A new study explores the development of an electrochemical sensor for detecting diuron, an herbicide commonly used in agriculture to improve productivity and the quality of agricultural products such as citrus fruits, rice, and potatoes. While effective in controlling weeds, diuron poses environmental and health risks due to its moderate to high persistence in soil and water. It can accumulate in crops and water sources, potentially affecting human health through inhalation or ingestion of contaminated food or water. Its direct effects include irritation, while it is also suspected of having carcinogenic properties. While for human is not directly toxic, its persistence and toxicity to aquatic organism led to EU’s classification of diuron as a Category 3 carcinogen (Directive 2001/59/EC), highlighting its hazardous nature.
State-of-the-art detection methods, such as capillary electrophoresis, gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, require expensive equipment and trained personnel. More affordable alternatives that offer both precision and accuracy include electrochemical methods employed in electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical sensors detect substances by facilitating electron transfer between the electrode surface and target molecules through redox reactions.
The key challenge in developing electrochemical biosensors lies in ensuring their stability, sensitivity, and selectivity, as well as their speed, affordability, scalability, and consistency.
Under the MOBILES project, researchers investigated the use of holmium oxide (Ho₂O₃) nanoparticles to enhance the sensitivity of a carbon paste electrode (CPE), a key component in electrochemical sensors. Using advanced analytical techniques, the study demonstrated that the modified electrode significantly improves the detection of diuron, even at very low concentrations. The research also tested the sensor’s performance in real-world samples, such as water, apple juice, and strawberry juice, showing promising accuracy and reliability.
This study highlights the potential of nanomaterials in sensor technology and provides insights into cost-effective and accessible methods for pesticide detection. While further research and validation are needed before practical application, these findings contribute to ongoing efforts to develop innovative tools for environmental monitoring and food safety.
Read more in the article published in Electrochimica Acta: Pechini Synthesis Method of Ho2O3 Nanoparticles and Their Harnessing for Extremely Sensitive Electrochemical Sensing of Diuron in Juice Samples; Theoretical insights into sensing principle
Authors: Aleksandar Mijajlović, Vesna Stanković, Filip Vlahović, Miloš Ognjanović, Kurt Kalcher, Astrid Ortner, Dalibor Stanković
Electrochimica Acta
