Studies on dissipation kinetics of acetamiprid, pyridaben, and their mixtures in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), effect of drying process on the residues, and health risk assessment

This study was carried out to determine the dissipation kinetics of acetamiprid and pyridaben active ingredients in open fields in the Central and Niksar districts of Tokat province. In addition, the health risks of acetamiprid and pyridaben residues were investigated in the study, and the processing factors of these pesticides in pepper were determined. Peppers were prepared using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. In this method, the mean recovery rates and relative standard deviations obtained from different spike levels (10-50 and 100 μg/kg) met the requirements of SANTE /11312/2021 V2. Dissipation kinetics were calculated using the first-order kinetic model. The half-life (t1/2) of acetamiprid was determined between 4.13-5.21 days in the Central district and 5.29-6.36 days in the Niksar district, while the half-life of pyridaben was determined between 2.72-4.78 days in the Central district and 4.68-8.87 days in Niksar district. The analysis results show that overdose negatively affects the half-life of acetamiprid and pyridaben in pepper. In our study, the processing factor (3.37) (sun drying) was determined for the first time for pyridaben, and this result will contribute to the processing factor database used in the evaluation of pesticide residues. As a result of the health risk assessment, it was seen that acetamiprid and pyridaben in pepper did not pose an acute or chronic risk. As a result of the health risk assessment, it was observed that acetamiprid and pyridaben residues in pepper did not pose an acute or chronic risk.