Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1
Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Jijel, 18000 Jijel, Algeria.
2
1Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Jijel, 18000 Jijel, Algeria. 2Faculty of Sciences, University of M'Sila, PO box Ichebilia, M'Sila 28000, Algeria
10.22059/poll.2024.383647.2603
Abstract
Our research focused on the Jijel region, where strawberry cultivation expanded considerably from 4 hectares in 2002 to 661 hectares in 2023. This study aimed to identify any pesticide residues in strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch). Over two years, strawberries were cultivated in a plastic greenhouse using pesticides to either prevent or treat diseases as they developed. The fruit samples were collected and analyzed using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. Numerous components were identified in the treated strawberry fruits; some are unique to strawberries, while others have not been documented in literature as strawberry constituents. The majority of the compounds found in the strawberry fruit were polyphenolic metabolites, alkanes, esters, aldehyde, aromatic alcohol, fatty acids, carbohydrates, phthalates, plasticizer derivatives, and others. All treated strawberry samples from both seasons showed no detectable pesticide compounds in the fruit. Nevertheless, certain samples contained hazardous pollutants such as 1,2,4-Benzenetriol and hydroquinone, as well as pesticide metabolites like di-n-octyl phtalate. The strawberry extract contained compounds similar to those naturally present in strawberries, but they appeared to have changed. Among the major components detected was a plasticizer compound: 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester, identified as a pollutant result from the use of plastic materials in strawberry growing. These compounds were found to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticide properties. Some compounds were reported to have unknown activity. In conclusion, the fruits of treated strawberries contain a variety of bioactive compounds along with pollutants that could affect human health.
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