ABSTRACT
Dithiocarbamates are the most used fungicide and one of the most detected in food in Brazil. This study aims to analyze the levels of dithiocarbamate residues in vegetables produced in the region of Vargem Bonita, Federal District, and to compare the levels found with the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the Brazilian legislation. Eighty-four vegetable samples were obtained directly from 23 Vargem Bonita producers from June to November 2018. The analyzes were carried out using a spectrophotometric method, which determines the level of CS2 produced by degrading the dithiocarbamate present in the sample. In total, 21 samples (25%) contained dithiocarbamate residues above the method’s limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.05 mg/kg CS2). Five of the 27 lettuce samples analyzed (18.5%) contained dithiocarbamates, at levels ranging from 0.06 to 0.50 mg/kg CS2, below the MRL for this crop. Residues were also found in parsley, coriander and chicory samples (0.09 or 0.10 mg/kg CS2), cultures for which there is no registered the use of dithiocarbamate in Brazil. Samples of arugula, chive, leek, and watercress, which also do not have registered use, tested positive; however, these crops are known to provide false positive results for CS2, and the illegality of the residues cannot be confirmed. This study shows proper dithiocarbamate use in vegetables by Vargem Bonita farmers, except for parsley, coriander, and chicory, crops with a limited number of registered pesticides, which was probably the reason for the illegal dithiocarbamate use.
Keywords:
Pesticides; maximum residue limit; spectrophotometry; CS2