Grantee Research Project Results
Biosensor for Field Monitoring of Pesticides in Water
EPA Contract Number: EPD06077Title: Biosensor for Field Monitoring of Pesticides in Water
Investigators: Carter, Michael T.
Small Business: Eltron Research & Development Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: May 1, 2006 through April 30, 2008
Project Amount: $225,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (2006) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Waste , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
This Phase II research project will develop a field-portable, amperometric biosensor for monitoring organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate insecticides in water. The miniaturized biosensor will use a modified, screen-printed microelectrode with high sensitivity and low limit of detection for OP and carbamate pesticides. This biosensor will be selective for OPs and carbamates. The enzyme used to generate the amperometrically detectable species is selectively inhibited by these insecticides, but not by other common classes of agricultural chemicals, such as triazine herbicides. The device uses a single-use, disposable monitoring chip, because some of the active pesticides (e.g., the OPs) irreversibly inhibit enzyme activity. Carbamate inhibition is more reversible, but the device, in this case, was evaluated for a single use mode.
During Phase I, Eltron Research, Inc., demonstrated effective enzyme inhibition by two representative pesticides, aldicarb (carbamate) and methyl parathion, which is an OP insecticide. Aldicarb was detected with a detection limit of 11 ppb, while methyl parathion’s detection limit was 18 ppb. This performance is compatible with existing maximum contaminant limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Biosensors that can be taken into the field will enable cost efficient environmental monitoring of water supplies. Pesticide contamination could represent a growing and currently underregulated threat because these toxic chemicals are used extensively in agriculture. Potential pollution sources include rainwater runoff of mobile pesticides and spray drift during aerial applications.
The proposed sensor will offer a cost-reduction strategy for pesticide screening. Prior field screening of samples could contain costs associated with laboratory testing by providing a means to screen out negative, or pesticide-free, samples.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, EPA, amperometric biosensor, organophosphorus insecticide, carbamate insecticide, sensor electrode, environmental monitoring, contaminated water sites, chemical air emissions, ecosystems, toxics, biosensors, environmental engineering, environmental monitoring, field monitoring, herbicides, insecticides, neurotoxic, organophosphate pesticides,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, ECOSYSTEMS, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, PESTICIDES, Environmental Chemistry, Monitoring/Modeling, Agroecosystems, Environmental Monitoring, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Pesticide Types, Environmental Engineering, neurotoxic, amperometric, field monitoring, insecticides, biosensing system, agriculture, organophosphorus hydrolase, biosensors, herbicides, biosensor, biocatalytic actionsProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase I:
Biosensor for Field Monitoring of Pesticides in WaterThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.