Effect of washing treatment in reducing the pesticide residues of chlorpyrifos and diazinon in apple and grape

In this study, residues of chlorpyrifos and diazinon pesticides in 10 apple and 6 grape samples from Maragheh County were analyzed using the GC/MS technique after extraction via the QuEChERS method, known for its convenience, speed, effectiveness, and safety. The study also evaluated the impact of washing treatments on pesticide residue levels and conducted health risk assessments using a Monte Carlo simulation for adults and children. Results revealed the detection of chlorpyrifos and diazinon residues in all 32 apple and grape samples across both washed and unwashed treatments. In 95% (19 samples) and 100% (20 samples) of apple samples, average chlorpyrifos and diazinon residues were below the Iranian maximum residue limit (MRL), whereas 41.67% (5 samples) and 33.33% (4 samples) of grape samples exceeded the MRL. Following washing, chlorpyrifos residues in apple samples decreased by 42.02% and diazinon by 53.84%, while in grape samples, reductions were 39.70% for chlorpyrifos and 46.15% for diazinon. Highest Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for adults and children were observed in apple samples with chlorpyrifos (0.51 and 0.12, respectively) and diazinon (0.45 and 0.105, respectively). Cumulative risk assessment for chlorpyrifos and diazinon pesticide residues indicated no significant health risks for either age group. However, given the widespread use of pesticides, ongoing monitoring is essential to mitigate residues in fruits and vegetables.