Carbendazim trace analysis in different samples by using nanostructured modified carbon paste electrode as...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Carbendazim (CBZ) is a widely used fungicide in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and forestry.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for monitoring CBZ levels in various matrices.
• Existing detection methods may lack selectivity or require complex sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel electrochemical sensor for the sensitive and selective detection of carbendazim (CBZ).
• To utilize molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) combined with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as modifiers for a carbon paste electrode.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance in detecting CBZ in diverse samples like water, fruit, agricultural wastewater, and urine.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of molecularly imprinted nano-size polymer.
• Modification of carbon paste electrode with MIP and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
• Electrochemical detection of carbendazim using square-wave voltammetry.
• Investigation of interferences from common ions and pesticides.

Main Results:

• The MIP-MWCNT modified electrode exhibited significantly enhanced peak current and electrocatalytic activity for CBZ detection.
• The sensor demonstrated a wide linear range from 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 5 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹.
• A low detection limit of 0.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹ and a relative standard deviation of 2.07% were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed sensor offers high selectivity and sensitivity for carbendazim determination.
• The MIP-MWCNT modified carbon paste electrode provides a simple, rapid, and effective platform for CBZ analysis.
• This sensor is a promising tool for monitoring carbendazim in complex real-world samples.