Determination of Pesticide Residues Using QuEChERS Extraction with Inert GC-MSD Analytical Technique and Application on Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables in Pakistan

Pesticide residues cause different health hazards when they are present in primary as well as secondary agricultural products. In this manuscript, an analytical method was developed and validated for the assessment of pesticide residues present in various vegetables and fruits most commonly consumed in Pakistan. Seven samples of various fresh fruits and vegetables were processed and analyzed for the detection and identification of different pesticides by using the quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction technique, which was followed by quantification on gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The established internal standard method for determination of pesticides residues in vegetables and fruits, met the international validation requirements. Excellent results were obtained, within globally accepted validation reference values, particularly considering the low 18 concentration levels (0.01 μg/g) investigated. The method was sensitive, linear, accurate and precise. Out of seven tested fruit and vegetable samples, the amount of pesticide residues in five samples (guava, oranges, bitter guard, potatoes, lettuce) were higher than the permissible limits by European Commission and only in two samples (grapes, brinjal), the pesticide residues were below MRL. Continuous consumption of food products even with moderate pesticide contamination may have negative consequences on human health in the long term. To minimize this risk, therefore, it is highly recommended for the farmers to adhere to universal pesticide safety practices. It is also the need of hour for continuous pesticide residue monitoring. Moreover, this validated method can also be applied to determine pesticide residues in other vegetables, fruits and cereals.