Validation of an Analytical Workflow for the Analysis of Pesticide and Emerging Organic Contaminant Residues in Paddy Soil and Rice

Abstract

Contamination of agricultural soil with organic contaminants is a global problem due to the risks associated with food security and ecological sustainability. Besides the use of agrochemicals, hundreds of emerging contaminants enter arable lands through polluted irrigation water. In this study, an analytical workflow based on QuEChERS extraction coupled with LC−MS/MS quantification was applied to measure 65 emerging contaminants (42 pesticides and 23 multiclass industrial chemicals) in soil and rice for the first time. The method was validated on paddy and yard soil and rice plants. A recovery efficiency ranging between 70 and 120% (RSD <20%) was achieved for more than 70% of the analytes. Then, the validated method was used to quantify target contaminants in 22 soil and 9 rice samples collected mainly from paddy fields close to the Ergene River (Turkey), which is a highly polluted river used for irrigation in the region. Pesticide residues were present in all soil samples up to 2.4 mg/kg. However, their concentrations were below their maximum residual limits in rice. Azoxystrobin, prochloraz, propiconazole, imidacloprid, and epoxiconazole were the most frequently detected pesticides. In addition, industrial pollutants such as benzyldimethyldodecylammonium and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate were detected in paddy soil samples at concentrations between 0.1 and 691 μg/kg. Benzyldimethyldodecylammonium and 5-methyl-1H benzotriazole were also measured in rice at concentrations up to 0.26 and 2.13 μg/kg, respectively.

Pesticide-Residue Analysis in Soils by the QuEChERS Method: A Review

“…In this last case, this combination was compared with that of the EN and original versions and gave better recoveries in the range of 72-121% versus 67-123% (the recoveries were slightly lower for several pesticides) and lower than 70% for approximately 30% of the 58 pesticides studied, respectively. It is also important to mention the work of Feride et al [66], which tested the extraction efficiency of different salts (MgSO 4 , NaCl, K 2 CO 3 , Na 2 SO 4 , and NaOAc) for the simultaneous extraction of 42 multiclass pesticides and 23 multiclass industrial chemicals. The higher extraction efficiency was obtained using ACN containing 1% HAc and a combination of MgSO 4 , NaCl, and NaOAc (4:1:1, w/w).…”

Novel Insights into Stereoselective Reproductive Toxicity Induced by Mefentrifluconazole in Earthworms (Eisenia fetida): First Report of Estrogenic Effects

“…Current research on the reproductive toxicity of triazole fungicides has focused on mammals or aquatic organisms, and there is a lack of research on the reproductive health of beneficial species in the soil ecosystem, such as earthworms. Soil is known as the “reservoir” of pesticides; more than 80% of the active ingredients of pesticides will eventually enter the soil environment . Earthworms are one of the largest biomass groups of soil organisms and have an important influence on soil structure, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. , The reproductive health of earthworms will directly affect their abundance and population stability in soil ecosystems and is important for maintaining healthy and sustainable soil ecosystems.…”

Biosynthesis and genetic engineering of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid in Pseudomonas chlororaphis Lzh-T5

“…Worldwide, rice is often affected by serious diseases and insect pests. Although chemical pesticides, such as tricyclazole and epoxiconazole, are often used to control these pests and diseases, they cause environmental and food pollution ( Padovani et al, 2006 ; Yan et al, 2015 ; Garcia-Jaramillo et al, 2016 ; Meng et al, 2018 ; Medina et al, 2021 ; Sefiloglu et al, 2021 ; Li H. et al, 2022 ). Therefore, there are increasing restrictions on the use of chemical pesticides.…”