Determination of pesticide and phthalate residues in tea by QuEChERS method and their fate in processing

Abstract

In this study, the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method was applied for the analysis of the multiclass pesticide residues of 12 organochlorines (OCs), 9 organophosphates (OPs), 11 synthetic pyrethroids (SPs), 4 herbicides, 6 phthalates in raw tea (loose tea, branded tea and herbal tea), and tea infusion in 4 different containers (glass cup, earthen cup, plastic bag and disposal cup). In loose tea and branded tea residues, malathion (0.257 and 0.118 mg kg), cypermethrin (0.065 and 0.030 mg kg), and fenvalerate (0.032 and 0.030 mg kg) were detected, respectively. In herbal tea, residues of only cypermethrin (0.053 mg kg) and fenvalerate (0.045 mg kg) were detected. Tea infusion samples contained in a plastic bag were found to be contaminated with only dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (0.038 mg kg). Disposable cup was found to be contaminated with DBP (0.026 mg kg) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) (0.004 mg kg). Further, to know the processing behavior of pesticides, the spiked raw tea was subjected to tea infusion at different brewing times (2, 5, 10 min). The analysis demonstrated that dimethoate, dichlorvos, and malathion had shown more than 10 % of translocation at 5 min of brewing time. Further brewing for 10 min revealed the reduction in concentration of pesticides. Leaching of phthalate residues from different plastic containers was also studied at 10, 30, and 60 min. DBP, benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP), and di-2-(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were leached in the tea infusion samples packed in plastic bags. On the other hand, in disposable cups, leaching of DBP, DEP, and dimethyl phthalate were found. The concentration of phthalate residues increased with retention time. Pesticide and phthalate contaminants were recorded at low quantities in few samples only.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Phthalate Esters in Tea Plants Growing Different Geographical Environments and an Attempt on Their Risk Assessment

“…It has attracted comprehensive attention worldwide owing to its anti-oxidation, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-cardiovascular, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and health care functions. , However, organic contaminants, heavy metals, and pesticide residues in teas are important factors adversely affecting tea quality and safety, which has become an urgent concern. In recent years, domestic and foreign researchers have confirmed that the detectable rate of PAEs contamination in tea is as high as 100%, with DMP, DEP, di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), DBP, and DEHP being the most commonly detected in tea. , A method for detecting PAEs in tea and tea infusion has been established. − ,− By means of these methods, researchers found that PAEs are highly accumulated in tea mature leaves. Fortunately, tea processing can facilitate PAEs degradation, in which the drying process was found to be the main stage for PAEs release during green tea and black tea processing. , …”

Health Functions and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Tea Components: An Update Review

“…Excessive levels of pesticide residues, such as organophosphorus chemicals, organochlorines, carbamates, pyrethroids, herbicides, and neonicotinoids, are a serious safety issue that has been monitored for many decades and aroused increasing attention [216,219,228,229]. Specifically, chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid were frequently detected pesticides in tea [215,218].…”

Pesticide residues in herbs and their transfer for infusions

“…Even the banished organochlorine pesticide residues were found in these products [5][6][7]. Also, organophosphorus pesticides were found in herbs commercialized in China [8,9], India [10,11], Italy [12], and Iran [13]. Some studies also detected pyrethroids in herbs from India [10,11], Italy [12], and China [14].…”

“…Also, organophosphorus pesticides were found in herbs commercialized in China [8,9], India [10,11], Italy [12], and Iran [13]. Some studies also detected pyrethroids in herbs from India [10,11], Italy [12], and China [14]. Few studies have been carried out aiming at the determination of pesticides in herbs consumed in Brazil, and only a restricted number of herbs and analytes Article Related Abbreviations: ACN, acetonitrile; GCB, graphite carbon black; GC-MS, gas chromatography -mass spectrometry; ISTD, internal standard; MRLs, maximum residue limits; QuEChERS, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe procedure; DLLME, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction; PSA, primary secondary amine; SAX, strong anion exchange; TPP, triphenyl phosphate.…”