The Use of Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables: Consequences Along the Food Chain and the Environment
The aim of my research project is to investigate pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and to assess their potential impact on food safety and the environment. Pesticides are widely used in modern agriculture to protect crops and improve yields; however, their persistence in agricultural products and environmental compartments raises concerns regarding human health and ecosystem sustainability.
During the first phase of the fellowship at LUFA, Germany, I developed and implemented a structured sampling plan and gained practical experience in advanced pesticide residue analysis. The work included sample preparation using the QuEChERS method and the application of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS techniques for the detection and quantification of multiple pesticide residues.
A major achievement of the project has been the development and optimization of multiresidue analytical methods based on Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM), as well as the validation of analytical procedures for different fruit and vegetable matrices. The analyzes successfully identified several pesticide compounds, including Azoxystrobin, Boscalid, 4,4-DDE, Cyprodinil, Fenhexamid, and others. The chromatographic and mass spectrometric results demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility, confirming the reliability of the analytical methods used.
The next stage of the project will focus on expanding the sampling program and comparing pesticide residue levels in agricultural products from Germany and Albania. The findings are expected to contribute to improved monitoring systems, food safety assessment, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.