Avaliação da presença de pesticidas em amostras de erva-mate comercializadas na serra gaúcha por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada à espectrometria de massas

Abstract

The use of pesticides in Brazilian agricultural production has increased significantly over the last decades, generating growing concern regarding environmental impacts and food safety. Studies show that pesticide residues can contaminate the soil, the water, and the food, representing potential risks to human health, especially when they exceed the maximum residue limits (MRLs). In this context, this work aimed to evaluate the presence of pesticide residues in commercial samples of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) commercialized in the municipality of Caxias do Sul (RS), comparing the results with national and international studies. For this purpose, the QuEChERS method was used for extraction, followed by analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The extraction step by the QuEChERS method was successful, evidenced by the exothermic reaction of hydration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and by the obtaining of clear extracts in the clean-up phase. The chromatographic analysis showed satisfactory recovery of the internal standard triphenyl phosphate (TPP), varying from 104.45 to 119.47%. The results indicated absence of detectable residues in the analyzed samples, demonstrating conformity with safety standards. These findings reinforce the relevance of the study by providing scientific evidence that contributes to the monitoring of quality and to the safety of the food consumed by the population. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]