BARC has developed a prototype of handheld colorimetric biosensor that detects methyl parathion pesticide in the range of 1 – 10ppm. This biosensor consists of a bio-component disc and handheld colorimetric device. The bio-component disc specifically hydrolyses the methyl parathion into detectable product which is measured by a handheld colorimeter in the range of 1 – 10ppm (parts per million). The total response time of biosensor is 10 – 20 min.
Methyl parathion is an organophosphate (OP) pesticide, which is being used as insecticide in agriculture to protect the crops from insects. In India, the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) recommends methyl parathion as restricted pesticides in two different concentrations either in 2% DP (decimal places) or 50% EC (EC is basically the concentration required to obtain a 50% effect) for controlling the insect pests in the field of cotton, paddy, wheat, pulses such as green gram and black gram and oilseeds such as ground nut and mustard crops. As per statistical reports by Directorate of PPQS (Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage), consumption of methyl parathion in India was 8408 MT (metric tons) during 2005 – 2010 and indigenous demand of production was 4691 MT during 2010 – 2016.
Methyl parathion causes inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase which leads to excess accumulation of acetylcholine and causes overstimulation of muscle and nerve fibres, uncontrollable twitching, convulsions, difficulty in breathing or death. Thus, it has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) under ‘Category IA’ (extremely toxic) and by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) under ‘Toxicity Category I′ (most toxic) insecticide. There is an urgent need to develop a method that is rapid, selective, reliable and economically feasible for onsite monitoring of samples.
The biosensor BARC has developed is specifically detects methyl parathion pesticide in sample in 10 – 20 min while traditional analytical techniques are not specific and required 3-5 days. The instrument can work both on Power adaptor and on Battery. To power on the instrument, use adaptor provided with the instrument. Insert the adaptor pin in to the adaptor socket on right side of the instrument. Switch on the supply and LED will glow on keypad. LED indicates that the instrument is on as well as battery is charging. The Methyl parathion biosensor can be used for onsite detection of methyl parathion pesticides in the field condition.
For further details contact: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Trombay, Mumbai – 400 085 India , Telephone: +91-22-25505050 / 25592000, Email: webmaster@barc.gov.in
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