The aim of the study was to evaluate the movement and accumulation of 2,6 – dinitro – NN – dipropyl – 4 - trifluoromethylanil (trifluralin) in soil under irrigated conditions. Despite its hazardous effects this herbicide is widely used in the country. The herbicide researched, is known to be one of the most resistant and least mobile pesticides used in the country. The investigations were carried out, using drainage type lysimeters with application of two different doses of trifluralin and three irrigation water levels. Irrigations were applied during three stages used as indicators for irrigation scheduling of the sunflower crop. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were taken from the original field in the beginning and from the tanks after completing of the study. Trifluralin analyses were completed using gas chromatography technique. The results of the study determined that the amounts of the herbicide and its degradation product (2-ethyl-4-nitro-6-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazole) in the ranges of 3.04 – 0.1 and 4.128- 0.344 ppm, respectively were accumulated in the lysimeter soils during the 5-year research period. The highest amounts of trifluralin and its degradation product were measured in the 0-30 cm soil layer, of the treatment with higher applied herbicide amount and deficit irrigation.

The aim of this study was to explore the concentrations of PAEs (Phthalate esters) in milk in Türkiye. For this purpose, a methodology was developed to quantify eight different PAEs in milk samples using a combination of dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) and Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Employing this methodology, the concentrations of PAEs were evaluated in 34 milk samples. Results indicated the presence of PAEs in the milk samples; however, all tested compounds remained within the specific migration limits established by the EU. Among the analyzed PAEs, BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate) was not detected in any samples, while DMP (di-methyl phthalate) (ND-5.51 µg/L) and DBP (di-butyl phthalate) (ND-7.91 µg/L) exhibited the lowest concentrations. DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl)) was identified as the most prevalent plasticizer with a maximum concentration of 41.31 µg/L. In conclusion, this study successfully investigated PAE concentrations in Turkish milk samples using a developed methodology. The results indicated the presence of PAEs within EU-established limits, with DEHP being the predominant plasticizer. Further research and monitoring efforts are crucial to ensure ongoing safety in packaged milk products.

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are synthetic compounds, commonly used as plasticizers and softeners in plastic material production, and they are recognized as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This study was focused on monitoring the extent of PAEs migration in vacuum-packaged Kashar cheeses and plastic materials used in their packaging. A total of fifteen cheese samples were tested for PAEs, including benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP). The quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD) limits varied between 0.197 to 0.619 µg/mL and 0.059 to 0.185 µg/mL for all analytes, respectively. All phthalate ester concentrations in both of the cheese samples and their packaging materials were below the detectable level LOQ of the analytical method. FTIR spectra also confirmed that the packaging materials which consisted of polypropylene and polyethylene.