Analysis of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in tropical fruits and soils from Antioquia, Colombia and health risk assessment by consumption

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that accumulate in the food chain, persist in the environment, and pose health risks, even in small quantities from contaminated food, such as tropical fruits. This study assessed the levels of these pollutants in tropical fruits and soils from Antioquia, Colombia, and assessed the associated health risks by consumption. A total of 56 fruit samples (Hass avocado, cape gooseberry, and purple passion fruit) and 32 soil samples were collected from eight farms between March 2023 and January 2024. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Trace amounts between <0.0300 µg/kg and 0.218 µg/kg of heptachlor and <0.0300 µg/kg and 0.0662 µg/kg of gamma-chlordane in Hass avocado and purple passion fruit were founded. Furthermore, the levels of 4,4′-DDT were between 1.07 µg/kg and 90.2 µg/kg which were higher than 4,4′-DDE (0.223 µg/kg and 28.8 µg/kg) in the 18.8 % of the soils samples. The 4,4′-DDT/4,4′-DDE ratios were between 1.11 and 6.12, indicating a potential source of technical mixture of dicofol. PCBs were not detected in fruit samples, but were detected in 18.8 % of the soil samples. The levels found of these pollutants in fruits did not represent a risk to the population by consumption because hazard quotient was below 1.0 and the increased lifetime cancer risks were below 10−6 and 10−4. These results suggest that fruits from La Unión, Antioquia, are not a significant source of exposure to OCPs and PCBs for the population. However, the presence of heptachlor and gamma-chlordane in fruit samples highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring. Furthermore, practical recommendations include periodic POPs monitoring in various foods and soils. This ensures food safety and promotes agricultural practices that minimize exposure to environmental contaminants.