Method Validation for Multi-Pesticide Residue Determination in Chrysanthemum

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Chrysanthemum is widely consumed, integrating medicinal and food uses.
• Accurate analysis of pesticide residues in chrysanthemum is vital for food safety and consumer risk assessment.
• Existing methods may lack efficiency for simultaneous multi-pesticide detection in diverse chrysanthemum matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, effective method for simultaneous quantitative analysis of 15 pesticides in chrysanthemum.
• To validate the method for fresh flowers, dry tea, and infusions.
• To assess pesticide contamination levels in commercial chrysanthemum tea samples.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous detection of 15 frequently used pesticides in three chrysanthemum matrices.
• Method validation including linearity, limits of quantification (LOQs), accuracy (recoveries), and precision (relative standard deviations - RSDs).
• Application of the validated method for routine monitoring of 50 commercial chrysanthemum tea samples.

Main Results:

• Linear calibration curves (R² > 0.99) were established for pesticides in the 0.01-1 mg kg⁻¹ range.
• Achieved LOQs were 0.01-0.05 mg kg⁻¹ (fresh flowers), 0.05 mg kg⁻¹ (dry tea), and 0.001-0.005 mg L⁻¹ (infusions).
• Recoveries ranged from 75.7% to 118.2% with RSDs < 20%, indicating satisfactory accuracy and precision.
• Analysis of 50 commercial samples revealed 56% contained 5-13 different pesticides.

Conclusions:

• A validated, efficient method for multi-pesticide residue analysis in chrysanthemum matrices has been established.
• The method provides reliable data for ensuring product safety and evaluating consumer risk.
• Widespread pesticide contamination in commercial chrysanthemum tea necessitates ongoing monitoring and regulatory oversight.