Insecticide residues in cotton soils of Burkina Faso and effects of insecticides on fluctuating asymmetry in honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus)

Four insecticides (acetamiprid, cypermethrin, endosulfan and profenofos) are used quarterly in the cotton-growing areas of Burkina Faso, West Africa. These insecticides were investigated in soils collected from traditionally cultivated and new cotton areas. Also, the effects of insecticide exposure on the developmental instability of honey bees, Apis mellifera, were explored. In soil samples collected three months after insecticide treatments, endosulfan and profenofos concentrations varied in the range of 10-30 μg kg(-1) in the traditionally cultivated zones and 10-80 μg kg(-1) in the new cotton zones, indicating a pollution of agricultural lands. However, only profenofos concentrations were significantly higher in the new cotton zone than the traditionally cultivated zones. In addition, the index of fluctuating asymmetry, FA1, in the length of second tarsus (L(HW)) was increased for bees when exposed to pesticide treated cotton fields for 82d, and their FA levels were significantly higher than those in the control colony in an orchard. The other studied traits of bees exposed to insecticides were not significantly different from controls. Our results indicate that FA may be considered as a biomarker reflecting the stress induced by insecticide treatments. However, the relationship between FA and stressors needs further investigations.     

Insecticide residues in cotton crop soil

Dimethoate, monocrotophos, triazophos, deltamethrin, cypermethrin and endosulfan were applied to a cotton crop soil located at Nurpur village, Punjab, India. The insecticides were applied sequentially at recommended dosages in cotton fields by foliar application in 1995, 1996 and 1998. Soil samples were collected from the cotton crop farms and extracted with acetone. The extracted material was analysed by a gas liquid chromatograph (GLC) equipped with an 63Ni electron-capture detector (ECD-63Ni). Recovery data was obtained by fortifying soil with insecticide. The average recoveries from the fortified soil samples were 76-92% for organophosphorous compounds and 90-98% for synthetic pyrethroids and organochlorines. The results showed that the insecticide residues under study were present in the range of 1.16 to 41.97 ng g(-1) d.wt.soil. The pattern of dissipation of the insecticides used was similar for the duration of the crop. Half lives of the insecticides ranged from 7 to 22 days. Except endosulfan none of the other insecticides used were leached below 15 cm. Endosulfan was found to be rapidly degraded in the soil and formed a sulfate metabolite. Persistence and dissipation pattern in soils with history of exposure to the insecticide compared to non-history soils were similar.     

Levels of organochlorine pesticides residues in dairy products in Kumasi, Ghana

Determination of six organochlorine pesticides, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), residues were carried out on three dairy products sampled from six communities in the Kumasi metropolis in Ghana. Cheese samples were collected from three communities, (Tafo, Asawasi, and Aboabo), yoghurt samples from K-Poly and Ayeduasi while yoghurt and milk samples were collected from KNUST. Concentrations of DDT and DDE were, respectively, 42.17+/-6.00 microg kg(-1) and 31.50+/-3.44 microg kg(-1) in cheese sampled from Asawasi. Cheese samples from Tafo had an average DDT concentration of 298.57+/-28.02 microg kg(-1) while DDE concentration was 140.15+/-56.77 microg kg(-1). The highest average concentration of DDT in all the samples was 149.07 microg kg(-1) detected in cheese samples from Aboabo. Levels of DDT and its metabolite, DDE, in cheese from all the three sampling sites (Aboabo, Asawasi and Tafo) were well below the levels recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO). Mean concentration of DDT in fresh milk samples from KNUST was 12.53+/-1.61 microg kg(-1). As bioaccumulation of these residues is likely to pose problems in higher organisms, like human beings, there is the need for effective monitoring of these residues in the environment. This work, thus, seeks to provide information on levels of pesticide residues in dairy products that will assist in a scientific assessment of the impact of pesticides on public health, agriculture and the environment in Ghana.     

A method to determine residue levels of persistent organochlorine pesticides in human milk from Indonesian women

A method has been developed for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides in human milk using solvent extraction, Florisil solid phase extraction clean-up and analysis by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The recovery of analytes from spiked milk samples was in the range 53 +/- 1% to 109 +/- 7% (n = 9). A small number of samples were obtained from women in a rural and an urban area of Indonesia and analysed using the developed method. The results are reported on a milk fat basis. All samples contained detectable residues of p,p'-DDT (urban mean 0.11 +/- 0.18 mgkg(-1) (n = 5), rural mean 0.07 +/- 0.03 mg kg(-1) (n = 5)) and p,p'-DDE (urban mean 0.05 +/- 0.04 m kg(-1) (n = 5), rural mean 0.76 +/- 1.46 mg kg(-1) (n = 5)). Residues of HCB, betaHCH, alpha-endosulfan and dieldrin were also detected in some samples. There was no significant difference (at the 95% confidence level) in levels of pesticides between urban and rural areas. The levels of organochlorine pesticides in milk from Indonesian women were lower than those reported from Indonesian women exposed to DDT through malaria eradication schemes and were similar to levels reported from UK and Japan.     

Toxaphene residues from cotton fields in soils and in the coastal environment of Nicaragua

Toxaphene (camphechlor) was intensively used in the cotton growing fields of Nicaragua for decades with application rates as high as 31 kg ha(-1) in 1985. Although the use of this compound has recently been discontinued in the country, its intensive use in the past and its long persistence in soil allowed for the build up of large reservoirs of toxaphene in agriculture soils and a wide dispersal of residues in the environment. Measurements of toxaphene in coastal areas on the coast of the Pacific Ocean show that environmental concentrations are particularly high in the district of Chinandega, the traditional cotton growing region. Toxaphene residues measured in soils attained 44 microg g(-1) (dry weight) while concentrations in lagoon sediments attained 6.9 microg g(-1) (dry weight) near the mouth of the rivers flowing across the agricultural region. Measurements in aquatic biota showed concentrations as high as 1.6 microg g(-1) (dry weight) in the soft tissues of clams. The toxaphene reservoir in soils combined with the obvious persistence of this compound in soils and lagoon sediments allows predicting that toxaphene will remain in the coastal ecosystem at relatively high concentrations for many years. Toxic effects in lagoon fauna are likely to be observed especially in benthic species that may recycle this compound from sediments. Consumption of seafood, in particular of clams (Anadara spp.) from the more contaminated areas, may expose the population to unacceptably high intake of toxaphene, 30 microg d(-1) per person, with the diet.     

Distribution of organochlorine pesticides and heavy metal residues in fish and shellfish from Calicut region, Kerala, India

Fish collected from five different locations from the Calicut region, India were analysed for the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and heavy metal (HM) residues in order to elucidate the status of these chemical contaminants in fish and shellfish meant for human consumption. The highest concentrations of OCPs detected in the edible portion of fish were 10.47, 70.57 and 28.35 ng g-1 wet weight, in marine, brackish water and freshwater, respectively. BHC and heptachlor epoxide formed the major share of OCPs in the marine fish while BHCs contributed to the major share in the freshwater and brackish water fish. The DDT (sum of DDT and its metabolites) ranged from 0.05 to 8 ng g-1 in the samples irrespective of the habitat. Among the HMs, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cr were present in the samples irrespective of the place of collection. About 22% of the samples from the freshwater area contained marginally higher lead content above the legal limit of 0.2-0.4 microg g-1. The Cr content ranged from 0.1 to 1.1 microg g-1 in the fish with marginally higher content in the fish from freshwater and marine regions (0.55-1.1 microg g-1). Mercury was detected in the samples (55%) from marine habitat only. The concentrations of OCPs and HMs in the samples, in general, were below the maximum residual level recommended by various organizations.     

Persistent organochlorine pesticides in human milk samples from Australia

Human milk has been used as a surrogate for the assessment of body burden and exposure to persistent lipophilic organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). With the exception of restricted use of mirex, the use of persistent, lipophilic OCPs has been banned in Australia since the 1980s. The decline of human body burden of OCPs following their ban in many industrialised countries is well recorded worldwide from the 1970s until the 1990s though little is known on whether these trends are continuing. In this study, 157 human milk samples collected during 2002 and 2003 as well as 24 samples collected in 1993 were analysed as 20 regional pools for 17 OCPs. OCPs were detected in all pooled human milk samples from 2002/03 typically with highest concentrations of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) (mean+/-standard deviation; median concentration 311+/-174; 279 ng g(-1) lipid) followed by beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) (80+/-173; 21 ng g(-1) lipid). Other OCPs consistently detected included dieldrin (16+/-6; 17 ng g(-1) lipid), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (18+/-16; 14 ng g(-1) lipid), transnonachlor (11+/-5; 9 ng g(-1) lipid) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) (9+/-6; 7 ng g(-1) lipid). The results from this study indicated that following a substantial decline of OCP concentrations from the early 1980s to the 1990s, little decline could be observed since then. Furthermore the use of multivariate statistics indicated some regional trends with slightly higher levels of the broadly used insecticides DDT and HCH in both historic and recent samples from Melbourne, whereas, sample pools collected from mothers that lived in rural Queensland and New South Wales as well as Adelaide and Sydney showed comparatively higher levels of heptachlor and dieldrin - both of which have been used for termite treatment. These results indicate that even 20 years after the discontinuation of usage, historical use of OCPs rather than exposure via global transport of OCPs is responsible for continuous low exposure in Australia.     

Contamination of bovine milk with DDT and HCH residues in relation to their usage in malaria control programme

The contribution of spraying DDT and HCH for malaria control towards the contamination of bovine milk was investigated by analysing milk samples collected from preselected localities sprayed with either DDT or HCH in the Punjab. A direct correlation was found between the amounts of residues of these insecticides in milk and their typical usage pattern for the mosquito control programme. It is considered that these results may have significant bearing on the regulatory control of DDT and HCH residues in milk.     

Toxic and essential trace elements in human milk from Greek lactating women: association with dietary habits and other factors

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of some essential and toxic metals in the colostrum and transitory human milk in conjunction with various factors that may influence their concentrations i.e. diet, supplementation, place of residence, smoking, as well as socioeconomic and somatometric characteristics. Zinc, iron, copper, manganese, cadmium and lead were measured by AAS in 180 colostrum samples from healthy lactating women collected on third day postpartum. A second milk sample was collected in 95 (53%) subjects 14 days later. Dietary habits were assessed by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire and various characteristics and socio-economic factors were also recorded. The mean (+/-standard deviation) values of colostrum samples were: Zn 4905 +/- 1725 microg l(-1), Fe 544 +/- 348 microg l(-1), Mn 4.79 +/- 3.23 microg l(-1), Cu 381 +/- 132 microg l(-1), Cd 0.190 +/- 0.150 microg l(-1), Pb 0.48 +/- 0.60 microg l(-1). All metals with the exception of copper were found in lower concentrations in transitory samples. Cadmium and lead weekly intakes were found to be below the Maximum Tolerable Weekly Intakes as they have been established for infants by WHO or NRC. Our results revealed: higher Pb concentration in the samples from urban areas; effect of smoking on Cu level; dietary habits seem to play a role in metal levels in human milk as the logistic regression models revealed.     

PCDD/F concentrations in milk of nonoccupationally exposed women living in southern Catalonia, Spain

Concentrations of 17 toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) have been determined in pooled samples of breast milk from 15 mothers living in two residential areas (Tarragona downtown and an industrial area) in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI), now under construction in Tarragona (southern Catalonia, Spain). PCDD/Fs in human milk samples ranged between 5.9 and 17.1 pg I-TEQ/g fat (162-498 pg I-TEQ/l), with a mean value of 11.8 pg I-TEQ/g fat (310.8 pg I-TEQ/l). The percentages of fat ranged between 1.53 and 3.52. Although PCDD/F levels in milk from mothers living in the industrial area were found to be slightly higher than those observed in women living Tarragona downtown, most differences did not reach the level of statistical significance. In general terms, PCDD/F concentrations in human milk (pooled) samples of mothers living in the area of Tarragona are similar or lower than those previously reported for most industrialized countries.     

Organo-chlorine pesticide (DDT and HCH) residues in the Taihu Lake Region and its movement in soil-water system I. Field survey of DDT and HCH residues in ecosystem of the region

The use of organo-chlorine (DDT and HCH) has been banned in China for 20 years. A field survey was carried out during 1999-2000 in the Taihu Lake Region. Organo-chlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in soil, water, fish and sediment samples were investigated. DDT was detected in 5 out of 10 samples with concentration ranging from 0.3 to 5.3 microg/kg in the surface (0-15 cm) layer, 6 out of 10 with 0.5 to 4.0 microg/kg in the subsoil layer (16-30 cm), and 4 of 10 with 0 to 2.7 microg/ kg in the deep soil layer (31-50 cm). Results for HCH residues in soil samples were similar to those of DDT. These results indicate that OCP residues in 0-50 cm profile had been leached out or degraded to safe level. In river water DDT was detected in 10 out of 13 samples ranging from 0.2 to 9.3 microg/l, with an average of 1.0 microg/l. While HCH was detected in 12 out of 13 samples ranging from 0.02 to 36.1 microg/l, with an average 5.6 microg/l. DDT residues in sediment ranged from 0.1 to 8.8 microg/kg, while HCH ranged from 0.3 to 66.5 microg/kg. DDT residues in fish body ranged from 3.7 to 23.5 microg/kg and HCH ranged from 3.7 to 132 microg/kg. These results demonstrate an accumulation through food chain (from soil-water-sediment-microbes-crop-fish-... etc.), also that HCH residues are generally more persistent than DDT residues. However, all these data are well below than the state warning standard limit.     

PCBs and other organochlorines in human tissue samples from the Welsh population: I--Adipose

The general exposure of humans to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and SigmaDDT (i.e., p,p'-DDT + p,p'DDE = p,p'-DDD) in Wales (UK) was determined through the analysis of adipose tissue samples collected from 75 individuals during post-mortem examinations in 1990-1991. Fifty PCB congeners were screened, of which 29 were identified in most of the samples. Congener IUPAC numbers 138, 153 and 180 were the most abundant compounds, accounting for an average of 55% of the SigmaPCB congeners analysed. SigmaPCB concentrations varied between 0.2 and 1.8 microg g(-1) of adipose tissue and were positively correlated with the donors age and negatively associated with the percentage of lipid in the adipose tissue. A progressive change in the congener pattern was noted with increasing subject age. Tissue from older individuals generally contained a relatively high proportion of the more persistent and higher chlorinated congeners. SigmaDDT concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 5.6 microg g(-1) adipose tissue, with p,p'-DDE contributing 96% towards the SigmaDDT concentration. SigmaDDT levels were also positively correlated with age. No significant differences in the SigmaPCB and SigmaDDT concentrations were noted between males and females, between people living in rural and urban locations or with the subjects' body weight at the time of their death.     

Oil pollution in Qatari coastal sediments

The present study focuses on the areal distribution of petroleum hydrocarbons in the Qatari coastal-belt sediments. Total petroleum hydrocarbons were quantified by ultra-violet fluorescence spectroscopy (UVF) for eighteen surface-sediment samples collected from six different areas along the Qatari coastline. Petroleum hydrocarbons are ubiquitous in the sediments studied, and their concentrations ranged from 48 microg g(-1) dw Kuwaiti-oil equivalents on the eastern side of the peninsula to 248 microg g(-1) dw Kuwaiti-oil equivalents on the western side. Concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in Qatari coastal sediments were very heterogeneous from one area to another and showed a decreasing sequence in the following order: Al-Zubarah (215 microg g(-1) dw) > Dukhan (143 microg g(-1) dw) > Ruwais (108 microg g(-1) dw) > Umm Said (89 microg g(-1) dw) > Fuwairet (81 microg g(-1) dw) > Doha (5 microg g(-1) dw Kuwaiti-crude-oil equivalents). This could indicate that the possible sources of oil on the Qatari coasts are mainly external on the western side and local on the eastern one. No significant correlation was found between organic C (0.6-1.4%) and petroleum-hydrocarbon concentrations.     

Lead concentrations in soil, sediment and clam samples from the Pungo River peatland area of North Carolina, USA

Lead (Pb) concentrations were measured in samples of peat soils, sediments and clams (Rangia cuneata) collected from the Pungo River region of coastal North Carolina. In peat soils, mean Pb concentrations (dry weight +/- 1 SD) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in surface samples (12.8microg g(-1)+/-7.6) than in samples from depths of 20 cm (2.7microg g(-1)+/-2.7) or 1 m (3.6microg g(-1)+/-3.6). Mean Pb concentrations in surface sediments from canals draining peatlands and from the Pungo River which receives this drainage ranged from 0.1microg g(-1)+/-0.1 to 7.0microg g(-1)+/-0.6. These Pb concentrations are similar to values reported in other studies for areas considered uncontaminated. Fractionation analysis revealed that the majority of the Pb in the peat and sediment samples was associated with the residual fraction, with lesser amounts in the organically-bound fraction, and generally negligible amounts in the water-soluble fraction. These results indicate that the bulk of the Pb in the soils and sediments of this area is relatively immobile and non-bioavailabe. This is supported by the relatively low concentrations of Pb (0.2-0.5 microg g(-1), dry weight) observed in soft tissues of R. cuneata collected from the Pungo River.     

Occurrence of dioxins in cow's milk in the vicinity of municipal waste incinerators and a metal reclamation plant in the Netherlands

Over 200 samples of cow's milk have been analysed for dioxins in a survey on the occurrence of dioxins in milk from the vicinity of municipal waste incinerators (MSWs) and other potential dioxin sources in The Netherlands. Levels in milk were found to vary considerably with time, depending on emission rates, the direction and distance to the source and the feeding and housing of cows. Highest levels of up to 13.5 pg TEQ/g of milk fat were found in the Lickebaert area and Zaandam near two incinerators with highest emission rates. The background level ranged between 0.7 and 2.5 pg TEQ/g of milk fat. Levels in winter were comparable to those found in summer and, in some areas, even higher, when cows were fed with hay and silage harvested on the same farm. After the closure of the MSW in Zaandam, cow's milk from neighbouring farms showed a significant decrease in dioxin levels to below the critical limit of 6 pg TEQ/g of milk fat. Dioxin levels in the vicinity of a metal reclamation plant were comparable to those in milk from the vicinity of a MSW with moderate emissions. Differences were observed in the ratio PCDF/PCDD, which was higher in milk near the metal reclamation plant. Principal component analysis has been applied on a large data set of patterns of the 2,3,7,8-chlorine substituted PCDDs and PCDFs in cow's milk. This technique has proved to be useful for distinguishing and identification of sources on the basis of the isomer pattern in milk.     

Temporal changes in some chlorinated hydrocarbon residue levels of Canadian breast milk and infant exposure

Between 1967 and 1986, five national surveys were carried out to determine organochlorine residues in Canadian breast milk. In these surveys the number of samples, their geographic sampling distribution and fat content changed over the years. In addition, the number of samples obtained from younger mothers decreased, while those from older mothers (31-40 years) increased. Total DDTs showed the most consistent decline of all declining residues, while PCBs only decreased after 1982. Levels of oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor remained constant. Ratios of p,p'-DDE/p,p'-DDT gradually increased from 3.1 to 10.0 over the same period of time. With few exceptions, regional trends in residue levels followed those observed for the whole country. Although the number of reported chemicals increased since 1967, this was not necessarily reflected in the total accumulated residues in breast milk. By 1986, the daily intakes of all compounds at 8 weeks of nursing were well below the established acceptable daily intakes.     

The potential of Thai indigenous plant species for the phytoremediation of arsenic contaminated land

To assess the potential of the native plant species for phytoremediation, plant and soil samples were collected from two areas in Thailand that have histories of arsenic pollution from mine tailings. The areas were the Ron Phibun District (Nakorn Si Thammarat province) and Bannang Sata District (Yala province), and samples were taken in 1998 and 1999 and analysed for total arsenic by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Arsenic concentrations in soil ranged from 21 to 14,000 microg g(-1) in Ron Phibun, and from 540 to 16,000 microg g(-1) in Bannang Sata. The criteria used for selecting plants for phytoremediation were: high As tolerance, high bioaccumulation factor, short life cycle, high propagation rate, wide distribution and large shoot biomass. Of 36 plant species, only two species of ferns (Pityrogramma calomelanos and Pteris vittata), a herb (Mimosa pudica), and a shrub (Melastoma malabrathricum), seemed suitable for phytoremediation. The ferns were by far the most proficient plants at accumulating arsenic from soil, attaining concentrations of up to 8350 microg g(-1) (dry mass) in the frond.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in human milk from Australia

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants added to a multitude of products to reduce flammability. PBDEs have been widely detected and quantified in biota and humans in many industrialised countries from the Northern Hemisphere. However data concerning the levels of these compounds in the Australian population and environment remain limited. The objectives of this study were to determine PBDE concentrations and congener profiles in Australian human milk and compare this to concentrations found in other countries. Pooled human milk samples obtained from mothers residing in 12 regions of Australia were analysed by HRGC/HRMS for 18 PBDE congeners. In total, 157 human milk samples collected in 2002 and 2003 were divided into 17 regional pools. PBDEs were detected in all pools of human milk from Australia. The mean+/-standard deviation and median summation operatorPBDE concentrations were 11.1+/-3.2 and 11.0 ng g(-1) lipid, respectively with a range of 6.1-18.7 ng g(-1) lipid. The congener profile was dominated by BDE-47 followed by BDE-99, -100, -153, -154 and -183. Regional differences were evaluated, but no trends were observed. The data suggest regional differences are likely to be small if they exist at all. The concentrations of PBDEs found in Australian human milk were lower than those reported from North America but higher than those reported from Europe and Asia. Our results suggest that the exposure pathways which contribute to the PBDE body burden in the Australian population require a better understanding in order to determine future policy regarding their use and disposal.     

Isoprene emission from tropical tree species

Foliar emission of isoprene was measured in nine commonly growing tree species of Delhi, India. Dynamic flow enclosure technique was used and gas samples were collected onto Tenax-GC/Carboseive cartridges, which were then attached to the sample injection system in the gas chromatograph (GC). Eluting compounds were analysed using a flame ionisation detector (FID). Out of the nine tree species, isoprene emission was found in six species (Eucalyptus sp., Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa, Mangifera indica, Melia azedarach, and Syzygium jambolanum), whereas, in the remaining three tree species (Alstonia scholaris, Azadirachta indica, and Cassia fistula) no isoprene emission was detected or the levels of emission were negligible or below the detection limit (BDL). Among six tree species, the highest hourly emission (10.2 +/- 6.8 microg g(-1) leaf dry weight, average of five seasons) was observed in Ficus religiosa, while minimum emission was from Melia azedarach (2.2 +/- 4.9 microg g(-1) leaf dry weight, average of five seasons). Isoprene emission (average of six species), over five seasons, was found to vary between 3.9 and 8.5 microg g(-1) leaf dry weight during the rainy season. In addition, significant diurnal variation in isoprene emission was observed in each species. The preliminary estimate made in this study on the annual biogenic VOC emission from India may probably be the first of its kind from this part of the world.     

Determination of pesticide residues in IPM and non-IPM samples of mango (Mangifera indica)

Studies were conducted to analyze the residue of commonly used pesticides viz. methyl parathion, chloropyrifos, endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, carbendazim, imidacloprid and carbaryl in mango, Dashehari variety, integrated pest management (IPM) and non-IPM samples were collected from the IPM and non-IPM orchards, Lucknow, India. We also present a method for the simultaneous determination of these pesticides in mango samples. Residues of methyl parathion, chloropyriphos, endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate were extracted from the samples with acetone: cyclohexane: ethyl acetate in the ratio 2:1:1 followed by cleanup using neutral alumina. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) with a megabore column (OV-1). Residues of carbendazim, imidacloprid and carbaryl were extracted with acetone and after cleanup, analysis was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using photo diode array (PDA) detector. Recoveries of all the pesticides ranged between 72.7-110.6%, at 0.1 and 1.0 microg g(-1) level of fortification. The residues detected in non-IPM samples of mango were found to be below the prescribed limits of maximum residue limit (MRL) while IPM samples were free from pesticide residues.