Multi-residue analytical methods for pesticides in teas: a review

• Published in: European food research & technology Vol. 247; no. 8; pp. 1839 - 1858
• Main Authors: Sun, Rui, Yang, Weiqing, Li, Yongxin, Sun, Chengjun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.08.2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agriculture; Analytical Chemistry; Analytical methods; Biotechnology; Catechin; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Flavonols; Food Science; Forestry; Leaves; Metabolites; Organic acids; Pest control; Pesticide residues; Pesticides; Pests; Pigments; Polyphenols; Residues; Review Article; Sample preparation; Tea; Sample treatment; Multi-residue pesticide analysis; Matrix effect; Tea leaves; Analytical method
• ISSN: 1438-2377; 1438-2385
• DOI: 10.1007/s00217-021-03765-3

Tea is one of the most popular drinks worldwide. In the process of tea planting, for controlling pests, a variety of pesticides are usually applied. Therefore, pesticide residues and their metabolites in tea leaves, as well as their adverse effects on tea drinkers' health, are becoming increasingly concerning. The tea-leaf matrix is very complex because it is rich in organic acids, polyphenols, natural pigments, catechins, flavonols, metallic/non-metallic elements, and other unconfirmed substances. Hence, it is a great challenge to conduct multi-residue analysis of pesticides in tea samples. Researchers worldwide have been devoted to the development of multi-residue analytical methods for pesticide detection in tea and have made great progress in recent years. In this review, the recent advances in the multi-residue analysis of pesticides in tea matrices, especially those regarding matrix effects and their elimination, sample preparation and detection techniques, were reviewed in depth, and future research directions were suggested as well.