Detection of fungicide thiram in aqueous media via surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)

• Grant number: 19/07179-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date until: May 01, 2019
• End date until: May 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Carlos José Leopoldo Constantino
• Grantee: Marcelo José dos Santos Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/21213-9 - Synthesis of anisotropic nanoparticles as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Thiram is a systemic fungicide used in crops such as cotton, rice, potatoes, beans and corn for the treatment of seeds and prevention of fungi. It has toxicological classification "class II", generating residues that can affect the environment and health. Therefore, monitoring of such waste is necessary. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a technique that has been used in the detection of agrochemicals in low concentrations due to their selectivity and sensitivity, although its analytical application requires the optimization of substrates SERS . Therefore, we intend to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold (AuNPs) (which act as substrates SERS) and apply them in the detection of thiram in low concentrations (¼M to nM), seeking to obtain a calibration curve of the type "intensity SERS vs. Concentration "(analytical application). This application is still a challenge for the SERS area and has been supplanted on a case by case basis from the optimization of the SERS substrate in relation to the analyte to be detected.