Pesticide residues in edible insects: sources, toxicological effects, analytical techniques and future prospects.

Pesticide-Induced Decline of Soil Arthropods: Ecological Consequences and Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

Pesticides comprise both naturally derived and synthetically manufactured compounds extensively employed to control insects, weeds, fungi, rodents, nematodes, and other agricultural pests. Their widespread application has significantly enhanced crop productivity and food security; however, indiscriminate use has resulted in serious environmental and public health concerns. Owing to their toxic nature, pesticides can adversely affect living organisms, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these compounds according to their potential health hazards. This article provides a comprehensive review of pesticides' global distribution, classification, applications, and environmental effects. It summarizes the available literature on pesticide classification based on source, chemical composition, mode of action, target organisms, and toxicity. Furthermore, the review discusses the detrimental effects of pesticide residues on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, soil and water quality, plant physiology, metabolism, defence mechanisms, genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, and human health, including their association with genetic alterations, carcinogenesis, allergic disorders, and respiratory diseases. Eco-friendly approaches for pesticide remediation, such as bacterial degradation, mycoremediation, phytoremediation, and microalgae-based bioremediation, are highlighted. These biological systems utilize diverse catabolic enzymes to degrade pesticide residues and facilitate environmental detoxification. The review also emphasizes the need to identify efficient microbial strains, novel degradative genes, and advanced biotechnological strategies to achieve sustainable pesticide waste management.

Pesticide residues in non-primary edible plant parts: Regulatory considerations and dietary risk assessment of guava leaves.

Rising consumption of non-primary edible plant parts is creating previously underaddressed pesticide residue and dietary exposure concerns. Guava leaves are widely consumed as herbal infusions and incorporated into pharmaceutical and food products. However, intensive pesticide use during cultivation may result in residue accumulation in leaves and derived products, raising potential public health concerns. This study investigated the occurrence and levels of multi-class pesticide residues in eleven dried guava leaf samples (branded and non-branded) and four guava-containing pharmaceutical preparations collected from Egypt. Compliance with European Union Maximum Residue Limits (EU-MRLs) and realistic consumer exposure scenarios were evaluated. Additionally, a leaf sample was traced back to its farm source, where associated environmental matrices (soil and irrigation water) and guava fruit were analyzed to assess pesticide contamination. Detected concentrations ranged from 0.0015 mg/kg (lufenuron) to 1.97 mg/kg (imidacloprid), with 8-27 residues per sample. Environmental samples showed minimal contamination, and the corresponding fruit contained only one residue. Infusion processing factors refined exposure estimates. Dietary risk assessment based on Estimated Daily Intake and risk quotient calculations for adults, children, and infants indicated no appreciable health risk, despite the high frequency of pesticide occurrence.

Comprehensive study on pesticide residues and mycotoxins in freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries.

Freeze-dried fruit has gained popularity because it preserves the flavour and nutritional value of fresh fruit while providing extended shelf life. Despite this, there are concerns regarding its chemical safety. This study evaluated 58 freeze-dried fruit products from the Czech retail market, focusing on potential contamination. Pesticide residues and mycotoxins were determined using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. Overall, 111 pesticide residues (or their metabolites) and 3 mycotoxins were quantified. After applying processing factors, 12 pesticide residues exceeded EU maximum residue limits. Prohibited substances, including carbofuran, omethoate, and haloxyfop, were detected. Tenuazonic acid was found in 71% of samples, while alternariol and tentoxin were detected less frequently. More than half (54%) of strawberry samples contained 10 or more pesticide residues, indicating potential cumulative exposure concerns, particularly for children with lower body weight. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring of freeze-dried fruits and further assessment of dietary exposure.

Analytical Strategies for the Detection of Pesticides, Antibiotics, and Heavy Metals in Honey: Current Advances and Implications for Food Safety

Honey is a natural food product highly valued for its nutritional and biological properties. Its quality and safety are increasingly affected by environmental contamination and apicultural practices. Among the most relevant contaminants, pesticide residues, veterinary antibiotics, and heavy metals represent major concerns due to their potential impact on human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, sources, and distribution of these contaminants in honey, with particular emphasis on their relationship with agricultural activities, environmental pollution, and beekeeping treatments. Advanced analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), are highlighted for their ability to enable sensitive multi-residue and trace-level detection. The application of chemometric tools for data analysis and sample classification is also addressed, supporting the identification of contamination patterns and origin-related differences. In addition, recent developments in rapid screening methods and environmentally sustainable analytical approaches are discussed. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and the integration of advanced analytical strategies to ensure honey safety, support regulatory compliance, and protect consumers.

From Fields to Bodies: The Human Cost of Pesticide and Fertilizer use

Fertilizers and pesticides have played a vital role in boosting agricultural output, but their extensive use has raised major concerns regarding human health. Exposure to these agrochemicals can occur through various routes, including direct contact in the workplace, consumption of contaminated food and water, and environmental pollution. This review examines the different types and chemical makeup of these substances, along with how they can harm the body through mechanisms such as hormonal disruption, oxidative damage, nervous system toxicity, and potential links to cancer. Documented health effects include both immediate poisoning and long-term conditions like cancer, fertility problems, and neurological illnesses. Studies from around the world, including clinical and occupational research, underline the rising health burden tied to these chemicals. Although global safety standards exist, enforcement is often lacking, particularly in developing regions. This article highlights the pressing need for safer farming practices like integrated pest management, the use of organic inputs, greater awareness, and improved policy measures to protect public health while maintaining food security.

Understanding pesticide pollution: sources, classification, environmental and health impacts, analytical approaches, and treatment techniques with special emphasis on India.