Professional Documents
Culture Documents
AHMEDABAD
SESSION: 2023 - 24
Chemistry Project
ON
Study of presence of Insecticides and pesticides in
Fruit and Vegetables
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Certificate
This is to certify that this “Chemistry Project”’ on the
PRINCIPAL
Acknowledgement
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My sincere thanks go to Ms. Moutoshi Sharma, our
principal ma’am, for her co –ordination in extending very
possible support for the completion of this project.
Last but not the least, I would like to thank all those who
had helped directly or indirectly towards the completion of
this project.
INDEX
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Sr. No Name Page. No
1. Introduction
2. Aim
3. Theory
4. Materials
5. Procedure
6. Observation
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
Introduction
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Since before 20BC, humans have utilized pesticides to protect
their crops. The first known pesticide was elemental sulphur
dusting used about 4500 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia.
By the 15th century, toxic chemicals such as arsenic, mercury
and lead were being used as insecticides. The 19th century
saw the introduction of two
more natural pesticides, pyrethrum, which is derived from
chrysanthemums, rotenone which is derived from the roots of
tropical vegetables. In 1940s manufacturers began to produce
large amounts of synthetic pesticides. The 1940s and 1950s is
said to be the start of the “Pesticide era”. A pesticide may be a
chemical substance, biological agent, disinfectant or device
used against any pest. Pests include insects, plant pathogens,
insects, molluscs, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes and
microbes that destroy property or spread disease.
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All pesticides are
poisonous chemicals
and are used in small
quantities with care.
Pesticides are proven to
be effective against
variety of insects, weeds and fungi and are respectively called
insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.
Most of the pesticides are non-biodegradable and remain
penetrated as such into plants, fruits and vegetables.
From plants they transfer to animals, birds and human
beings who eat these polluted fruits and vegetables.
Inside the body they get accumulated and cause serious
Health problems. These days preference is given to
insecticides like malathion.
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concern of agricultural administrators, scientists and health
officials all over the world to put a check over the use of
insecticides and to search for non-insecticidal means of pest
control.
Aim
To study the presence of insecticides and pesticides
(Nitrogen-containing) in various fruit and vegetables.
Theory
Pesticides are chemicals which prevent pests. Nitrogen
present in organic compounds is detected by
“Lassaigne’s Test”.
The elements present in the compound are converted
from covalent form into the ionic form by fusing the
compound with sodium metal. Following reaction take
place:
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Na + C + N =NaCN (sodium cyanide)
Cyanide of sodium so formed on sodium fusion is
extracted from the fused mass by boiling it with
distilled water. This extract is known as sodium fusion
extract. Pesticides are classified according to the pests
they control.
The four main types of pesticides are:
(i) Herbicides
(ii) Fungicides
(iii) Rodenticides
(iv) Insecticides
Material Required
Mortar and pestle
Beakers, funnel
Glass rod
Filter paper
China dish
Tripod
stand
Fusion tube
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Knife
Test-tube
Samples of fruits and vegetables
Alcohol
Sodium metal
Ferric chloride
Ferrous sulphate crystals
Distilled water
Dilute sulphuric acid
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Procedure
Following is the list of steps to follow while
doing this project: -
b. Transfer
the cut pieces of
various fruits and
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China dishes one by one over a water bath and let the
residue dry in the oven.
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h.Break the tube and boil the contents of China dish for
about five minutes.
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or green ppt. or colouration is obtained it Indicates
the presence of nitrogen containing insecticides.
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Observation
SR.n Name of the Test for the presence Presence of
o fruit or of nitrogen (Positive insecticides
vegetable or negative) or
pesticides
residue
1. Apple Positive Positive
2. Grapes Positive Positive
3. Brijal Positive Positive
4. Tomato Positive Positive
5. Cucumber Positive Positive
6. Banana Positive Positive
7. Potato Positive Positive
Observation are being record in tabular form
given below:
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Conclusion
Hence, it can conclude that the fruits and vegetable are
been test have presence of nitrogen or can be said have
insecticides and pesticides residue in it.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Splashing must be avoided.
2. Eyes and nose must not be touched after touching
chemicals which are used.
3. For effective results the fruit and vegetable samples
should be sliced into small pieces and then crushed
properly.
Bibliography
1. www.encyclopedia.com
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2. www.wikipedia.com
3. Britannica encyclopaedia
5. Microsoft Encarta
8. www.scribd.com
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