Organochlorine and Organophosphonis Pesticide Residues in Food from Egyptian Local Markets

A market basket survey was conducted to monitor organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in potatoes, citrus fruits, and fish collected from local Egyptian markets. Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues for γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in potatoes were exceeded in 8 samples and for DDT in 2 samples. The aging of HCH and DDT indicated a recent use of both pesticides during the potato storage period between cultivation seasons. However, such use is illegal because HCH mixture isomers (gammaxane) and DDT have been officially prohibited from agricultural use in Egypt since 1980. The highest residue levels of fenitrothion (3.8 ppm) in potatoes may be due to its repeated use before and after harvest. No organochlorine pesticide residues were found in citrus fruits. None of the detected organophosphorus pesticides exceeded their MRLs. HCH and DDT residue limits were exceeded in 5 and 7 fish samples, respectively, collected from 12 markets throughout the country. The heptachlor MRL was violated in only one fish sample (3.9 ppm).

Degradation of propamocarb-hydrochloride in tomatoes, potatoes and cucumber using HPLC-DAD and QuEChERS methodology

Propamocarb-hydrochloride is a widely used fungicide around the world. The dissipation of propamocarb-hydrochloride in tomatoes, potatoes and cucumber were evaluated. QuEChERS methodology before quantification using HPLC-DAD was used. Preharvest interval and maximum residue limit were 4 days and 1.0 mg kg(-1) for tomatoes, 3 days and 0.5 mg kg(-1) for potatoes and 7 days and 1.0 mg kg(-1) for cucumber. Half-lives (t(1/2)) were 1.29, 2.26 and 9.05 days for tomatoes, potatoes and cucumber, respectively.

Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in food from Egyptian local markets

A market basket survey was conducted to monitor organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in potatoes, citrus fruits, and fish collected from local Egyptian markets. Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues for gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in potatoes were exceeded in 8 samples and for DDT in 2 samples. The aging of HCH and DDT indicated a recent use of both pesticides during the potato storage period between cultivation seasons. However, such use is illegal because HCH mixture isomers (gammaxane) and DDT have been officially prohibited from agricultural use in Egypt since 1980. The highest residue levels of fenitrothion (3.8 ppm) in potatoes may be due to its repeated use before and after harvest. No organochlorine pesticide residues were found in citrus fruits. None of the detected organophosphorus pesticides exceeded their MRLs. HCH and DDT residue limits were exceeded in 5 and 7 fish samples, respectively, collected from 12 markets throughout the country. The heptachlor MRL was violated in only one fish sample (3.9 ppm).

Pesticide residues in milk and fish samples collected from two Egyptian Governorates

Because of the intensive use of pesticides for the control of certain pests in Egypt, country-wide residue monitoring programs must be established that can cover all the Egyptian Governorates exposed to pesticide treatments. To do so, limited programs must be adopted first, so that current situations and future needs for improved programs are identified. The present paper reports results from a limited monitoring program, which started in 1985 in one governorate and then expanded to include another in 1986. Fish and milk samples were the commodities selected for residue analysis. The results showed that milk samples collected from Beni-Suef Governorate in 1986 had lower levels of organochlorine residues compared to those collected in 1985. Residues in boltifish and catfish samples in 1986 were much higher than those detected in 1985. In comparison with Beni-Suef Governorate, and contrary to expectations, milk derived from Fayoum Governorate in 1986 was more contaminated with pesticides. While the amount of residues in boltifish was comparatively higher, catfish samples were less contaminated.

Pesticide Residues in Milk and Fish Samples Collected from Two Egyptian Governorates

Because of the intensive use of pesticides for the control of certain pests In Egypt, country-wide residue monitoring programs must be established that can cover all the Egyptian Governorates exposed to pesticide treatments. To do so, limited programs must be adopted first, so that current situations and future needs for improved programs are identified. The present paper reports results from a limited monitoring program, which started in 1985 in one governorate and then expanded to include another in 1986. Fish and milk samples were the commodities selected for residue analysis. The results showed that milk samples collected from Beni-Suef Governorate in 1986 had lower levels of organochlorine residues compared to those collected in 1985. Residues in boltifish and catfish samples in 1986 were much higher than those detected in 1985. In comparison with Beni-Suef Governorate, and contrary to expectations, milk derived from Fayoum Governorate in 1986 was more contaminated with pesticides. While the amount of residues in boltifish was comparatively higher, catfish samples were less contaminated.

Pesticide residues in milk and fish samples collected from upper Egypt

In Egypt, buffalo milk is much preferred by consumers over cow's milk, while small catfish and bolti fish are common in the diet of farmers. Samples of buffalo milk, catfish, and bolti fish collected from Beni-Suef Governorate (Upper Egypt) were analyzed for organochlorines and polychlorinated biphenyls. The results obtained by gas chromatography and confirmed by thin-layer chromatographic techniques revealed high amounts of organochlorines in milk; residues were lower but occurred more frequently in fish samples. Pesticide contaminants found most often were HCH isomers including lindane, DDT complex, aldrin and dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide, hexachlorobenzene, and oxychlordane. Polychlorinated biphenyls were not detected in any of the analyzed samples.

Pesticide Residues in Milk and Fish Samples Collected from Upper Egypt

In Egypt, buffalo milk is much preferred by consumers over cow's milk, while small catfish and bolti fish are common in the diet of farmers. Samples of buffalo milk, catfish, and bolti fish collected from Beni-Suef Governorate (Upper Egypt) were analyzed for organochlorines and polychlorinated biphenyls. The results obtained by gas chromatography and confirmed by thin-layer chromatographic techniques revealed high amounts of organochlorines in milk; residues were lower but occurred more frequently in fish samples. Pesticide contaminants found most often were HCH isomers including lindane, DDT complex, aldrin and dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide, hexachlorobenzene, and oxychlordane. Polychlorinated biphenyls were not detected in any of the analyzed samples.