Daily Intake of Pesticide Residues in Melon and Watermelon Samples in Kashan, Iran

Background and purpose: Pesticides cause general concern due to their possible adverse results on human health. The aim of this study was to investigate different pesticides and also estimating daily intake of their residues in melon and watermelon samples in Kashan, Iran. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 melon and watermelon samples were collected from different fruit distribution centers in Kashan, 2016-2017. After preparation, the samples were analyzed for 118 various pesticides using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Also, chronic daily intake (CDI) of pesticides was calculated. Results: In this study, 7 (11.29 %) melon and watermelon samples were contaminated with pesticides. Only fludioxonil residue was detected in 1 (2.3 %) watermelon sample which was higher than standard range. The CDI of fludioxonil was less than standard of codex Alimentarius. In melon samples, diazinon in 3 (15.79%) and tridemorph in 2 (10.52%) samples were the most common residues detected. Also, CDI of diazinon and tridemorph in melon samples were more than the standard of codex Alimentarius. Conclusion: Current findings showed the presence of agricultural pesticides in melon and watermelon samples. Therefore, regular monitoring of the pesticide residues is necessary.