Abstract

The objective of the present investigation was to detect the organochlorine pesticides presence in Blackberry (Rubus sp.,) by means of the Electronic Nose, generating in the future an alternative tool for the early detection of these types of pollutants. The studied samples were randomly collected in the main market of the city of Pamplona, Norte de Santander (Colombia), followed by physical (surface area, color and firmness) and chemical (moisture, pH, soluble solids and titratable acidity) analysis to establish the appropriate maturity index. Organochlorine pesticide residues were detected (Aldrin, Beta-BHC, Delta-BHC, Gamma-BHC, Endosulfan I, Endosulfan II, 4, 4-DDE) by the coupled Gas Chromatography-Electroantennographic Detection recording (GC-EAD) and finally the measurement and validation of the method were made with the Electronic Nose. It was determined that the multisensory system is able to detect organochlorine pesticides in concentrations of 0.5; 0.7 and 1 ppm. The Electronic Nose application has potential as an alternative method for the early detection of traces of organochlorines and therefore for the innocuity of the agricultural products.

Keywords:

Blackberry, chromatography, maturity index, multisensory system, organochlorine pesticides,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.