Development of Analytical Method for the Detection of Nemacur Residues in Cucumber Fruits

Abstract

Application of Nemacur (Fenamiphos) for pest control may contaminate soil, water and plant with harmful residues and pose threats to human life. This study developed an easy method for the determination of Nemacur residues in cucumber fruits collected from the central markets and from the farm. The method is based on extracting the active ingredients of Nemacur from the commercial formulation and used as a standard material to calibrate the HPLC to determine Nemacur residues in cucumber fruits collected from the central market. Results showed that more than 70% of the active ingredient was extracted from the commercial formulations. Standardization of HPLC with extracted materials showed strong positive association between concentration and peak area relationship. Bioassay investigation showed high mortality of tested organism (fish). Statistical analysis of mortality % between the commercial formulation and those of the extracted ingredient showed no significant differences. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of extracted Nemacur to calibrate HPLC and in bioassay test. Nemacur residues in Cucumber fruits collected from the market were below the detection limit of HPLC, recovery % of Nemacur from control group of cucumber was above 80%. It can be concluded that the method is easily developed and validated by bioassay and chemo-assay.