THE RAJAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

CHEMISTRY
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

STUDY OF PRESENCE OF
INSECTICIDES AND PESTICIDES
IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Submitted by:
Goldlin.S.Shruthi
XII A

1
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank my principal Mrs. Malar Vizhi
and school for providing me with facilities required to
do my project.

I am highly indebted to my chemistry teacher, Mrs.

Nisha for her invaluable guidance which has sustained
my efforts in all the stages of this project work.

I would also like to thank my parents for their

continuous support and encouragement.

My thanks and appreciation also go to my fellow

classmates and the laboratory assistant in developing
the project and to the people who have willingly helped
me out with their abilities.

Without your help, I couldn't have completed this

project in the limited frame of time.

INTEX
2
S.NO CONTENT PAGES
1. Introduction 4

2. Effects on environment 8

3. Alternatives in pest control 12

4. Experiment 16

i) Aim
ii) Requirements
iii) Theory
iv) Procedure
v) Observation
vi) Result
vii) Precautions
5. Conclusion 21

6. Bibliography 21

1. Introduction
Background Information

3
  Fruits and vegetables are fundamental to a
balanced diet, providing vital nutrients such as
vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. These
components contribute to overall health and help in
the prevention of various diseases.
 The global agricultural industry heavily relies on
insecticides and pesticides to protect crops from
pests and diseases. These chemicals help in
ensuring higher yields and better quality produce,
which is essential to meet the food demands of a
growing population.
 However, the extensive use of these chemicals has
raised concerns about their residues on food
products. Pesticide residues refer to the traces of
chemicals that remain on or in fruits and vegetables
after they are applied during farming. These
residues can persist through the entire food supply
chain, from the farm to the consumer's table.

Purpose of the Study

 The primary aim of this study is to assess the
presence and concentration of insecticides and
pesticides in fruits and vegetables commonly
consumed by the public. By identifying the types
and levels of these residues, the study seeks to
evaluate whether they exceed the safety limits
4
 established by regulatory authorities.

 Another goal is to increase awareness among

consumers about the potential risks associated with
pesticide residues and to provide recommendations
for reducing exposure.

Scope and Limitations

 This study focuses on a select group of fruits and
vegetables that are widely available in local
markets and are frequently consumed. The produce
will be sampled from various locations to provide a
representative overview.
 The research is limited to the detection of specific
pesticides and insecticides commonly used in the

5
 agriculture of the selected produce. While the study
aims to be comprehensive, it does not cover all
possible chemicals or all geographic areas.
 The methodology includes advanced analytical
techniques for detecting and quantifying pesticide
residues, but it may not account for all factors
influencing residue levels, such as variations in
farming practices, environmental conditions, and
post-harvest handling.
Significance of the Study

 The study is significant in light of growing

consumer concerns about food safety and the
potential health impacts of long-term exposure to
pesticide residues. Chronic exposure to certain
pesticides has been linked to adverse health effects,
including endocrine disruption, neurological
disorders, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
 By providing data on pesticide residues in fruits
and vegetables, the study can inform public health
policies and contribute to the development of better
6
 agricultural practices. It also aims to empower
consumers with knowledge to make informed
choices about their food.

2.Effects of Pesticides on the

Environment
The use of insecticides and pesticides in agriculture,
while beneficial for crop protection and increased
yields, has significant environmental impacts. Here are
some key effects:
1. Soil Health
 Soil Contamination: Pesticides can accumulate in
the soil, affecting its health and biodiversity.
Persistent pesticides can remain in the soil for
years, potentially disrupting soil ecosystems.

7
  Microbial Imbalance: Pesticides can harm
beneficial soil microorganisms that play crucial
roles in nutrient cycling and organic matter
decomposition, leading to reduced soil fertility.
2. Water Pollution
 Runoff and Leaching: Pesticides applied to crops
can be washed off by rain or irrigation,
contaminating nearby water bodies. These
chemicals can leach into groundwater, posing risks
to drinking water sources.
 Aquatic Life: Pesticides in water bodies can be
toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish,
amphibians, and invertebrates. They can disrupt
aquatic ecosystems and lead to declines in species
populations.
3. Air Quality
 Volatilization: Some pesticides can volatilize, or
turn into gas, and be transported by air currents to
areas far from the original application site. This can
lead to pesticide deposition in non-target areas,
affecting air quality.
 Spray Drift: During pesticide application, small
droplets can drift from the target area and
contaminate nearby environments, posing risks to
non-target plants, animals, and human populations.

8
4. Biodiversity
 Non-target Species: Pesticides can inadvertently
affect non-target species, including beneficial
insects such as pollinators (bees, butterflies) and
natural predators of pests (ladybugs, spiders). This
can lead to reduced biodiversity and disrupted
ecosystems.
 Food Web Disruption: The reduction or
elimination of certain species due to pesticide
exposure can disrupt food webs, affecting predators
and other organisms that depend on those species
for food.
5. Pesticide Resistance
 Resistance Development: Overuse and misuse of
pesticides can lead to the development of pesticide-
resistant pest populations. These resistant pests can
become more difficult to control, leading to
increased pesticide use and further environmental
impacts.
6. Human Health and Ecosystem Services
 Health Risks: Contaminated water, soil, and air
can have direct and indirect health effects on
humans, including respiratory issues, neurological
disorders, and cancer risks. Pesticides can also
enter the food chain, affecting human health

9
 through the consumption of contaminated produce
and animal products.
 Ecosystem Services: Healthy ecosystems provide
services such as pollination, natural pest control,
water purification, and soil fertility. Pesticides that
harm biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems can
impair these services, affecting agricultural
productivity and overall environmental health.
Mitigation Measures
 Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Promoting
IPM practices can reduce reliance on chemical
pesticides by integrating biological, cultural,
mechanical, and chemical methods for pest control.
 Organic Farming: Encouraging organic farming
practices, which avoid synthetic pesticides, can
help mitigate environmental impacts.
 Buffer Zones: Establishing buffer zones around
agricultural fields can help reduce pesticide runoff
and protect water bodies and non-target species.
 Regulation and Monitoring: Strengthening
regulations on pesticide use and monitoring
environmental residues can help minimize negative
impacts.

10
Understanding these effects is crucial for developing
sustainable agricultural practices that protect both crop
yields and the environment.

3.Alternatives in Pest
Control
To reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and mitigate
their environmental impacts, several alternative pest
control methods can be employed. Here are some
effective and sustainable alternatives:
1. Biological Control
 Predators and Parasitoids: Introducing natural
enemies of pests, such as ladybugs, predatory
beetles, and parasitic wasps, to control pest
populations.
 Pathogens: Using microbial pathogens like
bacteria, fungi, and viruses that specifically target
and kill pests.
2. Cultural Practices
 Crop Rotation: Changing the types of crops
grown in a particular area in sequential seasons to
disrupt pest life cycles.
 Intercropping: Growing different crops in
proximity to reduce pest colonization and spread.

11
 Certain plants can repel pests or attract their
predators.
 Sanitation: Removing plant debris, weeds, and
other sources of pest infestation to reduce breeding
sites.
3. Mechanical and Physical Controls
 Traps: Using sticky traps, pheromone traps, and
light traps to capture and monitor pest populations.
 Barriers: Installing physical barriers like nets,
screens, and row covers to protect crops from
pests.
 Hand-picking: Manually removing pests from
plants, which is practical for small-scale gardening.
4. Botanical Pesticides
 Neem Oil: Extracted from the neem tree, it has
insecticidal properties and is effective against a
variety of pests.
 Pyrethrin: Derived from chrysanthemum flowers,
it targets insects' nervous systems.
 Garlic and Chili Sprays: Homemade sprays that
deter pests with their strong odor and taste.
5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

12
  Monitoring and Identification: Regularly
checking for pest presence and accurately
identifying them to apply targeted control methods.
 Threshold Levels: Determining the level of pest
activity that requires action to avoid unnecessary
interventions.
 Combination of Methods: Using a mix of
biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical
controls as needed, based on pest monitoring and
thresholds.
6. Genetic Control
 Resistant Varieties: Developing and planting crop
varieties that are resistant to specific pests.
 Sterile Insect Technique (SIT): Releasing sterile
male insects to reduce the breeding population of
pests.
7. Environmental Modifications
 Habitat Management: Altering the environment
to make it less conducive to pest development,
such as maintaining proper drainage to avoid
standing water that attracts mosquitoes.
 Conservation Tillage: Reducing tillage to
preserve natural predators and beneficial soil
organisms.
How to Implement These Alternatives
13
  Research and Education: Stay informed about
pest control options and educate others about
sustainable practices.
 Collaboration: Work with local agricultural
extension services, environmental organizations,
and other farmers to share knowledge and
resources.
 Experimentation: Test different methods on a
small scale to find the most effective combination
for your specific situation.

4.EXPERIMENT
i)Aim
14
 To study the presence of insecticides or pesticides
(nitrogen containing) in various fruits and vegetables.

ii)MATERIALS
REQUIRED
Mortar and pestle , beakers, funnel , glass rod , filter
paper china dish , water bath, tripod stand, fusion tube,
knife, test tube. Samples of various fruits and
vegetables, alcohol, sodium metal, ferric chloride,
ferrous sulphate crystals, distilled water and dil.
Sulphuric acid.

iii)THEORY
Pesticides are chemicals which prevent pests. Nitrogen
present in organic compounds is detected by“
Lassaigne’s Test”.
The elements present in the compound are converted
from covalent form into the ionic form by using the
compound with sodium metal. Following reaction take
place:
Na + C + N= NaCN (sodium cyanide)
Cyanide of sodium so formed on sodium fusion is
extracted from the fused mass by boiling it with
distilled water. This extract is known as sodium fusion

15
extract. Pesticides are classified according to the pests
they control. The four main types of pesticides are:
(i) Herbicides
(ii) Fungicides
(iii) Rodenticides
(iv) Insecticides

iv)PROCEDURE
Take different types of fruits and vegetables and
cut them into small pieces separately.
Transfer the cut pieces of various fruits and
vegetables into it separately and crush them .
Take different kinds for each kind of fruits and
vegetables and place the crushed fruits and
vegetables in these beakers and add 100 ml of
alcohol to each of these .
Stir well and filter. Collect the filtrate in separate
dishes, Evaporate the alcohol by heating the china
dishes one by one over a water bath and let the
residue dry in the oven .
Heat a small piece of sodium in a fusion tube , till
it melts. Then add one of the above residues from
the china dish to this fusion tube and heat it till red
hot. Drop the hot fusion tube in a china dish
containing about 10 ml of distilled water. Break the
tube and boil the contents of the china dish for
about 5 minutes.
16
Cool and filter the solution. Collect the filtrate . To
the filtrate add 1 ml of freshly prepared ferrous
sulphate solution and warm the contents. Then add
2-3 drops of ferric chloride solution and acidify
with dilute HCl.
If a blue or green ppt. or colouration is obtained it
indicates the presence of nitrogen containing
insecticides.

17
 Repeat the test of nitrogen for residues
obtained from other fruits and vegetables and
record the observation.

v)OBSERVATION

vi)RESULT

18
All the fruits and vegetables which were tested contain
nitrogen containing pesticides/insecticides.

vii)PRECAUTIONS
1. Splashing must be avoided.
2. Eyes and nose must not be touched after touching
chemicals which are used.
3. For effective results the fruit and vegetable samples
should be sliced into small pieces and then crushed
properly.

19
5.CONCLUSION
In conclusion, while pesticides and insecticides play a
crucial role in modern agriculture, their presence in
fruits and vegetables necessitates ongoing vigilance and
proactive measures to protect public health.
Through combined efforts of regulation, education, and
sustainable farming practices, it is possible to minimize
the risks associated with these chemicals while ensuring
the availability of safe and nutritious produce.

6.BIBILOGRAPHY
The following websites and webpages were used in
the making of the project,
 www.google.com
 www.wikipedia.com
 Ncert Chemistry Lab manual
 Ncert Chemistry book
 And other chemistry related blogs and
sites

20
21