Research progress on pesticide residues of Panax ginseng / 中国中药杂志

Panax ginseng, a perennial herb, is prone to diseases and insect pests in the growth process, which are primarily prevented and treated by pesticides. However, due to the lack of standardization in the types, frequencies, and doses of pesticides, pesticide residues have become the main exogenous pollutants of P. ginseng. To explore the risk of pesticide residues in P. ginseng, this paper summarized and analyzed the common pesticide residues in P. ginseng, detection techniques, and pesticide residue limit stan-dards based on the published literature in recent years. The results revealed that the main pesticide residues in P. ginseng were organochlorine pesticides, such as tetrachloronitrobenzene, pentachloronitrobenzene, and hexachlorobenzene, and the detection techniques were dominated by gas chromatography(GC), liquid chromatography(LC), or those combined with mass spectrometry(MS). Because of the long half-life and difficulty in degradation, organochlorine pesticides have become the main factor affecting the export of P. ginseng. It is worth mentioning that P. ginseng has been classified as food in Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and other countries, and the standards of pesticide residues and limits are stricter than those in China. The quality and safety of P. ginseng are prerequisites for the efficacy of Chinese medicine and the development of traditional Chinese medicine. The formulation of scientific and effective standards for pesticide application and limits would promote the high-quality development of the P. ginseng industry.

Pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials and suggestions for safety / 中国中药杂志

The present study counted the frequency of detection technologies and monitoring frequency of pesticide species by frequency analysis based on the 28 258 pieces of data on pesticide content of Chinese medicinal materials in CNKI, calculated the detection rate and exceeding rate of different types of pesticides, and systematically analyzed the pesticide residue pollution of Chinese medicinal materials. The results showed that there were 40 types of pesticides with detection rates higher than 10%, where new pesticides such as organochlorines and nicotine accounted for 55%, and organic phosphorus, pyrethroids, and carbamates accounted for 17.5%, 15.0%, and 12.5%, respectively. Seventeen types of pesticides exceeded the standard to varying degrees, including 12 types(70.59%) with exceeding rates not higher than 5%, four types(23.53%) with exceeding rates in the range of 5%-10%, and one type(5.88%) with an exceeding rate higher than 10%. As revealed by the analysis results of the past five years, the pesticide residue pollution of Chinese medicinal materials showed a downward trend. Compared with the conditions at worst, organochlorines decreased by about 2/3 in detection rate and 47.23% in exceeding rate, carbamates by about 1/2 in detection rate and 10.78% in exceeding rate, organic phosphorus by 3/4 in detection rate and 7.22% in exceeding rate, pyrethroids by 1/2 in detection rate and 11.05% in exceeding rate, and other types by about 1/2 in detection rate but not exceeded the standard. In general, pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials and safety have been significantly improved. However, pesticide residues are still important factors affecting the quality and safety of Chinese medicinal materials. It is suggested to further improve the control standards of pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials, strengthen the monitoring of pesticides used in practical production, and promote the ecological planting mode to facilitate the high-quality development of the Chinese medicinal material industry.

Detection of Organochlorine Compounds Formed During the Contact of Sodium Hypochlorite with Dentin and Dental Pulp

This study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect the products formed during the contact of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with bovine pulp and dentin. For analysis of the products formed in the volatile phase, 11 mg of bovine pulp tissue were placed in contact with 0.5%, 2.5% and 5.25% NaOCl until complete tissue dissolution occurred. The solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber was exposed inside the container through the cover membrane and immediately injected into the GC-MS system. 30 mg of the of dentin were kept in contact with NaOCl, and then the SPME fiber was exposed inside the container through the cover membrane for adsorption of the products and injected into the GC-MS system. The same protocol was used for the aqueous phase. For analysis of the volatile compounds, the final solution was extracted using pure ethyl ether. The suspended particulate phase of the mixture was aspirated, and ether was separated from the aqueous phase of the solution. The ether containing the products that resulted from the chemical interaction of dentin and pulp with the NaOCl was filtered and then injected into the GC-MS system for analysis of the aqueous phase. The aqueous and volatile phases of both dentin and pulp showed the formation of chloroform, hexachloroethane, dichloromethylbenzene and benzaldehyde. In conclusion, organochlorine compounds are generated during the contact of dentin and pulp with NaOCl at concentrations of 0.5%, 2.5% and 5.25%.

Este estudo utilizou a cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa (CG-MS) para detectar os produtos que se formaram durante o contato de hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) com polpa dental bovina e dentina. Para a análise dos produtos formados na fase volátil, 11 mg de polpa bovina foram colocados em contato com 0,5 % , 2,5 % e 5,25 % de NaOCl, até à dissolução completa dos tecidos. A fibra de microextração em fase sólida (SPME) era exposta dentro do recipiente através da membrana da tampa, por 15 minutos, para a adsorção dos produtos formados e imediatamente injetada no CG-MS para análise. Para a análise da dentina, 30 mg do de amostras foram mantidas em contacto com o NaOCl, por 15 min, e então a fibra de SPME era exposta no interior do recipiente através da membrana de cobertura para a adsorção dos produtos e injectado no sistema de GC-MS. O mesmo protocolo foi utilizado para a fase aquosa. Para a análise dos compostos voláteis, a solução final foi extraída com éter etílico puro. A fase de partículas em suspensão da mistura foi aspirada, e o éter foi separado da fase aquosa da solução. O éter contendo os produtos que resultaram da interacção química da dentina e polpa com hipoclorito de sódio foi filtrado e, em seguida, injectado no sistema GC-MS para análise da fase aquosa. As fases aquosas e voláteis de dentina e polpa mostraram a formação de clorofórmio, hexacloroetano, dichloromethylbenzene e benzaldeído. Compostos organoclorados são gerados durante o contacto da dentina e polpa com hipoclorito de sódio em concentrações de 0,5 % , 2,5 % e 5,25 %.

Plaguicidas organoclorados en leche de bovinos suplementados con residuos de algodón en San Pedro, Colombia / Organochlorine pesticides in cows'milk supplemented with cotton waste in San Pedro, Colombia

Objetivo Evaluar la presencia de pesticidas organoclorados (OCPs) en leche cruda bovina procedente de fincas de tradición algodonera del municipio de San Pedro, Sucre. Materiales y métodos Se tomaron 48 muestras de leche procedente de tres fincas ganaderas, dos de ellas con tradición en la suplementación alimenticia con semillas y soca de algodón, y se les determinó la concentración de OCPs por cromatografía gaseosa empleando un detector de microcaptura de electrones (µECD). Resultados El 100 por ciento de las muestras presentaron algún tipo de OCPs, y las concentraciones más altas correspondieron a los pesticidas Endrin, DDT y Aldrin, con 0,62, 0,59 y 0,52 µg/mL, respectivamente. Las fincas que suplementaron con soca de algodón tuvieron una mayor presencia y concentración de OCPs en leche que las muestras provenientes de la finca que no realizaba esta práctica. Conclusión A pesar que la mayoría de los plaguicidas organoclorados están prohibidos en el país desde 1986, aún se presentan residuos en las muestras de leche cruda analizadas provenientes de fincas con tradición en el cultivo de algodón, generando un riesgo de salud pública a los consumidores.

Objective Ascertaining the presence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in raw milk from cows grazing on traditional cotton farms in San Pedro, Sucre, Colombia. Materials and methods 48 samples were taken from three cattle farms; two of them used cotton seed and soca dietary supplement.OCP concentration was determined by gas chromatography (GC) using an electron capturedetector (µ-ECD). Results 100 percent of the samples had some type of OCPs and Endrin, DDT and Aldrin pesticides hadthe highest concentrations (0.62, 0.59 and 0.52 µg/mL, respectively). Farms supplementing feed with soca cotton had the greatest OCP presence and concentration in milk samples compared to samples from farms which did not engage in this practice. Conclusion Although most OCPs have been banned in Colombia since 1986, residues are still being presented in raw milk samples tested from cottongrowing farms, thereby creating a public health risk for consumers.

Exposición a órganoclorados por ingesta de leche pasteurizada comercializada en Cartagena, Colombia / Estimating exposure to organochlorine compounds from consuming pasteurised milk in Cartagena, Colombia

Objetivo Estimar la exposición de pobladores adultos a compuestos órganoclorados a partir de la ingesta de leche pasteurizada comercializada en la ciudad de Cartagena. Métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo de 47 muestras de lotes de producción de distintas marcas de leche pasteurizada y comercializada en la ciudad de Cartagena. El contenido de materia grasa en las muestras de leche fue determinado por Cromatografía de gases. Asimismo, fueron encuestadas 596 personas mayores de edad de las cuales se indagó la frecuencia de consumo de productos lácteos con el fin de estimar la ingesta diaria potencial y admisible y evaluar el riesgo a ingesta de organoclorados. Resultados Las personas encuestadas se encuentran expuestas a compuestos órganoclorados mediante la ingesta de 12,1 mg/g/día a través del consumo de leche pasteurizada comercializada en la ciudad de Cartagena. El 100 por ciento de las muestras analizadas se encontró contaminada con alguno de los plaguicidas objeto de estudio. La población objeto de estudio presenta una ingesta diaria (IDP) de compuestos órganoclorados superior a lo permitido, a la luz de la FAO/OMS. Conclusiones No es posible recomendar a la población cartagenera no consumir leche, pero si recomendar a las autoridades competentes encargadas de exigir a las productoras que inicien campañas de mejoramiento de la calidad de la leche desde el punto de vista toxicológico.

Objective Estimating adult residents' exposure to organochlorine compounds from drinking milk being marketed in the city of Cartagena. Methods This was a descriptive observational study; 47 samples were taken from different production lots of brands of pasteurised milk being sold in the city of Cartagena. The milk samples' fat content was determined by gas chromatography. 596 adults were also surveyed whose dairy product consumption frequency had been investigated to estimate potential and acceptable daily intake and assess the risk of consuming organochlorines. Results The people surveyed here were exposed to organochlorine compounds through consuming 12.1 mg/g/day in pasteurised milk being sold in the city of Cartagena. 100 percent of the samples tested were contaminated with one of the pesticides being studied. The study population had a daily intake (IDP) of organochlorine compounds greater than that permitted by FAO/WHO guidelines. Conclusion It cannot be recommended that people in Cartagena do not drink milk; however, the competent authorities can be requested to require dairy-product producers to launch campaigns to improve the quality of milk from a toxicological point of view.

Identification of 2u-globulin and bound volatiles in the Indian common house rat (Rattus rattus)

The 2u-globulin (2u) is a pheromone carrier urinary protein believed to be relevant for sexual communication among rats and is characterized in laboratory rats. In the present study 17 kDa protein and the bound pheromones were characterized in a population of wild-type Indian common house rat (Rattus rattus). The protein was purified by two runs of Sephadex G-50 chromatography and analyzed with SDS-PAGE with MALDI-TOF/MS. The results of MASCOT search identified the protein as an 2u and suggested a role for binding pheromones. To confirm the protein bound volatiles, purified 2u was extracted with dichloromethane and volatile molecules were detected using of gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 1-Chlorodecane was detected as the predominant compound and 2-methyl-N-phenyl-2-propenamide, hexadecane and 2,6,11-trimethyl decane as the minor compounds. The simple method of protein purification and the identification of bound volatiles may help in designing efficient pheromone-based rat traps.

Organochlorine pesticides in lacustrine sediments and tilapias of Metztitlan, Hidalgo, Mexico

The organochlorine pesticides (OP) are very stable molecules, due to this stability; they are very resistant in the environment and highly related to fat tissues with a wide diffusion property and an average time life higher then 10 years. We studied sediments (November 2001, April and June 2002) and organisms collected in April and July (2002) from the lacustric zone of Metzitlán, Hidalgo, Mexico. The analysis was performed according to UNEP/IAEA (1982) (sediments) and UNEP/FAO/IOC/IAEA (1986) (organisms) methods. Three chemical families of organochlorine pesticides were identified and analyzed to determine posible toxicological risk. The principal organochlorine compounds found in sediments were g-HCH, d-HCH, p,p’-DDT and the endosulfan sulfate; these xenobiotics come from agriculture lands near the river and lake, used intensively, and most probably carried by the rain and rain flows into the main water body. In the tilapias tissue, p,p’-DDD y d-HCH were detected. The average concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in sediments were within the internacional limits for freshwater benthonic fauna, although lindane (g-HCH) was near the limit. The fish were above the criteria established in the local legislation (NOM-027-SSA1-1993 y NOM-028-SSA1-1993). Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (3): 1381-1390. Epub 2008 September 30.

El presente trabajo se llevó a cabo en la cuenca lacustre de Metztitlán, Hgo. Se realizaron tres colectas de sedimentos recientes en noviembre (2001), abril y julio (2002) y dos colectas para organismos en abril y julio (2002). Los análisis se hicieron siguiendo la metodología para sedimentos propuesta por UNEP/IAEA (1982) y para tejido de organismos por UNEP/FAO/IOC/IAEA (1986). Se identificaron y cuantificaron tres familias químicas de plaguicidas organoclorados, para determinar el posible riesgo toxicológico de los sedimentos y de organismos en capturas comerciales. Los principales compuestos clorados en sedimentos fueron el g-HCH, d-HCH, p,p’-DDT y el sulfato de endosulfán; estos xenobióticos provienen de las zonas de cultivos aledañas al río y al lago, con un uso intensivo, probablemente transportados por lluvias y descargas fluviales hacia el cuerpo lacustre y en el tejido de organismos se detectaron principalmente el p,p’-DDD y d-HCH. Las concentraciones promedio de plaguicidas clorados en sedimentos no rebasaron los límites establecidos en los criterios de calidad ambiental internacionales para provocar efectos nocivos en la biota bentónica de los sistemas dulceacuícolas, aunque de manera puntual el lindano (g-HCH) registró niveles cercanos a dichos límites. Las tilapias rebasaron los criterios existentes en las Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM-027-SSA1-1993 y NOM-028SSA1-1993).

Assessment of human health risk from organochlorine pesticide residues in Cidade dos Meninos, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This article presents the results of a heath risk assessment in Cidade dos Meninos, an area contaminated with organochlorine pesticide residues located in the county (municipality) of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) risk assessment methodology was applied. The following organochlorine compounds exceeded the established limits and were considered target pollutants: HCH and its isomers (in eggs, milk, and soil); DDT and its metabolites; trichlorobenzenes; trichlorophenols; dioxins and furans (eggs and soil). For all the substances studied (with the exception of trichlorophenols), the estimated doses exceeded the minimum risk levels for chronically exposed children and adults. According to the ATSDR classification, the area was considered an "urgent public health hazard" because of its high and serious exposure to substances that are dangerous to human health.

Cidade dos Meninos é uma área localizada no Município de Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, onde ocorreu contaminação ambiental por deposição de pesticidas organoclorados. Este artigo apresenta os resultados de um estudo de avaliação de risco para a saúde da população residente, utilizando-se a metodologia de avaliação de risco à saúde da Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Os seguintes compostos organoclorados superaram as normas estabelecidas e foram considerados contaminantes de interesse: hexaclorociclohexano (HCH) e seus isômeros (ovo, leite, solo); tricloro-bis-(clorofenil)-etano (DDT) e seus metabólitos (ovo, leite, solo); triclorobenzenos (solo); triclorofenóis (solo); dioxinas e furanos (ovo, solo). Para todos os compostos estudados, exceto triclorofenóis, na situação de exposição crônica, as doses estimadas estavam acima dos níveis mínimos de risco à saúde, para crianças e adultos. A área foi classificada como de perigo urgente para a saúde pública por exposição de alta intensidade e grave a substâncias nocivas à saúde humana. Os autores observam que a realização de estudos de avaliação de risco para a saúde humana é uma importante ferramenta para a tomada de decisões para ações de saúde pública.

Residuos de plaguicidas organoclorados en 4 tipos de aceites vegetales / Organochlorine pesticide residues in 4 types of vegetable oils

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivos identificar y cuantificar residuos de los plaguicidas organoclorados (POC) hexaclorobenceno (HCB), lindano, cis-clordano, heptacloro, aldrín, dieldrín, endrín y o,p’-diclorodifeniltricloroetano (o,p’-DDT) en aceites de maíz, soya, girasol y mezclas de aceites, que se expenden en la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela. Se analizaron 30 muestras de 4 tipos de aceites de 10 marcas comerciales. La extracción de residuos de POC se realizó según la técnica de la AOAC. Para la identificación y cuantificación se utilizó un cromatógrafo de gases con detector de captura electrónica (GC-ECD), y para la confirmación, un cromatógrafo de gases acoplado a un espectrómetro de masas (GCMS). Todos los residuos de POC investigados fueron detectados en las muestras analizadas. Se detectaron en mayor concentración (mg/ g) aldrín (0,0088), lindano (0,0054) y o,p’-DDT (0,0035). El análisis estadístico demostró diferencias significativas (P<0,05) para la concentración de POC en los diferentes tipos y marcas comerciales de aceites vegetales. La concentración de lindano en el aceite de maíz (0,0125 mg/g), de cis-clordano (0,0091 mg/g) y aldrín (0,0287 mg/g) en el aceite de soya sobrepasaron los límites máximos de residuos (LMRs) establecidos por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación/Organización Mundial de la Salud (FAO/WHO). En conclusión, se detectó una elevada incidencia de residuos de POC en los aceites vegetales analizados.

The present study had as objectives to identify and to quantify organochlorine pesticide residues (OCP) hexachlorobenzene (HCB), lindane, cis-chlordane, heptachlor, aldrín, dieldrín, endrín and o,p’-DDT in vegetable oils of corn, soybean, sunflower and mixtures of oils, sold in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela. 30 samples of 4 types of vegetable oils of 10 commercial brands were analyzed. The extraction of OCP residues was done according to the Official Method of AOAC. A gas chromatograph with an electronic capture detector (GC-ECD) was used for identification and quantification of OCP residues and confirmation was done with a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). All the OCP residues investigated were detected in the analyzed samples. Aldrin (0.0088), lindane (0.0054) and o,p’-DDT (0.0035) were the OCP residues detected in higher concentrations (mg/g). The statistical analysis showed significant differences (P<0.05) for the concentration of OCP in the different types and commercial brands of vegetable oils. Lindane concentration in the corn oil (0.0125 mg/g), as well as cischlordane (0.0091mg/g) and aldrín (0.0287 mg/g) in the soybean oil exceeded maximal residual limits (MRL) established by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). In conclusion, it was detected a high incidence of OCP residues in vegetable oils analyzed.

Organochlorine residuals in groundwater of Pondicherry region.

Nineteen representative water samples were collected from surface and ground water sources, covering urban, rural area, shallow and deep aquifers in Pondicherry region. The samples were analysed for various pesticide residues such as HCH, Aldrin and DDT. Both surface and ground water sources found to exhibit the residuals of various pesticides. The residual levels oforganochlorine pesticides were found to be three to four times more in ground water sources of agricultural areas than in urban areas, indicating the impact of usage of pesticides for agriculture. It is evident that total residuals of organochlorine pesticides are more in tanks followed by shallow wells and deep wells. However, the residual levels of pesticides were found well below the maximum acceptable level of 100 ng/L for individual pesticides for drinking purpose in the study area. Though the residual levels of pesticides in the study area were well below the acute toxicological problems, the major concern is for long term, chronic exposure from compounds that may be carcinogenic.

Detection of pesticide residues in muscles, liver and fat of 3 species of Labeo found in Kalri and Haleji lakes.

The pesticide residues which were detected in fish tissues are DDT, DDE, aldrin, dieldrin and deltamethrin. In total 45 samples were taken out of which 18 were found positive. Out of 18 samples DDT was found in 10 samples in small quantities. DDE was found in 12 samples in higher quantities, aldrin was found in 10 samples and dieldrin was found in 2 samples in small quantities. Deltamethrin was found in 7 samples and malathion in none. Slightly more number of residues were found in Kalri lake samples. However, quantity of pesticides was higher in Haleji lake due to polluted nature of water while number of pesticides was more in Kalri lake water, possibly due to the surrounding adjacent agricultural farms. Higher level of GPT, GOT and ALP was found in samples with higher accumulation of pesticide residues. This possibly indicates a correlation between exposure of pesticide and increased level of the 3 enzymes.

Monitoring of some organochlorine pesticide residues of butter in Konya, Turkey.

Some organochlorine pesticide residues were investigated in the samples of all local commercial butter brands sold in the supermarket in Konya (Turkey). Some of the samples were found to have the DDT complex (DDT, DDD, DDE and isomers), total HCH complex (alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH), aldrin, dieldrin and endosulfan (I and II). Nearly 94% of the butter samples were found to be contaminated. Endrin and heptachlorine were detected in three and two samples, respectively, while 87% of samples were contaminated by one or more HCH isomers. 78% of the organochlorine pesticide was DDT and/or its metabolites. These results confirmed that butters sold in Konya presented organochlorine pesticide residues indicating a human exposure.

Water quality status of Murda village in Ramtek tehsil.

Major concern for the tribals, residing at Murda village in Ramtek tehsil, has always been assumed to be the contaminated drinking water. It has been frequently reported that adults and children of this village possess white patches on hands due to consumption of this contaminated water. In this context, an attempt has been made to assess the water quality of Murda village so as to find out the effective solutions. The paper highlights the studies carried out to assess the quality of drinking water supplied to the village Murda and its impacts, on the habitants.

Persistent Chemicals in Birds and Herbs in Korea

Measurements were made of the residual level of chlorinated hydrocarbon compound and mercury compound in the tissues of wild birds and herbs in Korea from November 1974 to August 1975. Aldrin was detected in all of the wild birds analyzed. The residue levels of aldrin varied from 0.353ppm to 16.115ppm. Among the tissues analyzed, the feathers contained the highest concentration of aldrin, but chloridane could not be detected in wild birds. The pesticides detected in wild birds were (alpha+beta)-BHC gamma-BHC, delta-BHC, heptachlor, aldrin, TDE and DDT. Dieldrin was detected only in the stomach of eastern dunlin caught at the Nakdong River basin. Residue levels of mercury were measured in all wild birds analyzed. Among tissues analyzed for mercury compound concentration, here also the feathers showed the highest level. The feathers of the eastern dunlin showed a high content of mercury compound which was 76.665 ppm at the highest level. Herbs used as material for oriental remedies were contaminated by chlorinated hydrocarbons which were (alpha+beta)-BHC, gamma-BHC, dieldrin, DDT, heptachlor, TDE, aldrin and epoxide. The insect materials from Cicadae testa, Bombycis corpus, and Scolopendia were much more contaminated by pesticides than plant materials. Herbs cultivated in arable areas were also found to be more contaminated by pesticides than wild ones. Herbs, on the whole, contained lower levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons than wild birds. The incidence of pesticide residues in natural products and in wild birds, however, should be considered as a global environmental pollution problem. The present investigation could contribute as a baseline study for the monitoring of pesticide pollution, its application and dispersal, and the hazard limit for food and human health.