A systematic review of organophosphorus pesticides detection in biological matrices

Abstract

Purpose: Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) are widely used for pest control

however, their accessibility has led to significant misuse, contributing to self-poisoning, morbidity, and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Accurate detection of OPPs in biological samples is critical for forensic investigations of poisoning cases. This systematic review evaluates recent advancements in extraction and analytical methods for the detection of OPPs in biological matrices, focusing on diagnostic accuracy and forensic applicability. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2014 and July 2024. Predefined search terms were used in various Boolean combinations. Studies were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2), and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane diagnostic test accuracy tool. Results: Twenty-one eligible studies were included, reporting a variety of extraction and detection methods for OPPs across multiple biological matrices such as blood, urine, hair, and viscera. Techniques including Gas chromatography-tandem- tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. Innovations in extraction, such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and microwave-assisted extraction, provided rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional methods. Conclusions: Significant progress has improved OPP detection in forensic toxicology, though challenges like matrix effects, lab standardization, and broader applicability persist. Continued research and method optimization are essential to improve reliability and routine forensic implementation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.