Transfer Behaviors of 30 Pesticide Residues during the Common Processing of Ginseng

To reduce safety issues of ginseng products caused by excessive pesticide levels, this paper systematically elucidates the transfer rules of pesticides during processing by calculating the transfer rates and processing factors (PFs). The common methods of ginseng processing (water extraction, alcohol extraction, concentration, water extraction and alcohol precipitation, vacuum drying, freeze drying, spray drying) and 30 pesticides frequently occurring in ginseng were used as research objects. The results indicate that the pesticide residues in alcohol extract are much higher than those in water extract. During water extraction and alcohol precipitation, 93.2% of pesticides are transferred to the upper ethanol solution. Besides, drying could reduce the total amount but increase the concentration of pesticide residues. Water extraction-concentration-spray drying (PF ranges from 0.01 to 0.36) and alcohol extraction-concentration-vacuum drying (PF ranges from 1.10 to 3.70) are the processing methods with the lowest and highest pesticide processing factors, respectively.

Automated summary

In order to address safety concerns regarding ginseng products and excessive pesticide levels, this study explores the transfer rules of pesticides during processing. The study focuses on calculating transfer rates and processing factors (PFs) using various common ginseng processing methods and 30 frequently occurring pesticides. The results show higher pesticide residues in alcohol extract compared to water extract, with 93.2% of pesticides transferring to the upper ethanol solution during water extraction and alcohol precipitation. Additionally, drying processes decrease the total amount of pesticide residues but increase their concentration. Water extraction-concentration-spray drying and alcohol extraction-concentration-vacuum drying are the processing methods with the lowest and highest pesticide processing factors, respectively.