Two different methods are utilized for this study. The first method covers the measurement of bioelectrical signals caused by enzymatic inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) for the detection of pesticides. Biosensor toxicity analyzer (BTA) was used for the testing and the monitoring of changes in bioelectrical signals caused by the interaction of biological substances, and residues were evaluated. The second method is based on measurement of the oxygen level caused by photosynthetic inhibition of residual pesticides by the interaction with green algae, Scenedesmus (Chlorophyta). Algae growth analyzer (AGA) equipped with miniature sensitive oxygen electrode, a light source and cover to model light and dark phases was used enabling us to follow the lifecycle of algae producing oxygen. The test, conducted under the guideline of faster analogy of DIN 863 toxicity test, alga growth inhibition test (OECD TG 201) was and ISO standard (ISO: 8692). Two samples of cotton were analyzed. Cryogenic homogenization was carried out for sample pretreatment. Soxhlet extraction method (SOX) and ultrasound assisted extraction (USE) were used for extraction. Both methods show reasonable results and can successfully be utilized for the detection of residual pesticides on different types of cotton and especially to compare the classical conventional and organic cotton. 1. Introduction Cotton has always been a major part of the textile industry and today provides almost 38% of the world textile consumption, second only to polyester, which recently took the lead [1]. Cotton production is highly technical and difficult because of pest pressures and environment, for example, drought, temperature, and soil nutritional conditions. The total area dedicated to cotton production accounts for approximately 2.4% of arable land globally, and cotton accounts for an estimated 16% of the world’s pesticide consumption [2]. Around 2.5 million tons of pesticides are used annually, and the number of registered active substances is higher than 500. Humans can be exposed to pesticides by direct or indirect means. Direct or primary exposure normally occurs during the application of these compounds, and indirect or secondary exposure can take place through the environment or the ingestion of food [3]. This is why development of natural biological methods of insect control was initiated. Cotton grown without the use of any synthetically compounded chemicals (i.e, pesticides, fertilizers, defoliants, etc.) is considered as “organic” cotton. It is produced under a system of production and
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