The stability of four organophosphorus insecticides in stored cucumber samples is affected by additives

Abstract The influence of some elements and compounds, including metal ions, antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors and organic solvents, on the storage stability of four organophosphorus pesticides in cucumber samples were investigated. We found that metal ions, including Al3+, Fe3+, and Co2+, increased the stability of dichlorvos, malathion, and chlorpyrifos. Conversely, Al3+, Fe3+, Fe2+, and Co2+ caused catalytic degradation of diazinon. With the addition of organic solvents (CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CCl4, CH3OH and CH3COCH3), retention of diazinon residues was higher (16-54%) after storage for seven days. CCl4 was associated with the highest retention of malathion, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos (33%, 48% and 44%, respectively) in analytical samples. SDS also stabilized the pesticides since residues were, again, higher (13-38%) after seven days storage. Furthermore, addition of Al3+ and Fe3+ decreased peroxidase(POD) activity and inhibited degradation of dichlorvos and malathion. After 14 days, lyophilization increased the pesticide residues remaining by 36%, 29%, and 58% for diazinon, malathion and chlorpyrifos, respectively. Overall, the stability of these pesticides during storage is impacted by water content and addition of exogenous substances. This could ensure higher quality of pesticide residue data in samples.