Pesticides, which are widely used in agriculture to increase production or protect crop, are known to be potentially dangerous to consumers. Therefore oranges from local supermarket were analysed by the LC–ESI–MS method to determine the presence of pesticides. Two pesticides – thiabendazole and imazalil – were found in the oranges. Both are post-harvest pesticides. Analyses showed that these pesticides are located in and on the peel of oranges. Five different washing methods – washing with cold water, with hot water, with soap, with dishwashing soap, and treating with ultrasound – were evaluated for their efficiency in removing pesticide residues.
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