Determination of insecticides malathion and lambda-cyhalothrin residues in zucchini by gas chromatography

MIL-88B(Fe) MOF modified screen-printed electrodes for non-enzymatic electrochemical sensing of malathion

An enzyme-free electrochemical approach for ultra-trace quantification of the organophosphate insecticide malathion is proposed in this study. It is premised on screen-printed carbon electrodes modified by the MIL-88B(Fe) metal-organic framework (MOF). A one-pot solvothermal method was used to synthesise MIL-88B(Fe). The surface modification of electrodes allowed for increased electroactive surface area and accelerated electron transport on the electrode. Inhibition in the redox signal of MIL-88B(Fe) was observed due to the affinity between metal centres of the MOF and the functional groups of malathion, leading to an accurate determination of malathion. The proposed sensor effectively quantified malathion in the wide concentration range of 1 × 10-12 M to 1 × 10-6 M. The limit of detection for malathion was 0.79 pM. The proposed sensor also possessed excellent stability, repeatability, and anti-interference characteristics. Furthermore, the proposed sensor demonstrated satisfactory malathion recovery in spiked vegetable samples.

A ratiometric fluorescence imprinted sensor based on N-CDs and metal-organic frameworks for visual smart detection of malathion

Sensitive and rapid detection of pesticide residues in food is essential for human safety. A ratiometric imprinted fluorescence sensor N-CDs@Eu-MOF@MIP (BR@MIP) was constructed to sensitively detect malathion (Mal). Europium-based metal organic frameworks (Eu-MOF) were used as supporters to improve the sensitivity of the BR@MIP. N-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were used as fluorescent source to produce fluorescent signal. A linear relationship between the concentration of Mal and the fluorescence response of the sensor was found in the Mal concentration range of 1-10 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 μM. Furthermore, the sensor was successfully applied for the detection of Mal in lettuce, tap water, and soil samples, with recoveries in the range of 93.0 % - 99.3 %. Additionally, smartphone-based sensors were used to detect Mal in simulated real samples. Thus, the construction of ratiometric imprinted fluorescence sensor has provided a good strategy for the detection of Mal.

Development of Copper Nanoclusters-Based Turn-Off Nanosensor for Fluorescence Detection of Two Pyrethroid Pesticides (Cypermethrin and Lambda-Cyhalothrin)

Fluorescent copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) were synthesized by using Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) plant extract as a biotemplate. Aqueous dispersion of W. somnifera-Cu NCs displays intense emission peak at 458 nm upon excitation at 350 nm. This fluorescence emission was utilized for the detection of two pyrethroid pesticides (cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin) via "turn-off" mechanism. Upon the addition of two pyrethiod pesticides independently, the fluorescence emission of W. somnifera-Cu NCs was gradually decreased with increasing concentrations of both pesticides. It was noticed that the decrease in emission intensity at 458 nm was linearly dependent on the logarithm of both pesticides concentrations in the ranges of 0.01-100 μM and of 0.05-100 μM for cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. Consequently, the limits of detection were found to be 27.06 and 23.28 nM for cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The as-fabricated W. somnifera-Cu NCs acted as a facile sensor for the analyses of cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin in vegetables (tomato and bottle gourd), which demonstrates that it could be used as portable sensing platform for assaying of two pyrethroid pesticides in food samples.

A graphene quantum dots-glassy carbon electrode-based electrochemical sensor for monitoring malathion

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were made via a hydrothermal process with glucose as a precursor undergoing carbonization. Different spectroscopic techniques were used to analyze the optical characteristics of GQDs, including UV-visible, photoluminescence, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the morphological and structural properties of GQDs. An electrochemical sensor was developed by drop casting GQDs on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The sensor detects the organophosphate pesticide malathion in a selective and sensitive manner. Using cyclic voltammetry, the sensor's oxidation-reduction behavior was investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was conducted to study the electrochemical properties of the modified the GQDs/GCE working electrode, which showed excellent charge transfer properties. We measured malathion in varying concentrations between 1 to 30 µM using differential pulse voltammetry, which resulted in a limit of detection of 0.62 nM. GQDs can thus be used to develop electrochemical sensors for the detection of pesticides in water.

Ameliorating SERS Sensitivity for Pesticide Malathion Detection with Synergistic Boosting Effect by Hydrogen Cations and Chloride Anions

Although SERS has been widely recognized as one of the highly sensitive analytical methods that can be deployed in the field with high sensitivity and short analysis time, reports regarding the fast determination of malathion at low concentrations are still scarce. Here, in this work, the solution pH and various halogen co-adsorbates were explored to promote the SERS signal of malathion using the citrate-reduced Ag NPs. It was found that chloride anions were the most efficient signal booster among the three halogen ions screened. Further examination of the SERS profile of the malathion in the presence of different halogen species found that the stretching mode of the P-S bond shifted to a lower frequency with Cl^-, which may imply closer (and stronger) binding of malathion to the Ag NPs. This concurs with literature reports that halogen ions could facilitate the adsorption of a certain analyte onto the SERS substrate. In addition, hydrogen ions showed a synergistic effect on SERS signal enhancement when combined with chloride anions. At optimum conditions, the malathion could be detected with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3 ppb. Malathion-spiked cherry tomatoes and oranges were analyzed, and the recovery rates were found to be within 85-100%.

A comprehensive review on electrochemical and optical aptasensors for organophosphorus pesticides

There has been a rise in pesticide use as a result of the growing industrialization of agriculture. Organophosphorus pesticides have been widely applied as agricultural and domestic pest control agents for nearly five decades, and they remain as health and environmental hazards in water supplies, vegetables, fruits, and processed foods causing serious foodborne illness. Thus, the rapid and reliable detection of these harmful organophosphorus toxins with excellent sensitivity and selectivity is of utmost importance. Aptasensors are biosensors based on aptamers, which exhibit exceptional recognition capability for a variety of targets. Aptasensors offer numerous advantages over conventional approaches, including increased sensitivity, selectivity, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. As a result, interest in developing aptasensors continues to expand. This paper discusses the historical and modern advancements of aptasensors through the use of nanotechnology to enhance the signal, resulting in high sensitivity and detection accuracy. More importantly, this review summarizes the principles and strategies underlying different organophosphorus aptasensors, including electrochemical, electrochemiluminescent, fluorescent, and colorimetric ones.

Gamma-Ray-Induced Structural Transformation of GQDs towards the Improvement of Their Optical Properties, Monitoring of Selected Toxic Compounds, and Photo-Induced Effects on Bacterial Strains

Structural modification of different carbon-based nanomaterials is often necessary to improve their morphology and optical properties, particularly the incorporation of N-atoms in graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Here, a clean, simple, one-step, and eco-friendly method for N-doping of GQDs using gamma irradiation is reported. GQDs were irradiated in the presence of the different ethylenediamine (EDA) amounts (1 g, 5 g, and 10 g) and the highest % of N was detected in the presence of 10 g. N-doped GQDs emitted strong, blue photoluminescence (PL). Photoluminescence quantum yield was increased from 1.45, as obtained for non-irradiated dots, to 7.24% for those irradiated in the presence of 1 g of EDA. Modified GQDs were investigated as a PL probe for the detection of insecticide Carbofuran (2,2-Dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-7-yl methylcarbamate) and herbicide Amitrole (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole). The limit of detection was 5.4 μmol L^-1 for Carbofuran. For the first time, Amitrole was detected by GQDs in a turn-off/turn-on mechanism using Pd(II) ions as a quenching agent. First, Pd(II) ions were quenched (turn-off) PL of GQDs, while after Amitrole addition, PL was recovered linearly with Amitrole concentration (turn-on). LOD was 2.03 μmol L^-1. These results suggest that modified GQDs can be used as an efficient new material for Carbofuran and Amitrole detection. Furthermore, the phototoxicity of dots was investigated on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. When bacterial cells were exposed to different GQD concentrations and illuminated with light of 470 nm wavelength, the toxic effects were not observed.

Application, advancement and green aspects of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers in pesticide residue detection

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have added a vital contribution to food quality and safety with the effective extraction of pesticide residues due to their unique properties. Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) are a superior approach to overcome stereotypical limitations due to their unique core-shell and novel composite structure, including high chemothermal stability, rapid extraction, and high selectivity. Over the past two decades, different MMIPs have been developed for pesticide extraction in actual food samples with a complex matrix. Nevertheless, such developments are desirable, yet the synthesis and mode of application of MMIP have great potential as a green chemistry approach that can significantly reduce environmental pollution and minimize resource utilization. In this review, the MMIP application for single or multipesticide detection has been summarized by critiquing each method's uniqueness and efficiency in real sample analysis and providing a possible green chemistry exploration procedure for MMIP synthesis and application for escalated food and environmental safety.

Appraisal for Edible Use of Vegetable Crops Cultivated in Egypt after Treatment with Selected Insecticides and Fungicides: Insights of Dissipation Rates and Pre-harvest Intervals

An analytical investigation was carried out to study the dissipation rate of two commonly used pesticides, thiamethoxam (neonicotinoid insecticide) and propamocarb hydrochloride (carbamate fungicide), applied to four vegetable crops: cucumber, zucchini, lettuce and pepper, after open-field application. Samples were harvested according to a scheduled plan followed by QuEChERS extraction, then thiamethoxam residues were analyzed using a GC-ECD method, while propamocarb HCl residues were analyzed using an HPLC-UV method. Validation parameters were attained for both methods and the kinetic profile was studied, which fitted the first-order kinetics where k, t_1/2 and t₉₀ were calculated. The proper pre-harvest interval (PHI) was studied for each crop to ensure that the residues levels declined to reach below the maximum residue limit (MRL) where the crop is suitable for consumption. These values were found to be different from labelled values, which proves that the PHIs are greatly affected by changing weather conditions.

Determination of malathion and its residues by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method

The quality of pesticide formulations has an impact on the crop safety, environment and human health. Therefore, the development of new analytical methods for the determination of active substances in pesticide formulations in order to control their quality, as well as, their residues in food samples in order to ensure food safety, is always welcome. A new, simple, precise and accurate normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) method for determination of an active ingredient malathion in the commercial emulsifiable concentrate pesticide product has been developed and validated. The analysis was carried out on a LiChrosorb CN (250 x 4 mm, 5 μm) analytical column using isocratic elution with mobile phase consisted of n-hexane and dichloromethane (80/20, v/v), flow rate of 1 mL/min, constant column temperature at 25 °C and ultraviolet diode-array detection at 220 nm. The obtained values for multiple correlation coefficients (R2 ≥ 0.9990), relative standard deviation of retention times, peak areas and heights (RSD ≤ 1.14%), recoveries ranged from 98.97 to 101.62%, revealed that the developed method has a satisfactory linearity, precision and accuracy. Also, the developed method was successfully applied for determination of malathion residues in apple juice samples, after preliminary sample preparation using solid-phase extraction. Specificity, selectivity, linearity, matrix effect, precision and accuracy were tested in order to validation of this method. The obtained results were in acceptable ranges and indicated that the developed method is suitable for routine determination of malathion in the pesticide formulation, as well as for determination of malathion residues in apple juice samples. The run time of HPLC analysis was about 6 min.

Management alternatives for Carmenta theobromae (Busck, 1910) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) and Simplicivalva ampliophilobia (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), limiting pests of guava in Colombia

The larval stages of Carmenta theobromae Busck (1910) and Simplicivalva ampliophilobia Davis, Gentili-Poole and Mitter (2008) attack the subcortical zone and pith in guava trees, respectively, in the first productive nucleus of fruit trees in Colombia: Hoya del Río Suárez (HRS). The presence of pest insects has been reported in 98% of the farms sampled in HRS (n = 124), with up to 96 and 11 simultaneous larvae per tree, respectively. Although the aspects of the basic biology and life cycle of both pests have been resolved, there are no strategies for managing populations in the field. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate different management alternatives under laboratory and field conditions in HRS. In laboratory conditions, a completely randomized design was used in two separate experiments, each with six treatments: T1: Spinosad (a mixture of Spinosad A and D); T2: S-1,2-di(ethoxycarbonyl) ethyl 0,0-dimethylphosphorodithioate (chemical control); T3: Lecanicillium lecanii; T4: Beauveria bassiana; T5: Mix of B. bassiana and B. brongniartii, and T6: distilled water (control). The number of dead larvae per replicate per treatment was evaluated (DL), with experimental units of five and three larvae, respectively. In the field, to the two best alternatives found for each pest in the laboratory, pruning and keeping the area around the plants free of weeds were added as cultural management, in two separate additional experiments, each with three larvae as experimental unit per treatment. For C. theobromae, the best laboratory alternatives were chemical control (DL: 3.78) and L. lecanii (DL: 2.33), followed without statistical differences by B. bassiana (DL: 1.67). In the field, the virulence of B. bassiana improved (DL: 3), and together with pruning and keeping the area around the plants clear of weeds (DL: 3), they stood out as the best alternatives. For S. ampliophilobia under laboratory conditions, the best alternatives were Spinosad (2.74) and chemical control (DL: 2.66), without significant difference. In the field, there were no statistical differences between the alternatives, except for the control. This statistical parity of cultural practices, and biological and chemical management is an argument in favor of the use of the former to the detriment of the third, especially when the harmful effects of the molecule S-1,2 di (ethoxycarbonyl) ethyl 0, 0-dimethyl phosphorodithioate have been proven in air, water and agricultural soils, in addition to its association with thyroid cancer in humans. This is a strong argument to favor the use of synergies of cultural and biological management methods framed in IPM, as opposed to the use of chemical agents whose harmful effects are strongly documented, and whose use is becoming increasingly prohibited.

Fluorescence and colorimetric dual-mode sensor for visual detection of malathion in cabbage based on carbon quantum dots and gold nanoparticles

A dual-mode fluorescence/colorimetric sensor based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was developed for visual detection of malathion in cabbage. The CQDs-GNPs nanocomposite exhibited emission wavelength at 527 nm and absorption wavelength at 524 nm. The fluorescence intensity increased and absorption decreased with addition of malathion. Fluorescence and colorimetric calibration curves were established based on fluorescence intensity (R² = 0.9914) and absorbance (R² = 0.9608) in the range of 1 × 10^-9-1 × 10^-2 M, respectively. Furthermore, fluorescence and colorimetric standard arrays were prepared for visual detection of malathion according to the change of fluorescence brightness and color. Finally, the approximate concentrations of malathion in cabbage samples were estimated by the standard arrays and naked eyes. The calibration curves were used for accurate detection in cabbage samples with recoveries of 89.9%-103.4% (fluorescence) and 88.7%-107.6% (colorimetric). The established sensor for visual malathion detection in cabbage was accurate with strong application potential, especially for rapid screening.

Factors controlling the fate of pyrethroids residues during post-harvest processing of raw agricultural crops: An overview

Control of residual levels of synthetic pyrethroids in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as in foodstuff made of fresh agricultural produces is of utmost importance. Apart from the need to more control on application of pesticides by farmers, simple and effective postharvest practices by consumers and/or manufacturers usually applied to produces before consumption may enhance food safety from potentially harmful pesticide residues. The present review discusses the underline factors that control the effectiveness of crops postharvest treatments and the possible mechanisms of loss of pesticides during food processing. It is shown that the effectiveness of postharvest processes is controlled by various factors and that understanding such factors is essential for more control of residual pesticides. Though postharvest processes may lead to substantial reduction of residual pesticides, metabolites of broken pesticides are of great concern.

Development of Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction method combined with UV spectrophotometry for the Determination of Malathion Pesticide

A simple and novel method was developed by combination of dispersive liquid-liquid microex-traction with UV spectrophotometry for the preconcentartion and determination of trace amount of malathion. The presented method is based on using a small volume of ethylenechloride as the extraction solvent was dissolved in ethanol as the dispersive solvent, then the binary solution was rapidly injected by a syringe into the water sample containing malathion. The important parame-ters, such the type and volume of extraction solvent and disperser solvent, the effect of extraction time and rate, the effect of salt addition and reaction conditions were studied. At the optimum conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 2-100 ng mL-1 of malathion with a limit of detection of 0.8 ng L-1. In addition, the enrichment factor was 30. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of malathion pesticide in water samples

Tuning of gold nanoclusters sensing applications with bovine serum albumin and bromelain for detection of Hg2+ ion and lambda-cyhalothrin via fluorescence turn-off and on mechanisms

Herein, fluorescent gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were obtained by one-pot synthetic method using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and bromelain as templates. As-synthesized fluorescent Au NCs were stable and showed bright red fluorescence under UV lamp at 365 nm. The fluorescent Au NCs exhibit the emission intensity at 648 nm when excited at 498 nm. Various techniques were used such as spectroscopy (UV-visible, fluorescence, and Fourier-transform infrared), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering for the characterization of fluorescent Au NCs. The values of I₀/I at 648 nm are proportional to the concentrations of Hg²⁺ ion in the range from 0.00075 to 5.0 μM and of lambda-cyhalothrin in the range from 0.01 to 10 μM with detection limits of 0.0003 and 0.0075 μM for Hg²⁺ ion and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The practical application of the probe was successfully demonstrated by analyzing Hg²⁺ ion and lambda-cyhalothrin in water samples. In addition, Au NCs used as probes for imaging of Simplicillium fungal cells. These results indicated that the as-synthesized Au NCs have proven to be promising fluorescent material for the sensing of Hg²⁺ ion and lambda-cyhalothrin in environmental and for imaging of microorganism cells in biomedical applications.

The in vitro effect of Lambda-cyhalothrin on quality and antioxidant responses of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss spermatozoa

There is little information in the scientific literature about effect of in vitro exposure of fish spermatozoa to pesticides. In vitro effect of Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) on sperm quality and oxidative stress has not been fully explored yet. The effects of LCT, which is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, on quality and oxidative stress of spermatozoa were investigated in vitro due to extensively use to control a wide range of insect pests in agriculture, public health, and homes and gardens. To explore the potential in vitro toxicity of LCT, fish spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations of LCT (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 μg/L) for 2h. Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in spermatozoa were analyzed for determination of oxidant and antioxidant balance. Our results indicated that the percentage and duration of sperm motility significantly decreased with exposure to LCT. Activity of GSH-Px and MDA (P<0.05) and GSH levels (P<0.05) increased in a concentration-dependent manner while CAT activity decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the oxidant and antioxidant status and sperm quality were affected by increasing concentrations of LCT.

Preparation of malathion MIP-SPE and its application in environmental analysis

Malathion is an organophosphorous insecticide for controlling insects on fruits and vegetables, miscellaneous household insects, and animal parasites. It is important to develop highly efficient and selective pre-treatment method for analyzing malathion residues in environment and samples from agricultural products based on the molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). In this study, we developed a tailor-made MIP method with highly specific recognization to the template. The MIPs were prepared using malathion as a template, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker, azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator, and the acetonitrile-chloroform (1:1, v/v) as a porogen. The molecular recognization mechanism of malathion and MAA was evaluated by molecular simulation, ultraviolet spectrometry (UV), and (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR). MAA interacted specifically with malathion by hydrogen bond with a ratio of 2:1. The MIPs exhibit a high affinity, recognition specificity, and efficient adsorption performance for malathion. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), surface area and porosimeter analyzer, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyzer (TG/DTA) were used to characterize the properties of MIP. The malathion residues in soil, tap water, and cabbage were cleaned up by MIP-SPE, detected quantitatively using GC-FPD, and confirmed by GC-MS/MS. The limits of tap water, soil, and cabbage were confined to 0.001 mg L(-1), 0.004 and 0.004 mg kg(-1), respectively. The spiked recoveries of malathion were 96.06-111.49% (with RSD being 5.7-9.2%), 98.13-103.83% (RSD, 3.5-8.7%), and 84.94-93.69% (RSD, 4.7-5.8%) for tap water, soil, and cabbage samples, respectively. Thus, the method developed here can be used effectively in assessing malathion residues in multiple environmental samples. The aim of the study was to provide an efficient, selective, and accurate method for analyzing malathion at trace levels in multiple media.