Pesticides are one of the most important tools in the protection of agricultural crops against weeds, pests and diseases, prolonging the shelf life and enhancing the trade of high-quality food. However, due to their physicochemical properties, pesticides can leave residues in food, soils and water, which can be harmful for human health. To the date, the number of active substances registered in the European Commission is close to 1500 (1) which forces the use of multiresidue methods to cover compounds of different polarities and allows routine analysis.
- European Commission. (2021). Active substances, safeners and synergists. https://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/pesticides/eu-pesticides-database/active-substances/)
