We consider several population dynamics models in investigating data from controlled experiments with aphids in broccoli patches surrounded by different margin types (bare or weedy ground) and three levels of insecticide spray (no, light, or heavy spray). We carry out parameter estimation computations along with statistical analysis to compare autonomous versus non-autonomous model dynamics. We...

BACKGROUND The U.S. imports a substantial and increasing portion of its fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently inspects less than one percent of import shipments. While countries exporting to the U.S. are expected to comply with U.S. tolerances, including allowable pesticide residue levels, there is a low rate of import inspections and few other incentives for co...

Given the significant increase in consumer interest in organic food products, there is a need to determine to what extent there is a scientific basis for claims made for organic produce. Studies comparing foods derived from organic and conventional growing systems were assessed for three key areas: nutritional value, sensory quality, and food safety. It is evident from this assessment that ther...

The safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a major strategic issue that involves human health. With the continuous improvement in disease prevention and treatment, the export of TCM and its related products has increased dramatically in China. However, the frequent safety issues of Chinese medicine have become the 'bottleneck' impeding the modernization of TCM. It was proved that mycot...

In current study, the effects of Iranian rice cooking method (Kateh) on residue levels of 41 pesticides were investigated. The pesticides were selected according to Iranian National Standards Organization (INSO) regulations and covered 18 permitted and 23 banned pesticides belonging to different chemical classes such as organophosphate, triazole, and carbamate. A 250 g portion of rice sample wa...

A video imaging system and the associated quantification methods have been developed for measurement of the transfer of a fluorescent tracer from surfaces to hands. The highly fluorescent compound riboflavin (vitamin B2), which is also water soluble and non-toxic, was chosen as the tracer compound to simulate the transfer from surfaces to hands of pesticide residues deposited on carpeted and la...

Pesticide misuse by farmers poses health risks to consumers. This study assessed the level of dithiocarbamate residues in tomatoes acquired from 20 farmers and 25 market vendors in Wakiso District, how simple washing affects these residues, and the potential chronic health risk for Ugandans eating such tomatoes. Results revealed that mancozeb was the only reported dithiocarbamate, and 47.4% and...

Nineteen representative water samples were collected from surface and ground water sources, covering urban, rural area, shallow and deep aquifers in Pondicherry region. The samples were analysed for various pesticide residues such as HCH, Aldrin and DDT. Both surface and ground water sources found to exhibit the residuals of various pesticides. The residual levels oforganochlorine pesticides we...

The present paper reviews various pathways that will lead to reduction of organic solvent usage in pesticide residue analysis. Considerable reduction of solvent consumption can be achieved by miniaturizing the scale of sample extraction and cleanup and by simplifying the analytical procedures. Adoption of new analytical techniques, such as solid-phase microextraction and supercritical fluid ext...

An approach for estimating human exposure to pesticides via consumption of six important food crops is presented that can be used to extend multimedia models applied in health risk and life cycle impact assessment. We first assessed the variation of model output (pesticide residues per kg applied) as a function of model input variables (substance, crop, and environmental properties) including t...