Organophosphorus pesticide residues in Iranian market rice: A Monte Carlo simulation approach for dietary risk assessment

Abstract

Although pesticides are effective in controlling agricultural pests and significantly enhancing crop productivity, their residues on food products can pose serious health risks. The objective of this study was to investigate the residue levels of four commonly used organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in rice samples available in the Iranian market and to assess their potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to the population. A total of 36 rice samples, including both domestic and imported products, were collected in winter 2024. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile, and OPs pesticide residues were quantified using gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS). The estimated daily intake, hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were calculated employing a Monte Carlo simulation approach to account for variable parameters. Dichlorvos and diazinon were detected in all domestic rice samples. The average residue levels of diazinon, dichlorvos, and chlorpyrifos were 64.4, 37.9, and 10.5 mu g/kg, respectively. Notably, the residue levels of dichlorvos, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in 69.4, 66.6, and 19.4 of the samples, respectively. All individual hazard quotients (HQs) and the HI for these pesticides were below the critical threshold of 1, indicating an acceptable level of risk. The calculated CR for dichlorvos was 2.14 & times; 10-5, which falls within the range deemed acceptable. Routine consumption of rice does not pose substantial health risks to consumers and given rice's status as a staple food for Iranians, this study underscores the importance of implementing stringent monitoring of pesticide use and residue levels to ensure food safety.