Multivariate optimization and validation of 200 pesticide residues in the banana matrix by GC-MS/MS.

GC-MS/MS has been observed from past studies to be an appropriate choice for designing a simple, efficient and sensitive analytical technique. Accordingly, the linearity and working range, Method Limit of Detection (MLOD), Method Limit of Quantification (MLOQ), accuracy, precision (intra-day and inter-day), Matrix Effect (ME) and selectivity were analyzed for the assessment of 200 pesticide residues [organophosphorus pesticides (OPP), organochlorine pesticides (OCP), organonitrogen pesticides (ONP), synthetic pyrethroid pesticides (SPP), and herbicide methyl esters (HME)] in the banana matrix. The procedure involved QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extraction and clean-up with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Primary Secondary Amine (PSA) wherein the factors were optimized using the Plackett-Burman and central composite designs. The performance of the method in order to quantitate 200 pesticides at trace levels was evaluated by matrix-matched calibration. The linearity was observed to range from 1 to 100 µg L-1 with determination coefficient (r2) > 0.99. Recovery studies were conducted at 2 levels, 10 µg kg-1 and 25 µg kg-1, and the values obtained were in the range of 71-116% and 72-119%, respectively. The Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) was observed to be less than 20% in line with the recommended guidelines (SANTE/11312/2021). The MLOD and MLOQ were found to be in the range of 0.45-6.33 µg kg-1 and 1.44-9.59 µg kg-1 respectively. The developed method was applied satisfactorily to analyse banana samples cultivated in different regions of Gujarat, India.

Effect of kerosene and biomass fuel as cooking medium on pulmonary function of adult nontobacco addict homemaker women residing in slums of Ahmedabad City, Gujarat.

BACKGROUND: Combustion of kerosene and biomass fuel in the kitchen as cooking medium is one of the major sources of indoor air pollution. Such contaminated indoor air quality adversely affects the respiratory health of exposed individuals over a period of time. Homemaker women especially residing in slum areas are always vulnerable to indoor air-pollution-related health hazards. OBJECTIVES: The objective is to assess the relationship between various socio-demographic factors and usage patterns of cooking fuel; and to determine the effect of cooking medium namely biomass, kerosene on pulmonary function parameters. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out during April 2012 - April 2016 among 531 nontobacco addicted adult primary homemaker women residing in slums of Ahmedabad city of Gujarat. Basic information-related socio-demographic parameters were collected on a pretested questionnaire. Pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters were evaluated with standard techniques. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS software (version 17.0). Statistical tests of significance between groups and mean along with multivariate linear regression analysis were applied. RESULTS: Predominant cooking medium for nearly 40% of slum households were kerosene and biomass. Mean value of forced expiratory volume in the 1st s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly lower among Kerosene and biomass users compared to LPG users. Multivariate regression analysis with involvement of PFT parameters, cooking medium, and environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) shows, deprivation of both FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were significantly related with the usage of kerosene and biomass; whereas no relation found with ETS. CONCLUSION: Reduction of pulmonary function parameters among the study participants were related with kerosene and biomass fuel usage in the kitchen.