Effect of Talc Particle Size in Detergents for Fruits and Vegetables on the Ability to Remove Pesticide Residues

Abstract

Detergents containing abrasive talc particles for washing fruits and vegetables were designed and investigated. Detergent prototypes were developed with the following composition: 40% talc particles, 1.5% surfactants, 5% ethyl alcohol, 1% sodium citrate, 1% sodium carbonate, 1.5% glycerin, and 0.5% preservative. Xanthan gum (0.5% concentration) was used as a viscosity modifier to stabilize the dispersion of talc particles. Three types of detergent prototypes were prepared, differing in the size of the talc particles. The following fractions were used: 50–125, 250–500, and 710–1000 μm. The particle size effect on the effectiveness of the removal of surface pesticide residues was investigated. A specially developed methodology was used. Three types of pesticides (boscalid, acetamiprid, and pyraclostrobin) were applied to a cherry tomato, tangerine, and cucumber, and then a model washing process was performed using the developed detergents. The changes in the pesticide content on the surface of fruit and vegetables were assessed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Detergents with talc particles of sizes 50–125 and 250–500 μm were more efficient in the removal of pesticide residues from the surface of fruit and vegetables compared to detergents with 710–1000 μm talc particles.

Towards the Development of a Smart Detergent with Enhanced Safety and Efficiency for Pesticide Residue Removal from Fruits and Vegetables

“…[5][6][7][8] Consequently, there is a worldwide emphasis on research into effective methods of removing pesticide residues from various fruits and vegetables. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] The conventional household practice often involves washing produce with tap water [16] but this approach can be ineffective, particularly for hydrophobic pesticides. [17][18] The need to protect consumers from the hazardous effects of pesticides requires the investigation of effective pesticide removal strategies.…”

“…Consequently, there is a worldwide emphasis on research into effective methods of removing pesticide residues from various fruits and vegetables [9–15] . The conventional household practice often involves washing produce with tap water [16] but this approach can be ineffective, particularly for hydrophobic pesticides [17–18] …”

Calcium Ion Deposition with Precipitated Calcium Carbonate: Influencing Factors and Mechanism Exploration

“…The performance of laundry detergents is categorized as 'primary' (removing stains) and 'secondary' (preventing redeposition) [2]. Sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) is a common non-phosphorus detergent aid with excellent calcium removal and stain removal properties [3,4]. Meanwhile, it poses difficulties in hard water conditions due to the formation of insoluble calcium carbonate deposits on the fabric surface [5].…”

Application of aggregation behavior of nonionic surfactants to develop a smart detergent for washing fruits with emphasis on pesticide residues removal

“…Pugliese et al (2004) reported that a soaking solution containing glycerin, ethanol and sodium lauryl sulfate showed the ability to remove almost 50% of pesticide residues, while aqueous solutions containing citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, sodium pyrosulfite, sodium hypochlorite, and urea appeared not to be more effective compared to washing with pure water. Wasilewski et al (2022) developed a special abrasive paste based on talcum particles for washing fruits and vegetables.…”