To optimize and validate the analytical protocol for recovery of pesticides from water and food samples for further monitoring using dip-and-fold device

Pollution of water and food is a severe concern as a result of the increasing use of pesticides in agricultural areas. Timely testing of these contaminants is critical to ensure the quality and safety of water and food, particularly for people of the local community. Insecticides (carbamates and organophosphates) may be identified fast in water samples utilising low-cost and simple-to-use paper-based testing equipment. The analysis can be done utilising the “dip-and-fold” structural design without the need of reagents or samples. Various high-quality papers are employed in the device to support acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the precise chemical formulation for colorimetric detection.
Hence, the target contaminants of my research are the organophosphates- Malathion and Chlorpyriphos. To conduct this research, we will be preparing standard samples using analytical grade reagents, co-solvents (organic solvents) at different concentrations to dissolve the organophosphates (pesticides) in water.
Then, we will verify the interfering effect of the co-solvents on the detection of pesticides by paper-based devices. We will eventually develop methods to recovery the pesticides from fresh food.
To summarize, the objective of our research is to optimize and validate the analytical protocol for recovery of pesticides from water and food samples for further monitoring using dip-and-fold device.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sushanta Mitra

Student:

Partner:

Institute of Chemical Technology

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Sustainability & the Environment; Water

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: