Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Selected Chilli Samples by Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Kulkarni Ankita1, Jasti Pratima1, Ravindran Selvan1, Shukla Sharvari2 1Symbiosis School of Biomedical Sciences, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India 2Symbiosis Institute of Health Science, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India Online published on 29 December, 2017. Abstract Introduction Vegetables and fruits being excellent source of vitamins and minerals promote good health. However, consumption of pesticides contaminated vegetables poses a major threat to public health. Purpose Growing population and increased pesticide usage for agricultural yield had resulted in contaminated crops. Pesticides affects environment aswell and imposes major health risk for the public. The objective of the present study is to analyze selected fresh green chilli samples in the pune region as it was used extensively in various consumer foods. Methodology Thirty samples of Capsicum annum (fresh green chillies) were procured by random sampling from various markets in Pune. Chilli plants being of small size have a greater threat from sprayed pesticides. Ethyl acetate (10 ml) and acetic acid (100 μl) were added to crush chilli samples and homogenized. The organic extract was removed after centrifugation and subjected to analysis by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) to determine concentration of various pesticides. Results & discussion Totally 229 pesticides were screened of which 77 were analysed by GC-MS and 152 were screened using LC-MS. Few of the samples exceeded the permissible limits (100ppb). Pesticide residues above the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) were detected in some of the samples, while most contained pesticide residues at or below MRLs. The most frequently detected pesticide residues are Ethion, Acephate, Cypermethrin, Bifenthrin, Fenithrothion, etc., in high concentrations. Research implications To educate farmers on the judicious use of agrochemicals thereby decreasing the burden of these chemicals in food stuffs and their impact on public health. Novelty/originality The present study would contribute to the existing pool of data for close scrutiny of pesticide residues in vegetables and, to protect consumer's health. This would help in providing guidelines and regulate the use of pesticides. Top Keywords Pesticide residues, Vegetables, Risk assessment, Contamination, GC-MS, LC-MS. Top |