Development of disposable sensors modified with biochar and copper nanoparticles for determination of paraquat in natural water samples

• Grant number: 24/11405-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ivana Cesarino
• Grantee: Erika Yukie Ito
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research project aims to develop disposable sensors modified with biochar and copper nanoparticles (BC-CuNPs) for the analysis of paraquat in natural water samples. Paraquat is one of the Emerging Contaminants (ECs) that have been the subject of studies due to its presence in water and its properties that are harmful to human and animal health when present in the body. Therefore, it is essential to develop efficient techniques for detecting and treating this substance. Thus, in this work, a sensor will be manufactured from the synthesis of conductive ink and the modification of electrodes with BC-CuNPs to analyze contamination of the target herbicide quickly and easily. In addition, it is also a way to democratize analytical chemistry, since disposable sensors are designed to be low cost and do not require skilled labor.