Selective Detection of Paraquat in Adulterated and Complex Environmental Samples Using Raman Spectroelectrochemistry

Author(s)

Kavazoi, Henry S. ; Miyazaki, Celina M. ; Constantino, Carlos J. L. ; Martin, Cibely S. ; Alessio, Priscila

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Applied Spectroscopy; v. 78, n. 9, p. 10-pg., 2024-08-01.

Abstract

Growing demand for pesticides has created an environment prone to deceptive activities, where counterfeit or adulterated pesticide products infiltrate the market, often escaping rapid detection. This situation presents a significant challenge for sensor technology, crucial in identifying authentic pesticides and ensuring agricultural safety practices. Raman spectroscopy emerges as a powerful technique for detecting adulterants. Coupling the electrochemical techniques allows a more specific and selective detection and compound identification. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of spectroelectrochemical measurements by coupling a potentiostat and Raman spectrograph to identify paraquat, a nonselective herbicide banned in several countries. Our findings demonstrate that applying -0.70 V during measurements yields highly selective Raman spectra, highlighting the primary vibrational bands of paraquat. Moreover, the selective Raman signal of paraquat was discernible in complex samples, including tap water, apple, and green cabbage, even in the presence of other pesticides such as diquat, acephate, and glyphosate. These results underscore the potential of this technique for reliable pesticide detection in diverse and complex matrices. Graphical abstract This is a visual representation of the abstract. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/14967-2 - Nanostructured materials for the development of sensors platform by (spectro)electrochemistry for the detection of environmental samples.
• Grantee: Cibely da Silva Martin Sonvesso
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/01161-4 - Organophosphorus pesticides sensing using simultaneously Electrolyte Gate Field-Effect Transistors (EGFETs) and SERS
• Grantee: Maiza da Silva Ozorio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/14235-6 - Membrane mimetic models applied in interaction studies, detection, and removal of emerging pollutants
• Grantee: Priscila Alessio Constantino
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/11803-0 - Biosensors for dual detection of SARS-CoV-2 combining SERS and electrochemical impedance
• Grantee: Celina Massumi Miyazaki
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 23/04196-9 - Development of SERS and GERS substrates to optimize in situ detection of mixed pesticides
• Grantee: Henry Seitiro Kavazoi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/50869-6 - INCT 2014: on Organic Electronics
• Grantee: Roberto Mendonça Faria
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis
• Grantee: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants