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Research article · 2026 · Full text

International Journal of Advanced Chemistry Research

Unfolding organochlorine pesticides toxicity in seasonal fruits and vegetables of Agra region using QuEChERS method coupled with gas chromatography detection

Nisha SinghBhoopendra SinghDheeraj Kumar

Volume 8(9) · Pages 01–13 · DOI: 10.33545/26646781.2026.v8.i9a.741 ↗

Research areasPesticide Residue Analysis and SafetyPesticide Exposure and ToxicityPesticide and Herbicide Environmental Studies

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Abstract

Author-written

Worldwide, Organochlorine pesticides are banned for agricultural use due to their toxicity and highly persistence that were introduced into the environment, biomagnifying and bioaccumulation in food chains and long range transport led to extensive contamination of various environmental matrices such as air, water, soil and biota. But at the large quantity, the compound residues and metabolites are persist in crops due to illegal or historical applications. This study investigated residual concentrations and human health implications of legacy Organochlorine pesticides in fruits and vegetables of wholesale market of Agra region. Samples of 8 vegetables (Okra, cucumber, sponge gourd, pointed gourd, favabeans, green peas, cabbage and spinach) and 8 fruits (Plum, mosambi, avocado, custard apple, grapes, Cape gooseberry, strawberry and sapota) were collected from Agra market. The pesticides were extracted using modified QuEChERS method and analyzed by GC-ECD. Estimate organochlorine pesticides α-BHC, β-BHC, γ-BHC, δ-BHC, endosulfan-I, endosulfan sulfate, endrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, α-chlordane, γ-chlordane, 4,4’-DDE, 4,4’-DDD, endrin aldehyde, 4,4’-DDT, endrin ketone, endosulfan-II and methoxychlor. The fruits and vegetables samples contained α-BHC, γ-BHC, β-BHC, Heptachlor, Aldrin, Endosulfan-I, γ-chlordane and dieldrin were detected at varying frequencies. However, all residues were detected below or above the quantification limit of 0.05 mg/kg and none exceeded FAO/WHO maximum residue limits. This study will provide data regarding emphasizing the importance of user education, enhanced regulatory frameworks and integrated pest management; sponsored for a strategic shift towards practices that minimize environmental harm and safeguard human health. Executing these procedures can significantly contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture by reducing pesticide dependence and endorse ecological stability.

Summary

Source-checked

Plain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.

  1. Why it matters

    • Organochlorine pesticides are banned globally because they are highly persistent and toxic, leading to widespread contamination of air, water, soil, and living organisms through bioaccumulation. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Organochlorine pesticides are banned globally because they are highly persistent and toxic, leading to widespread contamination of air, water, soil, and living organisms through bioaccumulation.

      In the paper's own words

      “Worldwide, Organochlorine pesticides are banned for agricultural use due to their toxicity and highly persistence that were introduced into the environment, biomagnifying and bioaccumulation in food chains and long range transport led to extensive contamination of various environmental matrices such as air, water, soil and biota.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • Despite bans, these pesticide residues and their metabolites persist in crops due to historical use or illegal applications. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Despite bans, these pesticide residues and their metabolites persist in crops due to historical use or illegal applications.

      In the paper's own words

      “But at the large quantity, the compound residues and metabolites are persist in crops due to illegal or historical applications.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • Exposure to specific organochlorines like DDT, DDE, and heptachlor epoxide is linked to severe health issues, including cancer, diabetes, and impaired neuro-development. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Exposure to specific organochlorines like DDT, DDE, and heptachlor epoxide is linked to severe health issues, including cancer, diabetes, and impaired neuro-development.

      In the paper's own words

      “The exposure to DDT or DDE may cause adverse health effects for example, diabetes, imared neuro-development in children, breast cancer and spontaneous abortion. Heptachlor epoxide accumulates in the liver and is associated with long-term effects such as the development of liver tumor.”

      Page 2

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗

  2. The question

    • The study aimed to investigate the concentrations of legacy organochlorine pesticides in fruits and vegetables from the wholesale market of the Agra region and their implications for human health. View evidence ↗

      The question

      The study aimed to investigate the concentrations of legacy organochlorine pesticides in fruits and vegetables from the wholesale market of the Agra region and their implications for human health.

      In the paper's own words

      “This study investigated residual concentrations and human health implications of legacy Organochlorine pesticides in fruits and vegetables of wholesale market of Agra region.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗

  3. What they did

    • Pesticide extraction was performed using a modified QuEChERS method, followed by analysis using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). View evidence ↗

      What they did

      Pesticide extraction was performed using a modified QuEChERS method, followed by analysis using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD).

      In the paper's own words

      “The pesticides were extracted using modified QuEChERS method and analyzed by GC-ECD.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • The analytical method demonstrated recovery percentages between 80% and 100%, with detection limits ranging from 0.001 to 0.005 mg/kg. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The analytical method demonstrated recovery percentages between 80% and 100%, with detection limits ranging from 0.001 to 0.005 mg/kg.

      In the paper's own words

      “The detection limits ranged from 0.001 to 0.005 mg/kg and the recovery percentage ranged from 80 to 100%.”

      Page 3

      Found in: Results and Discussion

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗

  4. What they found

    • Half of the analyzed fruit and vegetable samples (50%) were contaminated with pesticide residues, while the other half showed no detectable residues. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Half of the analyzed fruit and vegetable samples (50%) were contaminated with pesticide residues, while the other half showed no detectable residues.

      In the paper's own words

      “As Table 2 indicates, 50% fruits and vegetables samples were contaminated with pesticide residues and 50% samples were not detected any pesticide residues.”

      Page 12

      Found in: Pesticides Plum Mosambi Avocado Custard apple Grapes Cape gooseberry

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 12 ↗
    • In vegetables, Okra contained Endosulfan I at a concentration of 2.836 mg/kg, which significantly exceeds the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.05 mg/kg. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      In vegetables, Okra contained Endosulfan I at a concentration of 2.836 mg/kg, which significantly exceeds the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.05 mg/kg.

      In the paper's own words

      “Endosulfan I | 2.836 | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | 0.05”

      Page 3

      Found in: Table 2

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗
    • Aldrin was detected in Okra (1.138 mg/kg) and Cucumber (0.684 mg/kg), both of which are above the MRL of 0.02 mg/kg. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Aldrin was detected in Okra (1.138 mg/kg) and Cucumber (0.684 mg/kg), both of which are above the MRL of 0.02 mg/kg.

      In the paper's own words

      “Aldrin | 1.138 | 0.684 | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | 0.02”

      Page 3

      Found in: Table 2

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗
    • In fruits, γ-Chlordane was found in Plum (0.3060 mg/kg), Mosambi (0.4773 mg/kg), and Strawberry (0.052 mg/kg), all exceeding the MRL of 0.05 mg/kg. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      In fruits, γ-Chlordane was found in Plum (0.3060 mg/kg), Mosambi (0.4773 mg/kg), and Strawberry (0.052 mg/kg), all exceeding the MRL of 0.05 mg/kg.

      In the paper's own words

      “γ-Chlordane | 0.3060 | 0.4773 | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | 0.052 | “0” | 0.05”

      Page 4

      Found in: Table 3

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 4 ↗
    • Cape gooseberry contained Dieldrin at 0.094 mg/kg, which is above the MRL of 0.01 mg/kg. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Cape gooseberry contained Dieldrin at 0.094 mg/kg, which is above the MRL of 0.01 mg/kg.

      In the paper's own words

      “Dieldrin | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | “0” | 0.094 | “0” | “0” | 0.01”

      Page 4

      Found in: Table 3

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 4 ↗
    • No pesticide residues were detected in samples of sponge gourd or favabeans. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      No pesticide residues were detected in samples of sponge gourd or favabeans.

      In the paper's own words

      “No pesticide residues were detected in any of the sponge gourd and favabeans, Samples.”

      Page 3

      Found in: Analytical results

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗

  5. What it means

    • The authors conclude that there is a need for increased supervision and enforcement of pesticide regulations because farmers continue to use banned substances. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors conclude that there is a need for increased supervision and enforcement of pesticide regulations because farmers continue to use banned substances.

      In the paper's own words

      “These findings revealed for increased supervision and enforcement of pesticide regulations to ensure food safety and the fact that farmers are still using it despite the ban due to its persistence in the environment and the health effects.”

      Page 12

      Found in: Conclusion

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 12 ↗
    • The authors recommend that regulatory agencies increase awareness about safe pesticide use and implement routine monitoring of seasonal produce. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors recommend that regulatory agencies increase awareness about safe pesticide use and implement routine monitoring of seasonal produce.

      In the paper's own words

      “The regulatory agencies such as the National Food and Drugs Administration should create more awareness on the safe use of pesticides. There should be more routine monitoring of pesticide residues in seasonable fruits and vegetables.”

      Page 12

      Found in: Conclusion

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 12 ↗
    • The authors state that future studies should use broader and more systematic sampling frameworks to provide a more representative assessment of dietary exposure. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors state that future studies should use broader and more systematic sampling frameworks to provide a more representative assessment of dietary exposure.

      In the paper's own words

      “To ensure a more robust and regionally representative assessment of dietary exposure, future studies should adopt broader and more systematic sampling frameworks.”

      Page 12

      Found in: Conclusion

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 12 ↗

Visual summary

1 visuals

Illustrations explain the paper; charts are replotted from the paper's own table values.

Replotted from source data
Replotted from Table 3 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.↗ Enlarge
γ-Chlordane: Plum / “0” vs Mosambi / “0” vs Strawberry / “0”
Replotted from Table 3 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Replotted from Table 3 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Open full-size image ↗

γ-Chlordane: Plum / “0” vs Mosambi / “0” vs Strawberry / “0”

Replotted from Table 3 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

View source evidence ↗

Figures & tables

From the original paper
GC-ECD report of peaks of Organochlorine pesticidesTable 1Page 3Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal vegetables.Table 2Page 3Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal fruits.Table 3Page 4Gas Chromatogram of OkraFigure 1Page 4Gas Chromatogram of CucumberFigure 2Page 5Gas Chromatogram of Sponge GourdFigure 3Page 5Gas Chromatogram of Pointed GourdFigure 4Page 6Gas Chromatogram of FavabeansFigure 5Page 6Gas Chromatogram of Green PeasFigure 6Page 7Gas Chromatogram of cabbageFigure 7Page 7Gas Chromatogram of SpinachFigure 8Page 8Gas chromatogram of PlumFigure 9Page 8Gas Chromatogram of mausambiFigure 10Page 9Gas Chromatogram of AvocadoFigure 11Page 9Gas Chromatogram of Custard AppleFigure 12Page 10Gas Chromatogram of grapesFigure 13Page 10Gas Chromatogram of Cape GooseberryFigure 14Page 11Gas Chromatogram of StrawberryFigure 15Page 11Gas Chromatogram of SapotaFigure 16Page 12
FULL TEXT Original article · reflowed for reading

Introduction

The aim of this study is to depict the presence of organochlorine pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, mainly how they are introduced, dispersed, ruined, distressed by food dispensation system and their risk assessment. Vegetables and fruits are vital for human being diet while they afford vital nutrients that are required for most of the reactions occurring in the body. High intake of these commodities has been expectant not only to prevent vitamin deficiency but also to reduce the occurrence of major diseases. In the year 2026, as per estimation the worldwide production of vegetables and fruits was 2.1 billion metric tons; india is the second largest producer of vegetables and fruits. In 2025, the global market of fruits was 19.35 billion US dollars and expected to grow 27.31 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%. When the pests are attacked during the crop production that reduced the quality and yield of the crops. To reduce the loss and maintain the quality of vegetables and fruits, the use of pesticides is one of the tools. Pesticides are used with other pest management techniques during cropping to prevent diseases and destroy pests. About 1000 compounds (inorganic and organic) are used as active ingredients of pesticides.

Organochlorine pesticides which were banned 40 years ago are still found in fruits and vegetables. The uses of organochlorine pesticides have increased because they have effectiveness on crop production and low-cost in market. Intensive fruits and vegetable production using pesticides has biggest threat to growers and the consumers. In recent years, the widespread use of pesticides has led to serious health concern for humans and animals. As they are intrinsically toxic and deliberately spread in the environment, manufacture, distribution and use of pesticides necessitate strict instruction and control. Before they can be authorized for use, pesticides should first be tested for possible health effects and the results should be analyzed by experts to assess the risk to humans. In collaboration with FAO, WHO is responsible for assessing the risk to humans of pesticides. They have been through direct exposure and through residues in fruits and vegetables and for recommending adequate protections. Risk assessments for pesticide residues in food are conducted by an independent, international expert scientific group, the joint FAO/WHO meeting on pesticide residues (JMPR). In such order the accumulation of pesticide residues is increased due to relatively short pre-harvest interval. Use of pesticides without knowing the label claim information increases the cost of production, number of spray and labour cost, ultimately leading to decrease in farmers profitability. Hence, the adoption of pesticide as per label claim is very much essential. The metabolites of pesticides exhibit different toxicological profiles compared to their parent compounds and in some cases they can be more harmful. The exposure to DDT or DDE may cause adverse health effects for example, diabetes, imared neuro-development in children, breast cancer and spontaneous abortion. Heptachlor epoxide accumulates in the liver and is associated with long-term effects such as the development of liver tumor. This study involves the determination of concentration of organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal (summer and winter) fruits and vegetables procured from wholesale market of agra region. The pesticides were extracted using modified QuEChERS method and analyzed by GC-ECD and GC-MS techniques. The application of organochlorine pesticides on crops because of protect crop and increase their yield because of their effectiveness on crop production, low-cost, ease of application and ease of use. The pesticides are accumulated in vegetables and fruits from water and soil. These contaminated commodity consumed by human being cause adverse health effects. The scope of the study included the evaluation of seasonal trends in pesticide contamination in vegetables and fruits to provide insight into patterns of pesticide application and potential consumer exposure risks in the study area. That was hypothesized that the concentrations of residues in vegetables and fruits varied significantly between the season (summer and winter) reflecting variations in agricultural practices, environmental degradation and pest pressure processes.

Materials and Methodology

The fruits and vegetables were collected randomly from Agra region from the different fruits and vegetables salesperson (Okra, cucumber, sponge gourd, pointed gourd, favabeans, green peas, cabbage and spinach) and fruits (Plum, mosambi, avocado, custard apple, grapes, cape gooseberry, strawberry and sapota). The total number of fruits and vegetables samples collected from the April 2025 to February 2026 was total of 16 different types of fruits and vegetables and was a total 16 samples were collected. Each sample was collected and placed in a polybag and transfer to the laboratory for extraction and experimental work.

Chemicals and Reagents

All chemical and reagents were obtained from Merck grade (India) i.e, n-hexane, acetonitrile, acetone, ethyl acetate, cyclohexane, dichloromethane, anhydrous sodium sulphate silica gel, activated charcoal whereas the technical grade pesticide standards were of Restek 110 Benner Circle. Bellefonte, PA 16823 USA. For preparing stock solution, standard was dissolved in hexane. The standard was stored in a freezer at-4 o C.

Sampling

Fruits and vegetables samples were washed for few minutes under running water to remove dirt. Then, the samples were dried with filter paper. After drying, each sample was chopped into small pieces and to make a fine paste in warring blender.

Extraction and Clean Up Extraction Method for Vegetables

Extraction of pesticides from all vegetables was prepared and using a modified method. Take 50 g of blended standardized fine paste of each vegetables sample in separating funnel and subjected to shaken with 100 ml acetonitrile for 2-3 hr. The extract was filtered through filter paper, then filtration the remaining filtrate were transferred into separating funnel and adding 50 ml acetonitrile again and shaken for 2 hr. Again filter the solvent and adding 50 ml n-hexane and acetone with 3:2 v/v then shaken for 3-4 hr. After some times, the separating funnel was permitted at vertical position for about 2 hr to obtain the two different layers. The upper layer; there were high density and more non-polar solvent and high chances to accumulated pesticide residues in that layer. So, that layer was separated out from the separating funnel. This extraction process was repeated three times using 50 ml n-hexane and acetone with 3:2 v/v each step. Then, the collected extract was concentrated at 40 o C temperature by using rotatory evaporator; the solvent concentrated upto 2 ml and in that solvent dissolved the nhexane 10 ml and then take it for analysis of pesticide residues in laboratory.

Extraction Method for Fruits

Extraction of pesticides from all fruits was prepared and using a modified method. Take 50 g of blended standardized fine paste of each fruits sample in separating funnel and subjected to shaken with 100 ml acetonitrile for 2-3 hr. The extract was filtered through filter paper, then filtration the remaining filtrate were transferred into separating funnel and adding 50 ml acetonitrile again and shaken for 2 hr. Yet again, filter the solvent and adding 50 ml n-hexane and ethyl acetate with 3:2 v/v then shaken for 3-4 hr. After some times, the separating funnel was permitted at vertical position for about 2 hr to obtain the two different layers. The upper layer; there were high density and more non-polar solvent and high chances to accumulated pesticide residues in that layer. So, that layer was separated out from the separating funnel. This extraction process was repeated three times using 50 ml n-hexane and acetone with 3:2 v/v each step. Then, the collected extract was concentrated at 40 o C temperature by using rotatory evaporator; the solvent concentrated upto 2 ml and in that solvent dissolved the nhexane 10 ml and then take it for analysis of pesticide residues in laboratory.

Purification

The extracts were collected and subjected for clean up by column packed with silica gel and activated charcoal with (5:1 w/w) silica gel : activated charcoal : silica gel and eluted by solvent. Then, eluted extract was further concentrated upto dryness and re-dissolved in 10 ml nhexane and then subjected to GC-ECD for separation, detection and confirmation of pesticides in samples.

Results and Discussion

The chromatographic analyses for the organochlorine pesticide residues; the recovery percentage, limit of detection for that are presented in Table 1. The detection limits ranged from 0.001 to 0.005 mg/kg and the recovery percentage ranged from 80 to 100%. All calibration curves for all organochlorine pesticide residues of interest showed good linearity with regression coefficients indicating reliable analytical performance.

Table 1. GC-ECD report of peaks of Organochlorine pesticides
PeaksPesticidesRetention TimeAreaConcentration (µg/ml)
1α-BHC7.6322061994200.4
2γ-BHC10.2134276211200.0
3β-BHC11.0872591367199.9
4δ-BHC12.4142014959200.8
5Heptachlor12.5502185845200.8
6Aldrin15.7585510055200.4
7Heptachlor epoxide17.3745931942200.0
8γ-Chlordane19.2265083279200.4
9α-Chlordane20.3395165043200.0
10Endosulfan I20.9248865666200.0
114,4’-DDE22.0906964698200.0
12Dieldrin22.1555479407200.3
13Endrin23.0964956250200.0
144,4’-DDD23.6623182235200.0
15Endosulfan II24.0551956382200.0
16Endrin aldehyde24.3553421332200.0
174,4’-DDT25.1471018304200.0
18Endosulfan sulfate25.7541693570200.3
19Methoxychlor27.5492386315200.4
20Endrin ketone28.3861462610200.4

Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.

View original table image
GC-ECD report of peaks of Organochlorine pesticides↗ Enlarge
Table 1
GC-ECD report of peaks of Organochlorine pesticides

GC-ECD report of peaks of Organochlorine pesticides

Open full-size image ↗
Original paper tableSource PDF · page 3 ↗

Analytical results

In 8 out of 16 analysed fruits and vegetables samples, no detectable pesticide residues were found, although 8 samples were contaminated with residues. 3 samples were contained residues above MRLs, while 5 samples contained the residues at or below MRLs as set by the European pesticides database. The fruits and vegetables samples such as, Okra, cucumber, pointed gourd, green peas, cabbage and spinach have been contaminated with highest percentage of residues. No pesticide residues were detected in any of the sponge gourd and favabeans, Samples. Out of 100% samples, 50% samples showed the highest number of samples that despoiled MRLs.

Pesticides

Okra Cucumber Sponge gourd Pointed gourd Favabeans Green Peas Cabbage Spinach MRLs α-BHC "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.788 "0" "0" 1.00 γ-BHC "0" 1.486 "0" "0" "0" "0" 1.098 0.201 1.00 β-BHC "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.150 "0" 1.00 δ-BHC "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 1.00 Heptachlor "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.452 "0" 0.02 Aldrin 1.138 0.684 "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.02 Heptachlor epoxide "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.02 γ-Chlordane "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" α-Chlordane "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" -Endosulfan I 2.836 "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.05 4,4'-DDE "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.50 Dieldrin "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.50 Endrin "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.01 4,4'-DDD "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.50 Endosulfan II "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.10 Endrin aldehyde "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.50 4,4'-DDT "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.50 Endosulfan sulfate "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.10 Methoxychlor "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.10 Endrin ketone "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" -Table 3: Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal fruits.

Table 3. Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal fruits.
PesticidesPlumMosambiAvocadoCustard appleGrapesCape gooseberryStrawberrySapotaMRLs
α-BHC“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.01
γ-BHC“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.01
β-BHC“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.01
δ-BHC“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.01
Heptachlor“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.05
Aldrin“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.10
Heptachlor epoxide“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.05
γ-Chlordane0.30600.4773“0”“0”“0”“0”0.052“0”0.05
α-Chlordane“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.1
Endosulfan I“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.102“0”“0”0.1
4,4’-DDE“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”-
Dieldrin“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.094“0”“0”0.01
Endrin“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.05
4,4’-DDD“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.05
Endosulfan II“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.05
Endrin aldehyde“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.01
4,4’-DDT“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.1
Endosulfan sulfate“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.2
Methoxychlor“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”-
Endrin ketone“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.05

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Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal fruits.↗ Enlarge
Table 3
Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal fruits.

Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal fruits.

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Original paper tableSource PDF · page 4 ↗

Pesticides Plum Mosambi Avocado Custard apple Grapes Cape gooseberry

Strawberry Sapota MRLs α-BHC "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.01 γ-BHC "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.01 β-BHC "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.01 δ-BHC "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.01 Heptachlor "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.05 Aldrin "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.10 Heptachlor epoxide "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.05 γ-Chlordane 0.3060 0.4773 "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.052 "0" 0.05 α-Chlordane "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.1 Endosulfan I "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.102 "0" "0" 0.1 4,4'-DDE "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" -Dieldrin "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.094 "0" "0" 0.01 Endrin "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.05 4,4'-DDD "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.05 Endosulfan II "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.05 Endrin aldehyde "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.01 4,4'-DDT "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.1 Endosulfan sulfate "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.2 Methoxychlor "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" -Endrin ketone "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" "0" 0.05 The GC-ECD parameters for each pesticide residues are illustrated in Table 1. A total of 16 samples of fruits and vegetables were studied for 20 organochlorine pesticide residues by using GC techniques. The limits of detection of pesticide residues were ranged from 0.05to2.836 µg/ml. The results of the study revealed that, the contamination of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables samples. As Table 2 indicates, 50% fruits and vegetables samples were contaminated with pesticide residues and 50% samples were not detected any pesticide residues. The details of the detected residues and the contamination ranges of the samples are showed in table 2 and 3. Pesticide residues were found in 50% sample of the fruits samples, whereas 50% samples of vegetables found residues. So, MRLs were not available from either the European Union or codex. Eight out of the twenty pesticide residues, including α-BHC, γ-BHC, β-BHC, Heptachlor, Aldrin, Endosulfan-I, γ-chlordane and dieldrin were detected in analysed samples. The recovery of each pesticide residues is summarized in table 2 and 3; Such as, In vegetables such as okra and cucumber Aldrin were detected; in cucumber, cabbage and spinach γ-BHC were detected; α-BHC were detected in green peas; β-BHC were detected in cabbage; heptachlor were detected in cabbage. Therefore in fruits samples such as, in plum, mausambi and strawberry γ-chlordane were detected; Endosulfan-I was detected in Cape gooseberry and Dieldrin was detected in Cape gooseberry. In other fruits and vegetables out of these commodities, any residues were not detected and the residues were detected below or above MRLs values. In this research, the limit of detection of the pesticides was defined as 0.05-2.836 µg/ml that was estimated based on the detection level of chromatograms of the samples and the standard peaks. The results of the present study showed that, the residues of the restricted or banned pesticides such as BHC and their metabolites were present in the analysed samples. The residue levels from the monitored pesticides were significantly (P < 0.05) below or high than the accepted MRLs as adapted by the FAO/WHO.

Table 2. Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal vegetables.
PesticidesOkraCucumberSponge gourdPointed gourdFavabeansGreen PeasCabbageSpinachMRLs
α-BHC“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.788“0”“0”1.00
γ-BHC“0”1.486“0”“0”“0”“0”1.0980.2011.00
β-BHC“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.150“0”1.00
δ-BHC“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”1.00
Heptachlor“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.452“0”0.02
Aldrin1.1380.684“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.02
Heptachlor epoxide“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.02
γ-Chlordane“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”-
α-Chlordane“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”-
Endosulfan I2.836“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.05
4,4’-DDE“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.50
Dieldrin“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.50
Endrin“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.01
4,4’-DDD“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.50
Endosulfan II“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.10
Endrin aldehyde“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.50
4,4’-DDT“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.50
Endosulfan sulfate“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.10
Methoxychlor“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”0.10
Endrin ketone“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”“0”-

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Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal vegetables.↗ Enlarge
Table 2
Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal vegetables.

Detected concentration of Organochlorine pesticide residues in seasonal vegetables.

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Gas chromatograms of vegetables samples

Gas chromatograms of vegetables samples

Conclusion

This research explored the occurrence of organochlorine pesticides in seasonable different fruits and vegetables in Agra region and their comparison with FAO/WHO MRLs. The investigation developed and authenticates an efficient and stout GC-ECD technique for the separation, identification and confirmation of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. The results exhibited that fruits and vegetables are generally contaminated with residues trace levels of organochlorine pesticide residues. These findings revealed for increased supervision and enforcement of pesticide regulations to ensure food safety and the fact that farmers are still using it despite the ban due to its persistence in the environment and the health effects. The regulatory agencies such as the National Food and Drugs Administration should create more awareness on the safe use of pesticides. There should be more routine monitoring of pesticide residues in seasonable fruits and vegetables. Farmers should be educated on the use of pesticides when to use them and how to use them. To ensure a more robust and regionally representative assessment of dietary exposure, future studies should adopt broader and more systematic sampling frameworks. Therefore, prioritizing continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and evaluating their potential health impacts is essential to ensure effective consumer protection against the harmful effects of pesticide contamination.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentsThe authors appreciatively acknowledge to, Department of Chemistry, Agra College, Agra for providing indispensible facilities during research work and also thankful to (AIRF) Advanced Instrumentation Research Facility, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India for providing gas chromatography (GC-ECD) analysis for results of samples.

Figures and tables from the paper

Figure 1. Gas Chromatogram of Okra
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Figure 1
Gas Chromatogram of Okra

Gas Chromatogram of Okra

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Figure 2. Gas Chromatogram of Cucumber
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Figure 2
Gas Chromatogram of Cucumber

Gas Chromatogram of Cucumber

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Figure 3. Gas Chromatogram of Sponge Gourd
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Figure 3
Gas Chromatogram of Sponge Gourd

Gas Chromatogram of Sponge Gourd

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Figure 4. Gas Chromatogram of Pointed Gourd
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Figure 4
Gas Chromatogram of Pointed Gourd

Gas Chromatogram of Pointed Gourd

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Figure 5. Gas Chromatogram of Favabeans
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Figure 5
Gas Chromatogram of Favabeans

Gas Chromatogram of Favabeans

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Figure 6. Gas Chromatogram of Green Peas
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Figure 6
Gas Chromatogram of Green Peas

Gas Chromatogram of Green Peas

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Figure 7. Gas Chromatogram of cabbage
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Figure 7
Gas Chromatogram of cabbage

Gas Chromatogram of cabbage

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Figure 8. Gas Chromatogram of Spinach
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Figure 8
Gas Chromatogram of Spinach

Gas Chromatogram of Spinach

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Figure 9. Gas chromatogram of Plum
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Figure 9
Gas chromatogram of Plum

Gas chromatogram of Plum

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Figure 10. Gas Chromatogram of mausambi
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Figure 10
Gas Chromatogram of mausambi

Gas Chromatogram of mausambi

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Figure 11. Gas Chromatogram of Avocado
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Figure 11
Gas Chromatogram of Avocado

Gas Chromatogram of Avocado

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Figure 12. Gas Chromatogram of Custard Apple
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Figure 12
Gas Chromatogram of Custard Apple

Gas Chromatogram of Custard Apple

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Figure 13. Gas Chromatogram of grapes
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Figure 13
Gas Chromatogram of grapes

Gas Chromatogram of grapes

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Figure 14. Gas Chromatogram of Cape Gooseberry
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Figure 14
Gas Chromatogram of Cape Gooseberry

Gas Chromatogram of Cape Gooseberry

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Figure 15. Gas Chromatogram of Strawberry
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Figure 15
Gas Chromatogram of Strawberry

Gas Chromatogram of Strawberry

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Figure 16. Gas Chromatogram of Sapota
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Figure 16
Gas Chromatogram of Sapota

Gas Chromatogram of Sapota

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 12 ↗

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