DETERMINATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SELECTED VEGETABLES FROM SANLIURFA, TURKEY, AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT

This study aims to evaluate the level of pesticide residues in vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and cucumbers that are widely consumed in Sanliurfa. The presence of pesticide residues in continuously consumed agricultural products can cause serious health problems for consumers. This study illustrated a total of 83 fresh vegetable samples were analyzed for 130 pesticide residues using the QuEChERS extraction method and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that 34% of the vegetable samples contained pesticide residues above the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). This rate was found to be 50%, 40%, 30%, and 18% in cucumber, eggplant, pepper, and tomato, respectively. A very high proportion of the analyzed samples contained residues that exceeded the limits. The cumulative risk index (cHI) calculated for tomatoes and peppers and the long-term consumer health risk (cHQ) value for acetamiprid residue detected in tomatoes were found to be greater than 1 for children. This case demonstrates that some precautions should be taken to protect consumers' health. In this regard, it is suggested that residue monitoring studies be carried out in a more planned and effective manner and that farmers and pesticide sellers be given training.