Pesticide Determination in Water Samples from a Rural Area by Multi-Target Method Applying Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The rises of toxic effects caused by pesticides are of concern. However, Brazilian legislation still needs scientific subsides to improve the water quality requirements. This can be attributed in part to the few existing studies showing the occurrence and levels of multi-residue pesticides. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the presence and the residue-levels of pesticides in surface, ground and drinking water of Tibagi River micro-basin in Paraná State, Brazil. Data obtained over a year for the physical-chemical parameters, screening and quantification, made by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), confirmed the contamination by several pesticides. Alarming concentrations of diuron and imazethapyr in a permanent preservation area and in groundwater were observed. The absence of legislation for most pesticides under study makes difficult the prohibition of their use and the control of their residue-levels on the environment. The results draw attention to further discussion and engagement around the pesticide regulations.

A voltammetric method for diuron determination in river water

“…The amount of diuron found in sample P6 is within the expected concentration range (1.03 to 12.59 μg L À 1 ) in contaminated river waters in Brasil, according to Almeida et al [28]. Although this amount was below the maximum residual limit of diuron in water established by ANVISA (20 μg L À 1 ) [10] and EPA (100 μg L À 1 ) [11], continuous consumption of diuron can lead to cancer, thyroid, hormonal or neurological problems [29].…”

“…The proposed method presented satisfactory reproducibility (overall RSD < 1.7) and accuracy with T A B L E 1 Result of the diuron determination in river water samples and the recovery study using the proposed method. recovery rates ranging from 88.0 % and 108.0 %, which are within the limits acceptable (70 % to 130 %) by ANVI-SA for pesticides analysis [28]. Therefore, the proposed method can be considered a useful alternative for routine analyses of diuron in water, using inexpensive instrumentation as well as being a more sensitive, faster, and less laborious method.…”

Pesticides in different environmental compartments in Brazil: a review

“…According to Almeida et al (2019), conventional water and sewage treatments usually do not eliminate certain complex substances, such as pesticides, for this reason, traces of these contaminants can reach the population. For rural families, the concern is even greater, as they can consume water without adequate treatment/ quality control, coming from natural sources such as mines or wells.…”

Determination of Some Pesticides Harmful To Environment and Human Health in Bogazköy(Turkey) Dam Water by LC-MS/MS

“…The direct harmful effect of the pesticides on the human body occurs when it enters the metabolism as a result of drinking or eating a pesticidecontaminated food. Pesticides have many negative effects on both human health and the health of other living bodies (9). Different results occur depending on age, race, and gender, as well as diet, economic status, disease status, exposure time, and pesticide concentration.…”