Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my project, I wanted to test for the different amounts of pesticides on fresh fruits and vegetables. In my research, I have found a kit to test for pesticides at home, but, unfortunately, I am missing a color chart to find the concentration of pesticide residue on the produce. Do you know where I could find said color chart? I have read about methods involving liquid chromatography. Do you know anything about that? Do you have any other ideas about how to test for pesticides since I do not have access to the conventional technique scientists use which is mass spectometry?

I believe the color chart is part of the test kit, I would suggest you do a Google search for the kit manufacturer and if you cannot find the color chart from their website, you should contact them by phone or email. Liquid chromatography also required the use of specialize equipment just like mass spectrometry. Here is a project that was done in the California science fair, instead of testing the actual concentration of pesticide, it used cricket death rate to determine the level of toxicity in soil. http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2005/Projects/J0929.pdf

Michael

Hi!
I agree with Michael that the color chart is most likely part of your kit, so definitely try and look that up! On the other hand, if you want to see if your results compare to the data that is already out there, you might want to check out this website:

http://www.grinningplanet.com/2006/upda ... n-food.htm

Also, here is a sample project that a student did that indirectly tried to measure how much pesticide were found in food. Maybe you can try something simpler!

http://www.super-science-fair-projects. ... oject.html

Best of luck!