A Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Device for Type-II Pyrethroid Targets in an Environmental Water Sample

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Pesticide contamination in water poses environmental risks.
• Accurate and accessible detection methods for pesticides are crucial.
• Type-II pyrethroids are widely used insecticides with potential ecological impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective and portable detection method for type-II pyrethroids in environmental water samples.
• To utilize a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) for pesticide analysis.
• To establish a colorimetric approach for detecting cyanide, a hydrolysis product of type-II pyrethroids.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a layer-based µPAD using Parafilm and laminating pouches for hydrophobic barriers.
• Hydrolysis of type-II pyrethroids to generate cyanide.
• Colorimetric detection of cyanide on the µPAD for semiquantitative analysis.

Main Results:

• The developed µPAD selectively detected type-II pyrethroids in environmental water samples.
• Calibration curves for cypermethrin, deltamethrin, cyhalothrin, and fenvalerate ranged from 2 to 40 µg/mL without preconcentration.
• The method demonstrated potential for assessing lower concentrations with a preconcentration step.

Conclusions:

• The µPAD offers a viable alternative for rapid, portable, and low-cost testing of pesticide contamination.
• This approach minimizes reagent and sample consumption.
• The system facilitates semiquantitative analysis of type-II pyrethroids in surface water.