Monitoring Multiple Pesticide Residues in Potato Tubers and Associated Health Risks

Abstract

This research aimed to establish a reliable analytical procedure for monitoring pesticides in fresh potato tubers. A total of 466 pesticides from various chemical groups, including organophosphates, neonicotinoids, conazoles, chloronitriles, carbamates, acylamino acids, and phenylureas, were examined in thirty-three potato samples collected from local markets in Cairo and Giza governorates in Egypt between 2021 and 2022. Pesticide residues of chlorothalonil and chloropropham were detected using GCMS/MS, while emamectin, imidacloprid, and pencycuron were analyzed via LC-MS/MS; others (chlorpyrifos, difenoconazole, and metalaxyl) were determined using both methodologies. Recovery percentages and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were established, ranging from 70-120% and 0.01- 0.05 mg kg-1 , respectively. Overall, the average residue values in the targeted potato samples from the two aforementioned governorates varied from 0.01- 5.63 and 0.01-3.28 mg kg-1 , respectively. All detected pesticides were present at levels below the MRLs, except for chlorothalonil, emamectin, and imidacloprid. The lowest percentages of acute risk (%ARfD), chronic risk (%ADI), and daily intake (EDI) of pesticide residues by adult consumers were also calculated for all detected pesticides to assess their impact on consumer health.