-
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021In the present study, 168 pesticides in 1,017 samples of 10 Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) were simultaneously determined by high-performance liquid (HPLC-MS/MS) and...
In the present study, 168 pesticides in 1,017 samples of 10 Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) were simultaneously determined by high-performance liquid (HPLC-MS/MS) and gas (GC-MS/MS) chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 89.2% of the samples encompassed one or multiple pesticide residues, and the residue concentrations in 60.5% of samples were less than 0.02 mg kg, revealing the relatively low residue levels. The hazard quotient and hazard index methods were used to estimate the health risk for consumers. For a more accurate risk assessment, the exposure frequency and exposure duration of CHMs were involved into the exposure assessment, which was obtained from a questionnaire data of 20,917 volunteers. The results of chronic, acute, and cumulative risk assessment indicated that consumption of CHMs is unlikely to pose a health risk to consumers. Ranking the risk of detected pesticides revealed that phorate, BHC, triazophos, methidathion, terbufos, and omethoate posed the highest risk. Our results also showed that pollution of the aboveground medicinal part was more serious. Although exposure to pesticides in tested CHMs was below dangerous levels, more strict controlled management should be carried out for banned pesticides due to the high detection rate and illegal use in the actual planting practice.
PubMed: 35177984
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.818268 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022With the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and the increasing use of herbal medicines around the world, there are concerns over their safety....
With the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and the increasing use of herbal medicines around the world, there are concerns over their safety. In recent years, there have been some sporadic reports of pesticide residues in Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CX), although the lack of systematic and comprehensive analyses of pesticide residues and evaluations of toxicological risks in human health has increased the uncertainty of the potential effects of pesticides exposure in humans. This study aimed to clarify the status of pesticide residues and to determine the health risks of pesticide residues in CX. The findings of this study revealed that 99 batches of CX samples contained pesticide residues ranging from 0.05 to 3013.17 μg/kg. Here, 6-22 kinds of pesticides were detected in each sample. Prometryn, carbendazim, dimethomorph, chlorpyrifos, chlorantraniliprole, pyraclostrobin, and paclobutrazol were the most frequently detected pesticides, with detection rates of 68.69-100%. Insecticides and fungicides accounted for 43.23% and 37.84% of the total pesticides detected, respectively. Here, 86.87% of the pesticide content levels were lower than 50 μg/kg, and a small number of samples contained carbofuran, dimethoate, and isofenphos-methyl exceeding the maximum residue levels (MRLs). A risk assessment based on the hazard quotient/hazard index (HQ/HI) approach revealed that the short-term, long-term, and cumulative risks of pesticide residues in CX are well below the levels that may pose a health risk. Worryingly, six banned pesticides (carbofuran, phorate sulfone, phorate-sulfoxide, isofenphos-methyl, terbufos-sulfone, and terbufoxon sulfoxide) were detected. This study has improved our understanding of the potential exposure risk of pesticide multi-residues in CX. The results of the study will have a positive impact on improving the quality and safety of CX and the development of MRLs for pesticide residues.
Topics: Chromatography, Gas; Chromatography, Liquid; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Food Contamination; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Pesticide Residues; Risk Assessment; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 35163887
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030622 -
Movement Disorders : Official Journal... May 2022Dream-enacting behavior is a characteristic feature of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, the most specific prodromal marker of synucleinopathies. Pesticide...
BACKGROUND
Dream-enacting behavior is a characteristic feature of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, the most specific prodromal marker of synucleinopathies. Pesticide exposure may be associated with dream-enacting behaviors, but epidemiological evidence is limited.
OBJECTIVES
To examine high pesticide exposure events in relation to dream-enacting behaviors among farmers in the Agricultural Health Study.
METHODS
We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine high pesticide exposure events reported from 1993 to 1997 in relation to dream-enacting behaviors assessed from 2013 to 2015 among 11,248 farmers (age 47 ± 11 years).
RESULTS
A history of dream-enacting behaviors was reported by 939 (8.3%) farmers. Compared with farmers who did not report any high pesticide exposure event, those who reported were more likely to endorse dream-enacting behaviors 2 decades later (odds ratio = 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-2.05). The association appeared stronger when there was a long delay in washing with soap and water after the event (2.63 [95% CI, 1.62-4.27] for waiting >6 hours vs. 1.71 [95% CI, 1.36-2.15] for washing within 30 minutes) and when the exposure involved the respiratory or digestive tract (2.04 [95% CI, 1.62-2.57] vs. 1.58 [95% CI, 1.29-1.93] for dermal contact only). In the analyses of specific pesticides involved, we found positive associations with two organochlorine insecticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and lindane), four organophosphate insecticides (phorate, ethoprop, terbufos, and parathion), two herbicides (alachlor and paraquat), and fungicides as a group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the first epidemiological evidence that high pesticide exposures may be associated with a higher risk of dream-enacting behaviors. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Topics: Adult; Agriculture; Farmers; Humans; Insecticides; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Pesticides
PubMed: 35152487
DOI: 10.1002/mds.28960 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Apr 2022In this study, three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide aerogel (rGOA)-supported nanozero-valent iron (rGOA-nZVI) was successfully synthesized via tailored design and...
In this study, three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide aerogel (rGOA)-supported nanozero-valent iron (rGOA-nZVI) was successfully synthesized via tailored design and applied to activate persulfate (PS) to degrade three organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs; phorate, terbufos and parathion) in water and a historically contaminated soil. The results showed that loading nZVI nanoparticles on rGOA could prevent the aggregation of nZVI. rGOA-nZVI presented a better catalytic performance for PS activation to degrade the three OPPs than bare nZVI and rGOA, with degradation efficiencies of greater than 99.5% within 5 min. pH had negligible effects on the PS activated by rGOA-nZVI (rGOA-nZVI/PS). EPR measurements and radical quenching experiments showed that ·SO and ·OH were the main radicals responsible for OPP removal in the rGOA-nZVI/PS system. Furthermore, nine intermediates were identified, and the oxidation and scission of C-S-C, P-S/O and PS were the dominant degradation pathways of the three OPPs in aqueous solutions treated with rGOA-nZVI/PS. Additionally, rGOA-nZVI/PS achieved degradation efficiencies of 95.1% for phorate, 79.9% for terbufos and 89.1% for parathion in the contaminated soil, and the detected intermediates could be further degraded except triethylphosphate. Overall, this study provides practical knowledge for OPP removal by rGOA-nZVI/PS in wastewater and actual contaminated soil.
Topics: Graphite; Organophosphorus Compounds; Pesticides; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35051772
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128254 -
Journal of Analytical Methods in... 2021This study aimed to develop a method, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, for detecting 37 pesticides in () and investigating the decrease in the...
This study aimed to develop a method, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, for detecting 37 pesticides in () and investigating the decrease in the matrix-induced enhancement effect. The influence of QuEChERS extraction and matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) on the recovery and matrix effect (ME) was compared. extraction and matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) on the recovery and matrix effect (ME) was compared to decrease the ME. The cleanup sorbents, volume and type of solvent, and treatment time were optimized. The accuracy (as recovery), precision (as relative standard deviation, RSD), linearity, limit of quantitation, and limit of detection were determined. The recoveries at the three levels using mixed standard solution ranged between 76% and 120% with RSD ≤15%, and 76% and 120% with RSD ≤11% for MSPD and QuEChERS extraction, respectively. The results suggested that the ME for 21 pesticides was in the range of 80%-120% after MSPD and 15% after QuEChERS extraction. QuEChERS extraction was simpler and faster than MSPD. This methodology was applied in the analysis of 27 samples; phorate was most frequently detected (63.0% of the sample).
PubMed: 34925934
DOI: 10.1155/2021/8854025 -
Biosensors & Bioelectronics Dec 2021In this work, a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor was structured for the detection of four organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). Firstly, multi-walled carbon...
In this work, a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor was structured for the detection of four organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). Firstly, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to create a favorable loading interface for the fixation of tris (2, 2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) (Ru (bpy)). At the same time, copper (core)-gold (shell) bimetallic nanoparticles (Cu@Au NPs) were synthesized in the aqueous phase for the sensor construction. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) could promote the electrochemiluminescence intensity of Ru (bpy) with high efficiency by catalyzing the oxidation process of tri-n-propylamine (TPrA). Compared with the Au NPs, Cu@Au NPs increased the solid loading of Au NPs by virtue of the large specific surface area of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), which could further improve the sensitivity of aptasensor. When OPs were added, the ECL intensity was significantly reduced, and the concentration of OPs could be detected through the ECL intensity. Under the optimum conditions, the aptasensor had a wider dynamic range and ultra-low detection limit for the detection of four pesticides: profenofos, isocarbophos, phorate, and omethoate, and their detection limits were 3 × 10 ng/mL, 3 × 10 ng/mL, 3 × 10 ng/mL, and 3 × 10 ng/mL respectively (S/N = 3). The aptasensor had the merits of good stability, reproducibility, and specificity, and had a favorable recovery rate in detecting OPs residues in vegetables. This work provided an effective method for the construction of a simple, rapid, and sensitive biosensor.
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Copper; Electrochemical Techniques; Gold; Metal Nanoparticles; Nanotubes, Carbon; Organophosphorus Compounds; Pesticides; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34530372
DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113601 -
Journal of Basic Microbiology Mar 2022Phorate is a systemic insecticide used to eradicate mites, insects, and nematodes. Extensive use of this organophosphate has engendered severe environmental concerns....
Phorate is a systemic insecticide used to eradicate mites, insects, and nematodes. Extensive use of this organophosphate has engendered severe environmental concerns. The current research aimed to explore the kinetic pathways of phorate biodegradation in aqueous solutions. Two novel bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PR1 (KP268772.1) and Pseudomonas sp. PR_02 (KP268773.1) were isolated, screened, and developed given their potential to degrade phorate. Mineralization of phorate was assayed with and without the addition of metal ions [Fe (II) and Cu (II)] and humic acid (HA). In 14 days, experiment both strains have consumed about 69%-94.5% (half-life from 3.58 to 6.02 days) of phorate. The observed biodegradation rate of phorate with Cu (II) in the system was 73% and 87%, with a half-life of 4.86 and 4.07 days for PR1 and PR2, respectively. The biodegradation of phorate using Fe(II) was 69% and 82%, with half-life periods 5.68 and 4.49 days. Meanwhile, incorporating HA, the phorate biodegradation was inhibited significantly, showing 71% and 85% degradation, with half-life periods of 6.02 and 5.02 days. The results indicated that both bacterial strains were able to mineralize phorate with PR2 > PR1. Summarizing, the inhibition in phorate biodegradation order under different conditions was as HA > Fe (II) > Cu (II). UV-visible measurements and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric assays indicated that the possible degradation pathway of phorate included ethoxy-phosphonothio-methanethiol S-mercaptomethyl-O,O-dihydrogen phosphorodithioate, diethyl-methylphosphonate, methane dithiol, ethanethiol, and phosphate, as the main metabolites identified. Therefore, it was concluded that the newly isolated Pseudomonas strains could be a potential candidates for biodegradation of phorate in a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative.
Topics: Bacteria; Biodegradation, Environmental; Humic Substances; Phorate; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 34520071
DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202100332 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Sep 2021This study investigated the levels of highly toxic pesticides (HTPs) in 6554 vegetable and fruit samples from 31 regions of China, along with the associated risk of...
This study investigated the levels of highly toxic pesticides (HTPs) in 6554 vegetable and fruit samples from 31 regions of China, along with the associated risk of dietary exposure for the population between 2014 and 2017. 18 HTPs were detected in 325 (4.96%) samples, and the levels of HTPs in 103 (1.57%) samples were found to be higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of China. The rate of detection of HTPs in six types of vegetables and fruits, in a decreasing order, was found to be as follows: eggplant (8.84%) >grape (5.58%) >tomato (5.43%) >cucumber (5.43%) >pear (3.12%) >apple (2.30%). The level of contamination of HTPs was found to be higher in vegetables compared with fruits. The vegetable and fruit samples with the highest percentages of HTPs exceeding MRLs were found in eggplants from Guangxi (20%) and grapes from Inner Mongolia (12.5%), respectively. Both, the average target hazard quotient (THQ) of a single highly toxic pesticide (HTP) and the average hazard index (HI) of the mixture of HTPs for adults and children from vegetables and fruits from the 31 regions were found to be less than one. Omethoate, carbofuran, ethoprophos, triazophos, and phorate were identified as the major contributors to the average HI for vegetables, and carbofuran, ethoprophos, omethoate, phorate, and phosphamidon were identified as the primary contributors to the average HI for fruits. The results of this study revealed that HTPs in vegetables and fruits did not cause any significant chronic risk of dietary exposure. The detection of HTPs exceeding MRLs in some of the samples implied that appropriate management guidelines for HTPs should be implemented to protect the health of the consumers.
Topics: Adult; Child; China; Dietary Exposure; Food Contamination; Fruit; Humans; Pesticide Residues; Risk Assessment; Vegetables
PubMed: 34146981
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112428 -
Chemosphere Oct 2021Sulfidation treatment is an effective method of improving the catalytic performance of zero-valent iron (ZVI). Here, we prepared sulfidated, micro-sized ZVI (S-mZVI)...
Sulfidation treatment is an effective method of improving the catalytic performance of zero-valent iron (ZVI). Here, we prepared sulfidated, micro-sized ZVI (S-mZVI) using ball milling technology to activate persulfate (PS) with the goal of oxidizing organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in aqueous solution and aged OPP-contaminated soil columns. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) analyses uncovered the formation of FeO, FeOOH, FeS and FeS in the S-mZVI prepared by ball milling with different proportions of elemental S powder to make micro-sized ZVI particles. The presence of sulfur can regulate the morphology of S-mZVI with a dispersed and spherical shape, and it can improve the activation performance of PS. In aqueous solution, 11.2 mg of S-mZVI activated 2.5 mM PS (S-mZVI-PS) with an S/Fe molar ratio of 0.100, and it was the best at activating PS, leading to oxidation-rate constants of 0.030 s for 10 mg/L phorate and 0.026 s for 10 mg/L terbufos, which were much greater than those of the other S-mZVI and mZVI. The results of the soil column experiment showed that the PS, which had a low consumption for the total dosage, achieved higher degradation percentages among the three OPPs in the S-mZVI-PS treatment than those in the mZVI-PS treatment over 120 h, with the best performance achieved by oxidizing 69.7% phorate, 48.0% terbufos and 60.6% aminoparathion. The effluent concentrations of the three OPPs in the S-mZVI-PS treatment were significantly lower than those in the mZVI-PS treatment, while dissolved total iron and Fe(II) displayed the opposite results. These results indicate that S-mZVI prepared by ball milling can effectively activate PS and be applied to remediate OPP-contaminated soil.
Topics: Iron; Oxidation-Reduction; Pesticides; Soil; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 33992847
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130760 -
International Journal of Legal Medicine Jul 2021Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) are widely used in the world, and many poisoning cases were caused by them. Phorate intoxication is especially common in China. However,...
Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) are widely used in the world, and many poisoning cases were caused by them. Phorate intoxication is especially common in China. However, there are currently few methods for discriminating phorate poisoning death from phorate exposure after death and interpretation of false-positive results due to the lack of effective biomarkers. In this study, we investigated the metabonomics of rat plasma at different dose levels of acute phorate intoxication using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) analysis. A total of 11 endogenous metabolites were significantly changed in the groups exposed to phorate at LD level and three times of LD50 (3LD) level compared with the control group, which could be potential biomarkers of acute phorate intoxication. Plasma metabonomics analysis showed that diethylthiophosphate (DETP) could be a useful biomarker of acute phorate intoxication. The levels of uric acid, acylcarnitine, succinate, gluconic acid, and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (36:2) were increased, while pyruvate level was decreased in all groups exposed to phorate. The levels of ceramides (Cer) (d 18:0/16:0), palmitic acid, and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) (18:1) were only changed after 3LD dosage. The results of this study indicate that the dose-dependent relationship exists between metabolomic profile change and toxicities associated with apoptosis, fatty acid metabolism disorder, energy metabolism disorder especially tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, as well as liver, kidney, and nervous system functions after acute exposure of phorate. This study shows that metabonomics is a useful tool in identifying biomarkers for the forensic toxicology study of phorate poisoning.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Disease Models, Animal; Lethal Dose 50; Mass Spectrometry; Metabolome; Metabolomics; Organophosphate Poisoning; Phorate; Rats
PubMed: 33987742
DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02532-z