The distribution of nine pesticides between the juice and pulp of carrots and tomatoes after home processing

Abstract

The distribution of nine pesticides between the juice and pulp of carrots and tomatoes during home culinary practices was investigated. Tomato and carrot pulp contained a higher percentage of all pesticide residues, except for mancozeb in tomatoes. Although there was a difference in the relative distribution of the pesticides between the commodities with greater amounts present in the pulp of tomatoes, the pesticides followed a similar trend in both. A relationship between the pulp/juice distribution and water solubility of the pesticide was apparent. Pesticides with the highest water solubility were present to a greater extent in the juice. An exception was noted in the case of diazinon and parathion, which were present in higher amounts in the pulp than their water solubility would suggest. The percent residue in the pulp ranged from 56.4 to 75.2% for carrots, and 49.7 to 95.4% for tomatoes. Residues in the juice prepared from washed commodities ranged from not detected to 0.83 μg/g. Washing of the produce removed more residue from carrots than from tomatoes, but it did not affect the relative distribution of the residues. The behaviour and fate of the chemical varied with the pesticide as well as the crop.

Keywords:

• pesticide residues
• juice
• tomato
• carrot
• home processing

Notes

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