Multiresidue analysis and probabilistic dietary risk assessment of 241 pesticides in wheatgrass (Triticum sp.) using LC-MS/MS in combination with QuEChERS extraction.

Wheatgrass is consumed as an important nutritious herbal food supplement across the globe; however, limited studies have been reported analyzing multiclass pesticides in this complex, nutrient-rich natural product. An analytical method was developed for the estimation of 241 pesticides in random wheatgrass samples collected from Delhi Northern Capital Region (Delhi-NCR). Extraction was performed by QuEChERS, cleaning was performed by dispersive solid-phase extraction and the extracts were analyzed using triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The limit of quantification was 0.5 μg/kg, which is well below the European Union Maximum Residue Level. The coefficient of determination was >0.991 across a calibration range of 0.5-100 μg/kg. The relative standard deviation values for 231 pesticides based on 10 replicates of samples spiked at 10 μg/kg were <5%. Among random samples, 54% confirmed the presence of at least one pesticide. The results indicated the presence of eight different pesticides among 38% of the total population with metribuzin at 299.7 μg/kg and carfentrazone-ethyl at 19.47 μg/kg exceeding the permissible limits among 6% of the total estimated population. The chronic and acute risk quotients as calculated were <1, indicating nonsignificant dietary risk to consumers. However, the presence of pesticides above the permissible limit is likely to result in adverse health effects to the consumers of herbal supplements from an urban population and incorporating measures would be useful to ensure the quality and safety of wheatgrass consumption.