Elimination of organophosphate pesticides from vegetables using chemical neutralizer: pesticides denatured from Solanum melongena L. (Brinjal) Using BTMAC.

ABSTRACT

Organophosphate or phosphate ester is the general name for esters of phosphoric acid. Many of the most important biochemicals are organophosphates, including DNA and RNA as well as many cofactors that are essential for life. Organophosphates are the basis of many insecticides, herbicides, and nerve agents. The United States Environmental Protection Agency lists organophosphates as very highly acutely toxic to bees, wildlife, and humans. Recent studies suggest a possible link to adverse effects in the neurobehavioral development of fetuses and children, even at very low levels of exposure. Organophosphates are widely used as solvents, plasticizers, and EP additives. These pesticides are not removed from vegetables by the conventional method of washing so to there is need to find some alternative. So to neutralize these pesticides, a chemical neutralizer benzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride was used by applying a suitable method. The main objective of this chemical neutralizer is to eliminate the organophosphate pesticides from vegetables. Three pesticides namely chlorpyrifos, dimethoate and Malathion was applied on vegetables- brinjal. The method includes the application of chemical neutralizer. The Chemical neutralizer helps in denaturation of organophosphate pesticide. Chemical neutralizer containing benzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride about 50% by weight means 50 gram of the benzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride of chemical dissolved in 100 milliliters of solvent or distilled water. Different concentrations of benzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride were also used for neutralization, but 50% concentration was best and didn’t affect the vegetables. After pesticide application, the brinjals were dipped in chemical neutralizer for about an hour to neutralize the pesticide, then the samples underwent distilled water wash to remove neutralizer contents, these brinjals were tested for GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry). The results were very effective. The contents of pesticide were neutralized up to 70% in contrast with that of the contents of only pesticides. This solution is a noncorrosive, nontoxic, nonflammable decontaminant, which can be used to neutralize organophosphate pesticides from vegetables. This chemical is useful on all vegetables containing organophosphorus pesticide.

KEYWORDS: Pesticides, vegetables, BTMAC, Organophosphate, Malathion, Dimethoate, Chlorpyrifos.

REFERENCES

1. H. Liu et al. (2009). Removal of persistent organic pollutants from micro-polluted drinking water by tirolein embedded absorbent. Bioresource Technology, 2995-3002.
2. HS Bawasker et al. (2005). Organophosphorus Poisoning in Agricultural India. editorial letter, page no.423.
3. K Kuruganti et al. (2007). Research reports for analysis and action for sustainable development of India. Hyderabad.
4. Anuj Thapar, Aman Zalawadia, Omkar V. Pokharkar, Sahil S. Satam (2016).  Classification of pesticides and its damaging effects: a review. Biolife, 4(1), pp 13-24.  
5. Aman Zalawadia et al. (2016). Elimination of organophosphate pesticides from fruits using chemical neutralizer: pesticides denatured from Vitis vinifera (Grapes) using BTEAC. Biolife, 4(1), 37-47. DOI:10.17812/blj.2016.414.