A Snapshot of Pesticide Residues in Human, Animal, and Environmental Samples Across 10 European Countries

Abstract

Intensive pesticide use raises concerns for environmental, human, and animal health, yet Europe-wide data on exposure remain fragmented. In this study, 224 pesticide residues were analysed in environmental and biological samples collected during the 2021 growing season across 10 European sites, covering conventional and organic farms. Samples included human (farmers, neighbours, consumers) and animal (cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, cats) matrices—urine, plasma, faeces, and silicone wristbands—as well as farm feed and environmental matrices including soil, earthworms, crops, water, sediment, outdoor air/dust, and indoor dust. Across all matrices, the top ten rankings based on detection frequency identified 63 priority compounds; 62 were detected in at least two matrices. Notably, non-approved pesticides accounted for 10–70% of the residues in the top ten across human, animal, and environmental samples. Detection frequencies and concentrations were generally higher in conventional than in organic systems, although differences were smaller than expected. The most frequently detected residues were glyphosate (in 9 of 16 matrices) and the banned persistent DDT metabolite p,p′ DDE (in 11 of 16 matrices). Overall, pesticide residues were widespread, mostly at low levels, across humans, animals, and environments in Europe. A One-Health-based harmonised monitoring and risk assessment approach is needed, including both approved and non-approved compounds.