Pesticides detected by the QuEChERS and LC-MS/MS methods in tambaqui (Colossoma macroómum) cultivated in small aquaculture properties in Western Amazonia- Rondônia/Brazil.
Pesticide; Veterinary Medicinal Product; Fish farming; Public Health.
The indiscriminate uses of pesticides are sources of pollution for the aquatic environment. This fact has contributed to environmental impacts on rivers, lakes, dams and production units, with fish farms. Fish are affected by changes caused by different chemical compounds, and some with bioaccumulative potential. In addition to the impacts on the environment, there are several cases of poisoning and other human health problems caused by the consumption of food contaminated by pesticides and veterinary medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and quantify pesticide residues in the muscle tissue of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) cultivated in fish farms in the Microregion of Cacoal, Rondônia, through the modified QuEChERS techniques and Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Serial Mass Spectrometry (LC - MS/MS). For this, samples of tambaqui muscle tissue were collected in 24 fish farms dispersed in the microregion of Cacoal, Rondônia. The samples were submitted to the extraction of the compounds by the modified QuEChERS method and for the identification and quantification of the residues, the LC - MS/MS Chromatography was used. Were 54 fish farmers were interviewed to obtain epidemiological data on good practices adopted in fish production. Of the 24 samples analyzed, 3(12.49%) positive for at least one pesticide. The chemical compounds found Azosxistrobin (fungicide) (<LOQ), Epoxiconazole (ectoparasitic and fungicide) (<LOQ) and Chlorpyrifos (carrapaticide, acaricide, insecticide and formicide) (<LOQ). Regarding the survey of good aquaculture practices, 48(88.89%) of those manage other productive activities, in addition to fish farming. Polyculture was the main production strategy adopted. And yet, 38(70.37%) respondents practice preventive, disinfection and prophylactic measures. In addition, 38(70.37%) monitors the water quality of the tanks, but with a frequency of twice a year. In addition, fish farmers have admitted administering herbicides to control aquatic plants. Finally, Perulernaea gamitanae was reported in all fish farms visited in the municipality of Espigão D’Oeste. As for this problem, the treatments used by fish farmers to combat this parasitosis were sodium chloride and Neguvon® (Trichlorfom) baths. The presence of the pesticides in tambaqui muscle tissue samples was detected above the acceptable limits by the National Plan for The Control of Waste and Contaminants in Animal Products (PNCRC). And, consequently, they demonstrate the need for continuous environmental monitoring. In addition to lighting an alert, not only for the health and survival of aquatic species. But also, for the risk to public health. Further field studies on pesticide residue destinations in rivers and fish farms near agricultural activities are recommended. Because it is worth emphasizing that, despite the differences in sensitivity of aquatic ecosystems, an intensive agricultural practice close to rivers and fish farms leads to a greater introduction of pesticides and spread of contamination, with potential for toxicity to aquatic organisms and public health.