Identification and health risk assessment of pesticide residues in eggplant and its cultivation soil

Abstract Eggplant holds a significant place in the human diet due to its nutritional value. Given its extensive cultivation across various regions of Iran and the widespread use of pesticides, monitoring these residues is essential for safeguarding public health. Accordingly, this study was conducted to identify and assess pesticide risks in eggplant and surrounding soil. Sampling was conducted across 25 large fields in three distinct eggplant-growing regions. Pesticide extraction from the samples was performed using the rapid, easy, cheap, effective, robust, and safe (QuEChERS) method; then the concentrations of pesticides were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Finally, oral and dermal exposure risk assessments were done. Nine pesticide residues were detected in eggplant samples, with Trifluralin showing the highest concentration. All residues were below established maximum residue limits (MRLs). Non-carcinogenic hazard quotient (HQ) values remained below 1 for both age groups, indicating an acceptable risk; however, children consistently exhibited higher HQ values than adults, primarily due to their lower body weight. Mean Carcinogenic risk assessment for Trifluralin yielded lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) values ranging from 1.6 × 10⁻ 6 to 4.2 × 10⁻ 6 , which fall within the USEPA acceptable range. Dermal exposure risk was highest among agricultural workers (THQ up to 2.22 × 10⁻¹ at 95th percentile), though still below the safety threshold. Although current pesticide residue levels in Iranian eggplants do not pose an immediate health threat, the greater vulnerability of children and the detectable carcinogenic risk associated with Trifluralin warrant continuous monitoring, stricter enforcement of the pre-harvest interval, and targeted educational interventions for farmers.