Quantification of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables sampled in Sicily (Italy) and assessment of health risks

This study aimed to assess the presence and concentration of 220 pesticide residues in 475 vegetable samples collected from 90 locations across Sicily, Italy. This paper presents chemometric analyses and risk assessments performed on a large dataset concerning pesticide analyses in Sicilian vegetables. The analysis employed the QuEChERS extraction method followed by gas GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. The analytical protocols demonstrated good sensitivity and selectivity, with determination coefficients (R²) greater than 0.998 for all analytes. Recovery percentages for different pesticides ranged between 60 % and 140 %, ensuring reliability in quantification. Most pesticides have LOQ values at 0.006 mg Kg −1 , confirming method sensitivity. Among the detected residues, Boscalid, Acetamiprid, Deltamethrin, Tebuconazole and Chlorpyrifos were the most frequently found compound in samples. Some samples exceeded the European Union’s Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), raising concerns regarding consumer safety. By comparing the concentrations of the active ingredients in our samples with the maximum values reported by the European Community, all the samples, with the exception of one of peaches and another of prickly pears, whose concentrations of Chlorpyrifos and Etofenprox were above the legal limits, we can conclude that the others comply with European legislation. We can be concluded that the HQ values for all the pesticides studied are below the established threshold of 1 for both adults and children. Consequently, the population exposed to pesticides through fruit and vegetable consumption can be considered safe. Only in the case of boscalid in a blackcurrant sample, the HQ value was slightly higher than 1. • 220 pesticides in 475 vegetable samples collected in 90 Italian locations were quantified. • The samples were extracted by QuEChERS method. • Quantification was carried out by gas GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. • Chemometric analysis revealed significant co-occurrence patterns among some pesticides.