Analysis and dietary exposure assessment of organophosphorus pesticide residues in vegetables in Hubei Province

ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of organophosphorus pesticide residues in vegetables and the dietary exposure risks for residents in Hubei Province.Methods2 182 vegetable samples were collected from all 17 cities of Hubei Province to determine their residual levels of organophosphorus pesticides. Combined with the vegetable consumption of residents in Hubei Province， acute and chronic dietary exposure assessments were conducted.ResultsThe overall detection rate of organophosphorus pesticides in vegetables in Hubei Province was 9.67%（211/2 182）， and the exceeding standard rate was 1.42%（31/2 182）. The top three pesticides with exceeding standard rates are chlorpyrifos， isocarbophos， phorate and its oxygen analogues. The top three vegetable varieties with exceeding standard rates are leafy vegetables， bulbs， and fresh beans. The dietary exposure assessment results showed that the acute exposure hazard quotient （aHQ） of triazophos was 23.89， indicating a possible acute exposure risk. The chronic exposure hazard quotient （cHQ） of different organic phosphorus pesticides among residents in Hubei Province was less than 1， and the cumulative exposure hazard index （HI） was less than 1， indicating a lower chronic exposure risk.ConclusionThere are cases of illegal use and excessive residues of organophosphorus pesticides in vegetables in Hubei Province. Residents in Hubei Province have a lower risk of chronic exposure to organophosphorus pesticides through vegetables， but there is an acute risk of exposure to triazophos. It is recommended that relevant regulatory departments further strengthen the supervision of organophosphorus pesticides in vegetables.