Recent Advances of Analytical Approaches and Matrix Selection for Multi-Residue Pesticide Detection in Tea: A Review

Tea is a widely consumed beverage known for its variety of flavors and aromas, with major health benefits. However, the use of pesticides to protect against pests renders tea a potential health hazard, especially when consumed in large amounts. The tea leaf matrix is perplexing, as it is filled with organic acids, polyphenols, natural pigments, catechins, flavonols, and a mix of metallic and nonmetallic elements. This makes it difficult for analytical processes to work. The leaf complex matrix is one of the factors enabling accurate detection of pesticides. Therefore, we critically assessed the progression and implementation of advanced methodologies, encompassing the advancement of highly sensitive biosensors and the enhancement of chromatographic techniques, including liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). This review also examines how different types of tea affect analytical results and compares sample-preparation methods, from traditional liquid-liquid extraction to newer solid-phase extraction methods. This review highlights major advancements in analytical methods for pesticide detection in tea, emphasizing modern, effective techniques and future perspectives. This study highlights the critical role of sample preparation methods in achieving accurate results within a challenging tea matrix to safeguard consumer health.