Study of Pesticide Contamination in Soil, Water and Produce Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Pest is defined as any living organisms interfering with the agricultural activity in a negative way. The major pests were observed that hamper the growth of agricultural crops are insects, fungi, and weeds. Pesticides are the chemicals used against pests. Many precautions are taken to avoid these pests. But, there should be a strategy for use of the chemicals for the sake of food safety. Which means many different products should be under routine control for pesticides residue in a specific zone [1]. Governments in many countries have established new institutions, standards, and methods for regulating food safety and have increased investments in hazard control. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development recognized food as major vehicles for trade commodity and environmental contamination. Sustainable agricultural practices that are promoted for mitigating climate change have the potential to also improve pest management [2]. The over use of synthetic chemicals to control pests and diseases has become widespread in the 20th century especially after the Second World War. An increase in food production has been observed with the increasing World population. However, the quality of food came as a big questions over time. It has been observed that farmers aim to get more and more yield lead to apply more synthetic pesticides. The pesticides were identified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by the Stockholm Convention in 2001. Chemical substances and their persistance in the environment, bio-accumulation through the food web, pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. Pesticides are grouped in many classes among them Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) played an important role at the beginning.