Detection of Different Pesticide Residues in Seasonal Leafy Vegetables of North Bengal Region, Bangladesh

Food pesticide residue is a significant health issue affecting the population of developing nations, including Bangladesh. Nevertheless, there is minimal literature on the report of pesticide residues of commonly used pesticides in seasonal leafy vegetables in the North Bengal area. As such this study was meant to identify pesticide residues in raw leafy vegetables through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Three frequently consumed leafy vegetables were collected and analyzed, including Indian spinach, spinach, and stem amaranth. Overall, four pesticides have been observed in the three types of vegetables (two insecticides and two fungicides) depending on the characteristic absorption peaks in the FTIR spectra. These compounds were thiamethoxam, carbendazim, mancozeb + metalaxyl, and dimethoate. These pesticide residues likely cause food safety and health-related challenges to the population. To minimize the potential health risks, increased monitoring of pesticide residues in the vegetables and promotion of integrated pest management (IPM) approach with trainings the farmers on safe handling of pesticides are recommended.