Pesticide residues in aquatic products: sources, advances in detection technologies, and risk management

Abstract

Pesticide residues in aquatic products are a growing food safety issue worldwide, originating from aquaculture practices, agricultural runoff with legacy pesticides, and industrial effluents with new contaminants. This review examines gaps in understanding the combined effects of multiple pesticides and the challenges in detecting emerging contaminants like neonicotinoids and fungicides in aquatic samples. It covers the sources of pesticide contamination, bioaccumulation of organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids in aquatic organisms, and their harmful effects on ecosystems (e.g., toxicity, reproduction issues, neurological damage, and biodiversity loss) and human health (e.g., poisoning, endocrine disruption, developmental problems, and possible cancer risks). The review highlights gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for detecting volatile compounds and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for analyzing a broad range of pesticides as key methods. It also discusses faster, cost-effective options like immunoassays and biosensors for field testing. Risk management strategies focus on reducing pesticide use in agriculture and aquaculture, improving process controls, and monitoring residues against Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), alongside consumer education for better awareness. The review points out unresolved issues, such as the long-term impacts of new pesticides and their combined effects, and suggests future research on multi-residue detection, risk assessment combining ecological and health factors, portable testing tools, and sustainable aquaculture practices to ensure safe aquatic food supplies.