Removal of cyfluthrin by fine bubble technology in oranges (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

Abstract

Cyfluthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, is used widely for orange cultivation. Prolong exposure to cyfluthrin causes several human health issues such as kidney inflammation, weight loss and diarrhoea. This study aimed to investigate the fate of cyfluthrin residue in oranges after treatment with fine bubble produced with air or ozone. Micro-bubbles produced from different types of gas (air, oxygen and ozone) were used to treat oranges contaminated with cyfluthrin. Cyfluthrin residue was tested using GPO-TM kit. The pesticide residue was not detected after micro-bubble treatments. An air micro-bubble technology was chosen for further analysis by HPLC. HPLC analysis confirmed that more than 90% of contaminated cyfluthrin was removed by air micro-bubble treatment. Moreover, the insecticide residue was not detected in washing water.