Simultaneous Monitoring and Decontamination of Pesticide Residues in Phytomedicine-Enriched Betel Leaf Utilizing QuEChERS-GC-MS/MS Technology to Safeguard Public Health.

The article focuses on developing and validating a multi-residue analytical method using a modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) to monitor 12 nonpermitted organophosphorus pesticide residues in betel leaf (Piper betel) samples from West Bengal, India. The study found that one out of 20 market samples contained pesticide residues (dimethoate, malathion, chlorpyrifos) exceeding European maximum residue limits (MRLs). Various decontamination techniques—tap water washing, 2% saltwater washing, and lukewarm water washing—were evaluated, with tap water washing showing the highest efficacy in reducing pesticide residues below regulatory limits. The research highlights the importance of routine monitoring and simple, cost-effective decontamination methods to ensure the safety of betel leaves, which are consumed raw, and recommends adherence to good agricultural practices to minimize pesticide contamination.