Application of olfactory profile (E-NOSE) in the identification of agrotoxics

• Grant number: 19/21680-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2020
• End date: March 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Ana Lúcia Gabas
• Grantee: Matheus Augusto Braga de Oliveira Côrtes
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Brazil has maintained its level as the world's largest producer and exporter of agricultural products. As the growth of this Brazilian agribusiness is observed, there is also an increase in the intensive use of agrotoxics and related substances. The problem is that this use represents one of the most relevant risk factors for both human health and the environment. Considering the increased consumption of these substances in recent years, coupled with the growth in the number of their registrations granted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, this project aims to analyze the application of the electronic nose in identifying different concentrations of agrotoxics: dithiocarbamates, glyphosate, and 2,4-D, as well as their multi-residue. The olfactory profile may replace the use of expensive and slow detection equipment, favoring data collection, as well as decision making and public policies focused on this issue of great relevance to the country. This research will allow the creation of a new analysis methodology, with considerable time reduction and without the need to use sophisticated and expensive equipment. (AU)