Washing effects of limonene on pesticide residues in green peppers

Background The presence of pesticide residues in food has caused much concern. The low health risks and environmental impacts of limonene make it a very interesting solvent for use in green chemistry. Washing effects of limonene on pesticide residues of methyl chlorpyrifos, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos, fenpropathrin and deltamethrin were investigated in green pepper . Results Results showed that washing with a low concentration of limonene for 5 min (where LOQ is limit of quantitation) caused 53.67%, < LOQ , 64.29%, 68.69% and 66.22% loss of the above pesticides, respectively, while corresponding values of washing with a high concentration were 84.64%, < LOQ , 90.46%, 89.00% and 89.36%, respectively. Washing with a low concentration of limonene for 10 min produced 55.90%, < LOQ , 66.19%, 72.08% and 73.25% loss, respectively, while corresponding values of washing with a high concentration were 94.42%, < LOQ , 96.58%, 92.04% and <  LOQ , respectively. The reductions due to washing with tap water (for 10 min) and the emulsion with only egg yolk lecithin (at high concentration for 10 min) were 25.18 %, 37.83%, 21.84%, 20.87%, 13.86% and <  LOQ , 59.70%, 54.09%, 54.76%, 54.47%, respectively . Conclusion The data indicated that washing with a low concentration of limonene for 5 min was the optimal treatment for elimination of pesticide residues in green pepper, considering effect and treatment time as well as cost. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry