A comparative study of multi-residue analysis of pesticides in tomato fruits from different cultivation geographical regions in Egypt

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of pesticide residues in tomato fruits from three major agricultural governorates in Egypt: Al-Hadrah (Alexandria), Rosetta (El-Beheira), and Fuwwah (Kafr El Sheikh). Utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), the analysis revealed a concerning prevalence of pesticide contamination across all regions. Different pesticide compounds were identified, encompassing organophosphates, pyrethroids, organochlorines, carbamates, triazoles, and other chemical classes. The results indicate significant regional variation in pesticide profiles. Al-Hadrah samples were dominated by organophosphates like chlorpyrifos (16.53% relative abundance), Rosetta showed a high fungicide load led by carboxin (12.46%), and Fuwwah exhibited an alarming profile composed entirely of pesticide residues, heavily dominated by organophosphates such as ethion (19.02%). A critical cross-regional finding was the ubiquitous presence and high relative abundance of organophosphate insecticides, raising major public health concerns due to their acute neurotoxicity. The study also detected several banned or highly hazardous pesticides, including parathion-ethyl (in all regions) and the persistent organic pollutant endosulfan (in Rosetta and Fuwwah), indicating potential regulatory non-compliance and the use of obsolete stocks. The routine detection of complex pesticide "cocktails," along with the use of synergists like piperonyl butoxide, underscores the potential for cumulative and synergistic toxicological effects. These findings highlight widespread and intensive agrochemical application practices, posing significant food safety risks and potential health threats to consumers. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced regulatory enforcement, monitoring, and the promotion of sustainable integrated pest management strategies in Egyptian tomato cultivation.