Yes baking soda does remove pesticides from fruit.
Water alone does not remove the pesticides from fruit but using baking soda can help to remove the pesticide residue.
I always wash my fruits and even vegetables that I buy in the stores using baking soda and water.
I put some baking soda into a bowl and then fill the bowl with some water.
Then I add the fruits or vegetables and soak them for a few minutes and then use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the fruits and vegetables.
That also helps to scrub the pesticides off the fruits and vegetables.
Vinegar or apple cider vinegar also helps to remove pesticides and also disinfects the fruits and vegetables as well.