Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment and Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in Soil, Surface Water, and Groundwater in Northwestern Tunisia

Pesticides play a significant role in agriculture, but their leaching into soil and water poses serious environmental risks. This study examines pesticide contamination in surface and groundwater in northern Tunisia, specifically in Kef governorate, involving a survey of 140 farmers to gather data on agricultural practices and pesticide use. Researchers monitored 24 pesticides and utilized the Pesticide Environmental Risk Indicator (PERI) model to evaluate environmental risk scores for each substance. Soil and water samples were collected and analyzed using a multi-residue method (QUECHERS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results showed that 50% of the pesticides assessed had an Environmental Risk Score of 5 or higher. Contamination was identified in water and soil, with 18 and 15 pesticide residues, respectively. Notable concentrations included 7.8 µg/l of linuron and flupyradifurone in water, and 1718.4 µg/kg of linuron in soil. Commonly detected substances included the insecticide acetamiprid and fungicides like cyflufenamid and penconazole in water, while soil contamination was linked to fungicides metalaxyl and metalaxyl-m, as well as herbicides linuron and s-metolachlor. Factors such as proximity to treated water points and poor packaging management were discussed as risks. The findings emphasize the need for better monitoring and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate contamination.