Biosensor for Field Monitoring of Pesticides in Water

This SBIR proposal describes development of a protable, low-power amperometric biosensor to detect ogranophosphorus and carbamate insecticides in water. A renewable, robust biosensor is proposed and will be designed to specifically detect insecticides based on an immobilized enzyme of a sensor electrode. This method will allow analysis of insecticides in water without significant dilluton or reduction in hte sensitivity of the detected species. The miniaturized biosensor will use modified, screen-printed microelectrodes which will enhance the sensitivity and limit of detection of the device. The proposed sensor will be applicable to real time, on-site monitoring of insecticide concentrations in fresh water and will offer a cost effective solution to scerrning potentially contaminated water sites. Biosensors will facilitate environmental monitoring of water supplies. Water supplies need to be monitored for pesticide pollution since these toxic compound are used extensively in agricultural crop production. Potential pollution output includes runoff and leaching of unused or misapplied pesticides and chemical air emissions from spray drift. Pesticide use in urban areas of the U.S. has undergon major changes over the last severfal decades. The growth of suburban areas, the rise of the lawn care industry, and the development of new herbicides and insecticides have increased the use of pesticides. The professional application industry include use for lawn care, tree care, and treatment of structures.