Reduction of Captan, Boscalid and Pyraclostrobin Residues on Apples Using Water Only, Gaseous Ozone, and Ozone Aqueous Solution

ABSTRACTIntensive use of plant protection products in modern agriculture and horticulture often results in increasing residue levels of active ingredients of plant protection products in fruits and vegetables. Even if the maximum residue levels are not exceeded, the synergic effects of various compounds may have a serious impact on consumers' health. In particular, more sensitive consumer groups, e.g., children, may be affected. Therefore, it is important to develop an effective method that could be utilized for reduction of pesticide residue levels in food products of plant origin. In this work, possible application of ozone to reduce pesticide residue levels in apples has been investigated. The fruits were treated with ozone in gaseous state, in ozonized water, and in water alone, which was used for rinsing the fruits. The experiments included tests on apples that were subjected to a protection program using captan, boscalid and pyraclostrobin. The ozonized water and treatment with a gaseous ozone were ...