Studies on the aggregation behavior of surfactants in the context of designing and manufacturing detergents for washing fruit and vegetables, taking into account the high capacity to remove pesticide residues

The compn. of a model detergent based on poly(oxyethylene) alkyl ethers was developed and analyzed in terms of cloud point, surface tension, micelle size and zein number. A soln. of a model detergent with a concn. of 1% by mass was used to wash apples (Malus domestica Champion), previously contaminated with pesticides (acetamiprid, boscalid, pyraclostrobin and pendimethalin). After washing, the apples were rinsed on a sieve with cold tap water, left to dry for 4 h at room temp., and then frozen. Fruits were subjected to QuEChERS extn. and the resulting extracts were analyzed by LC/MS to assess the effectiveness of removing pesticide residues. The developed detergent showed high efficiency in removing pesticide residues while remaining safe to use in terms of low skin irritation potential.