Investigation of pesticide residues of Moinfos and Ethion in apple and grape and health risk assessment based on Monte Carlo Simulation

The residues of Moinfos and Ethion pesticides in 20 samples of apples and 12 samples of grapes, in two treatments, unwashed and washed, after extraction with a convenient, fast, effective, and safe analytical method (QuEChERS) were analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Also, the health risk assessment of pesticide residues in apple and grape samples was done using the hazard quotient (HQ) and based on the Monte Carlo simulation for two age groups of adults and children. The results showed that the average residue of ethion in unwashed apple and grape samples was lower than the maximum residue levels of the MRLs of Iran. While, the average residue of Moinphos in unwashed apple and grape samples was higher than the MRLs of Iran. Also, the pesticide residues of Ethion and Moinfos in 100% of the apple and grape samples were higher than the MRL of the European Union. After washing, the average residue of Moinfos and Ethion pesticides decreased by 47 and 45% in apple samples and 44 and 42% in grape samples, respectively. The results of risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation showed that the HQ value is less than one with 100% certainty in the age groups of children and adults. Therefore, the consumption of apples and grapes with these two pesticides does not pose any significant risk to the health of consumers. However, due to the use of numerous pesticides, continuous and accurate monitoring and strict regulations regarding the quality and safety of fruits are recommended.