There are many sensitive techniques such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS available which have sensitivity of 1 to 3ng/g. However, the MRL's are about 10 to 50 times higher for respective herbicides and crop. Is there need to quantify residues below the MRL's limit? If yes, what is significance?
What is the biological effect of the herbicide on pollinators and how much of the herbicide shows up in the nectar? Given that a bee will get the nectar and concentrate it to make honey, are you sure that the herbicide has no biological effect?
Given that the MRL of glorp (a new insecticide unknown to man until a few seconds ago) is 50 mg/kg of apples, what is the effect of being exposed to 30 mg of glorp every day for 20 years?
In all countries these regulations are a mix of science, politics, and business. This is generally an unhappy marriage driven by funding.
The MRL is always relative, to specific condition etc. As pointed out by Tmothy A Ebert sir, both the concentration at particular time and the magnitude of exposure are important. The concentrations below MRL for longer exposure are of concern. That's why estimation/ quantification below MRL holds significance.
Thank you so much for your valuable reply Sir Timothy A Ebert and Nilay Borah.
Influence on organism can be even at levels below MRL,s . That's why better to provide with this information. Some of herbicides hadn't established NOEL. Though if your attitude cares about health, state this data.
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