Regular monitoring of pesticide residues

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 132 views

Analysis of Pyrethroid Pesticide Residue Content Made from Sipermetrin and Deltametrin in Red Chili (Capsicum Annum L.) Using the Gas Chromatography Method

Introduction

The use of pesticides in agriculture has become a common practice to control pests and diseases that can damage crops. Among the various types of pesticides, pyrethroid pesticides have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in controlling pests. However, the excessive use of these pesticides can have severe consequences on human health and the environment. In this study, we aim to analyze the presence and level of pyrethroid pesticide residues, specifically sipermetrin and deltametrin, in red chili (Capsicum annum L.) using the gas chromatography method.

The Importance of Red Chili Agriculture

Red chili is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, and its production is crucial for the food industry. However, red chili agriculture is often faced with various attacks of pests and diseases, which can lead to significant losses in crop yields and quality. In an effort to overcome this problem, farmers often use pesticides, especially from the pyrethroid group, which contains active ingredients such as sipermetrin and deltametrin. Although these pesticides are effective in controlling pests, their excessive use can be fatal for human health, causing symptoms such as seizures, ataxia, dermatitis, diarrhea, tremors, and vomiting.

Research Purpose and Methods

The primary objective of this study is to determine the presence or absence of pyrethroid pesticide residues in red chili, as well as to measure the level of residue. Red chili samples were taken from one of the supermarkets in the city of Medan. The residue level analysis process was carried out at the UPT laboratory for testing pesticide and quality residues, PTPH of North Sumatra Province. To extract pesticide residues, a mixture of acetone solvent, dichloromethane, and petroleum ether mixture with a ratio of 1: 1: 1 was used. The extraction results were then concentrated and dissolved again using a mixture of isoocane and toluene (9: 1 V/V) in a volume of 5 ml. The analysis was carried out using gas chromatography with HP-5 columns and ECD detectors. The parameters used in the analysis include the column temperature of 270 ° C, the injector temperature of 290 ° C, the detector temperature of 290 ° C, and the use of dinitrogen gas and helium as the mobile phase.

Research Results

The results showed that in the red chili tested, the presence of Sipermetrin pesticide residues with an average level of 1.579 mg/kg. Meanwhile, the Deltametrin residue was not detected. The residue level obtained meets the standards set by SNI, where MMR for the two pesticides is 2.0 mg/kg.

Analysis and Implications

The presence of sipermetrin residues in red chili with levels still below the MMR threshold shows that the use of pesticides by farmers needs to be closely monitored. Although the results of the analysis show that the residue is still within safe limits, it is essential to remember that the accumulation of pesticide residues in the long run can have a negative impact on human health. In addition, more sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of vegetable pesticides or integrated pest control techniques, can be a safer alternative for the environment and health.

Conclusion

This study provides a clear picture of the importance of testing pesticide residues in agricultural products, especially red chili, in order to maintain the safety of consumers and ensure quality products on the market. In the future, it is hoped that this kind of research can encourage better regulations and policies regarding the use of pesticides in the agricultural sector, as well as increasing farmers' awareness of the importance of sustainable management.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of pesticide residues: Farmers and agricultural authorities should regularly monitor the levels of pesticide residues in crops to ensure that they are within safe limits.
Use of sustainable agricultural practices: Farmers should adopt more sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of vegetable pesticides or integrated pest control techniques, to reduce the risk of pesticide residues in crops.
Education and awareness: Farmers and consumers should be educated about the risks associated with pesticide residues and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
Regulatory policies: Governments should establish and enforce regulatory policies to ensure that the use of pesticides is safe and sustainable.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the importance of testing pesticide residues in agricultural products. Future research should focus on the following areas:

Development of more sensitive detection methods: Researchers should develop more sensitive detection methods to detect pesticide residues at lower levels.
Investigation of the impact of pesticide residues on human health: Researchers should investigate the impact of pesticide residues on human health and the environment.
Development of sustainable agricultural practices: Researchers should develop and promote sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the risk of pesticide residues in crops.

By following these recommendations and future research directions, we can ensure that agricultural products are safe for human consumption and that the environment is protected from the negative impacts of pesticide residues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pyrethroid Pesticide Residues in Red Chili

Q: What are pyrethroid pesticides?

A: Pyrethroid pesticides are a type of synthetic insecticide that is commonly used to control pests in agriculture. They are derived from natural pyrethrins, which are found in the flowers of the pyrethrum daisy.

Q: What are sipermetrin and deltametrin?

A: Sipermetrin and deltametrin are two types of pyrethroid pesticides that are commonly used in agriculture. Sipermetrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that is used to control a wide range of pests, including insects, mites, and ticks. Deltametrin is another synthetic pyrethroid that is used to control pests, including insects, mites, and ticks.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to determine the presence or absence of pyrethroid pesticide residues in red chili, as well as to measure the level of residue. The study aims to provide a clear picture of the importance of testing pesticide residues in agricultural products, especially red chili, in order to maintain the safety of consumers and ensure quality products on the market.

Q: How were the red chili samples collected?

A: The red chili samples were collected from one of the supermarkets in the city of Medan. The samples were then taken to the UPT laboratory for testing pesticide and quality residues, PTPH of North Sumatra Province, for analysis.

Q: What methods were used to extract pesticide residues?

A: To extract pesticide residues, a mixture of acetone solvent, dichloromethane, and petroleum ether mixture with a ratio of 1: 1: 1 was used. The extraction results were then concentrated and dissolved again using a mixture of isoocane and toluene (9: 1 V/V) in a volume of 5 ml.

Q: What is gas chromatography?

A: Gas chromatography is a laboratory technique that is used to separate, identify, and quantify the components of a mixture. In this study, gas chromatography was used to analyze the pesticide residues in the red chili samples.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results of the study showed that in the red chili tested, the presence of Sipermetrin pesticide residues with an average level of 1.579 mg/kg. Meanwhile, the Deltametrin residue was not detected. The residue level obtained meets the standards set by SNI, where MMR for the two pesticides is 2.0 mg/kg.

Q: What are the implications of the study?

A: The presence of sipermetrin residues in red chili with levels still below the MMR threshold shows that the use of pesticides by farmers needs to be closely monitored. Although the results of the analysis show that the residue is still within safe limits, it is essential to remember that the accumulation of pesticide residues in the long run can have a negative impact on human health.

Q: What are the recommendations of the study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of pesticide residues: Farmers and agricultural authorities should regularly monitor the levels of pesticide residues in crops to ensure that they are within safe limits.
Use of sustainable agricultural practices: Farmers should adopt more sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of vegetable pesticides or integrated pest control techniques, to reduce the risk of pesticide residues in crops.
Education and awareness: Farmers and consumers should be educated about the risks associated with pesticide residues and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
Regulatory policies: Governments should establish and enforce regulatory policies to ensure that the use of pesticides is safe and sustainable.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: This study highlights the importance of testing pesticide residues in agricultural products. Future research should focus on the following areas:

Development of more sensitive detection methods: Researchers should develop more sensitive detection methods to detect pesticide residues at lower levels.
Investigation of the impact of pesticide residues on human health: Researchers should investigate the impact of pesticide residues on human health and the environment.
Development of sustainable agricultural practices: Researchers should develop and promote sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the risk of pesticide residues in crops.