Pesticide residues in tomato crops in Western Algeria
Zakaria Lotfi GAOUAR, Bilel Chefirat, Rachida Saadi, Sanae Djelad, Haciba Rezk-kallah
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate levels of pesticide residues commonly used on tomato crops in Western Algeria. It showed a significant use of pesticides, especially insecticides (47%) and fungicides (41%) among listed pesticides in crop fields. A total of 30 tomato samples were analysed using multi-residue analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after QuEChERS extraction. Five pesticides (difenoconazole, triadimenol, metalaxyl, chlorpyriphos and methomyl) were detected in 14 samples (47%). Among these five samples containing residues of two different types of pesticides. The levels ranged from 2.29 to 64.3 µg/kg. The methomyl residue in one sample was above the maximum limit (MRLs) set by the European Union. Our results indicate an excessive use of pesticides and undeniable non-compliance with good agricultural practices. Routine monitoring for pesticides is recommended to preserve consumer's health.