Research Information System
International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Agricultural production worldwide relies extensively on pesticides, but their widespread use poses significant contamination risks to surface and groundwater resources. While many studies have investigated pesticide contamination in surface and groundwater, research focusing on thermal waters is limited. These waters, sourced from deep underground reservoirs, are generally considered relatively pure due to their isolation from surface pollutants. The present study analysed 44 samples (two per source) from 22 locations across nine geothermal zones in Kütahya, Türkiye, providing analytical replication. These samples underwent comprehensive screening for pesticides to establish a preliminary understanding of potential contamination and to facilitate the assessment of associated risks. A validated analytical technique was developed to quantify 140 pesticides, each with distinct chemical characteristics, in thermal water samples. This method utilises liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after a solid-phase extraction (SPE) process. Comprehensive screening of 140 target pesticides revealed that hexaconazole (HEX) was present in 68.2% of the sampling sites, while fipronil (FP) was detected in 36.4%. Screening-level ERA indicated potential ecological hazards, particularly to non-target organisms. As the first systematic survey of pesticides in Türkiye’s thermal waters, our findings highlight overlooked exposure pathways and warrant closer scrutiny given the toxicological profiles and bioaccumulation potential of HEX and FP.