Efficacy of Ksharjala a vegetable wash on pesticide residue in Cauliflower: An experimental study

Abstract

Background: Cauliflower is a common vegetable in Indian households; it is highly nutritious which is often sprayed with pesticides. The majority of the residue is still on the vegetable even after washing it with tap water. It poses a risk to consumer safety and the security of the food industry. Thus, A study was conducted to find out an easy method to lower the pesticidal residue which was detected in large amounts on cauliflower. Methods: A pilot study was done to identify the pesticide residue on cauliflower sample which were selected at random. Pesticide residue was analysed using gas liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and sample extraction was carried out using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) method. The sample were divided into two groups; control group and experimental group. The experimental group samples were washed with ksharjala. Ksharajala was prepared by mixing 20 grams of sodium bicarbonate into 1000 ml of water (2% alkaline solution). Result: The mean pesticide residue of the experimental groups i.e. ksharajala (17.29 ppm) differed significantly from that of the control group (107.44ppm,). Ksharjala dhavana decrease chlorpyrifos residue. Positive alterations have been observed in the colour, taste, and smell of cauliflower. Conclusion: Study has shown that ksharjala effectively reduces the amount of pesticide residue on cauliflower.