Organochlorine pesticide residues persist throughout the sugar production process

Thailand, one of the world's largest sugarcane producers, has historically used organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) extensively in its plantations. Therefore, OCP residues are anticipated in plantation soil. However, the persistence of these compounds during sugar production is ambiguous. Thus, this study investigated the OCP residues in sugarcane at the different processing stages. Five product samples, i.e., sugarcane juice, bagasse, raw sugar, granulated white sugar, and molasses were obtained from different regions in Thailand. High concentrations of p, p '-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p '-DDT), gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH or lindane), and cyclodiene derivatives such as aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and its epoxide were found in the samples. This is surprising because the OCP use in sugarcane plantations has been long banned in Thailand. Bagasse and raw sugar had the highest total OCP concentrations of 1.0393 +/- 0.7555 mg/kg and 0.9658 +/- 0.8209 mg/kg, followed by white sugar (0.1616 +/- 0.1311 mg/kg), molasses (0.0813 +/- 0.1195 mg/kg), and sugarcane juice (0.0173 +/- 0.0112 mg/ kg). This study offers comprehensive information on the fate of OCPs during the entire sugarcane processing stage, from the cane to the final granulated sugar. The findings also suggest persistent OCP presence in plantation soil, possibly due to illegal use.

Automated summary

Thailand, one of the largest sugarcane producers, has a potential issue of organochlorine pesticide residues in its plantation soil. In this study, the OCP residues in sugarcane at different processing stages were investigated and high concentrations of OCPs were found in the samples. Bagasse and raw sugar had the highest OCP concentrations, while sugarcane juice had the lowest. The study also suggests the possible persistent OCP presence in plantation soil, potentially due to illegal use.