spectra analysis revealed the disappearance of initially present chromophores and the emergence of a new band around 340 nm, potentially indicating the formation of carbonyl compounds. However, elemental analysis, MALDI-TOF spectra, polymerization degree, and infrared spectra did not exhibit any clear structural modifications of chitosan. Interestingly, irradiated powdered chitosan samples maintained their bioactivity, including their eliciting and antifungal properties. In the case of grapevine, irradiated chitosan demonstrated effectiveness in controlling grapevine diseases such as downy mildew, contradicting the assumption that sunlight is responsible for the decreased effectiveness of chitosan in open field conditions.

Residue Analysis and Risk Exposure Assessment of Multiple Pesticides in Tomato and Strawberry and Their Products from Markets

Pesticides are used on fruit and vegetable crops to obtain greater yield and quality. Residues can be detected in these crops or their products if applied pesticides do not degrade naturally. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate pesticide residues in some strawberry and tomato-based products available in the market for human consumption and associated dietary risks. Contamination with 3-15 pesticides in the tested samples was found. The total number of pesticides detected in the tested samples was 20, belonging to the group of insecticides (84%) and fungicides (16%). Pesticides of cypermethrin, thiamethoxam, chlorpyrifos, and lambda-cyhalothrin appeared at 100% in a number of samples, where the most detected was cypermethrin followed by thiamethoxam. The average values of pesticide residues detected in the tested samples ranged from 0.006 to 0.568 mg kg-1, where it was found that cypermethrin had the highest residue value and appeared in strawberry jam obtained from the market. The recovery rate of pesticides from fortified samples with pyrethroids ranged from 47.5% (fenvalerate) to 127% (lambda-cyhalothrin). Home processing of fortified tomato and strawberry samples had a significant effect on reducing residues in tomato sauce and strawberry jam, where the reduction reached 100%. The results of acute and chronic risk assessment showed that their values were much lower than 100%, indicating minimal risk of dietary intake.

Thyroid-Disrupting Effects of Exposure to Fipronil and Its Metabolites from Drinking Water Based on Human Thyroid Follicular Epithelial Nthy-ori 3-1 Cell Lines

Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide used for plants and poultry. Owing to its widespread use, fipronil and its metabolites (fipronil sulfone, fipronil desulfinyl, and fipronil sulfide), termed FPM, can be frequently detected in drinking water and food. Fipronil can affect the thyroid function of animals, but the effects of FPM on the human thyroid remain unclear. We employed human thyroid follicular epithelial Nthy-ori 3-1 cells to examine combined cytotoxic responses, thyroid-related functional proteins including the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), deiodinases I-III (DIO I-III), and the nuclear factor erythroid-derived factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway induced by FPM of 1-1000-fold concentrations detected in school drinking water collected from a heavily contaminated area of the Huai River Basin. Thyroid-disrupting effects of FPM were evaluated by examining biomarkers of oxidative stress and thyroid function and tetraiodothyronine (T4) levels secreted by Nthy-ori 3-1 cells after FPM treatment. FPM activated the expression of NRF2, HO-1 (heme oxygenase 1), TPO, DIO I, and DIO II but inhibited NIS expression and increased the T4 level of thyrocytes, indicating that FPM can disrupt the function of human thyrocytes through oxidative pathways. Given the adverse impact of low FPM concentrations on human thyrocytes, supportive evidence from rodent studies, and the critical importance of thyroid hormones on development, the effects of FPM on the neurodevelopment and growth of children warrant priority attention.

Monitoring residues of pesticides in food in Brazil: A multiscale analysis of the main contaminants, dietary cancer risk estimative and mechanisms associated

Introduction

Pesticides pose a risk for cancer development and progression. People are continuously exposed to such substances by several routes, including daily intake of contaminated food and water, especially in countries that are highly pesticide consumers and have very permissive legislation about pesticide contamination as Brazil. This work investigated the relationship among pesticides, food contamination, and dietary cancer risk.

Methods

Analyzed two social reports from the Brazilian Government: the Program for Analysis of Residues of Pesticides in Food (PARA) and The National Program for Control of Waste and Contaminants (PNCRC).

Results and discussion

First, we characterized the main pesticide residues detected over the maximum limits allowed by legislation or those prohibited for use in food samples analyzed across the country. Based on this list, we estimated the dietary cancer risks for some of the selected pesticides. Finally, we searched for data about dietary cancer risks and carcinogenic mechanisms of each pesticide. We also provided a critical analysis concerning the pesticide scenario in Brazil, aiming to discuss the food contamination levels observed from a geographical, political, and public health perspective. Exposures to pesticides in Brazil violate a range of human rights when food and water for human consumption are contaminated.