Direct-detection of glyphosate in drinking water via a scalable and low-cost laser-induced graphene sensor

The use of pesticides has significantly increased and proliferated following the technological advancements established by the green revolution, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity. The extensive use of man-made chemicals as fertilizer and pesticides has consequently led to large-scale application, which has led to a number of environmental and human health problems. This study has helped to develop a laser-induced graphene (LIG) sensor for the detection of the most widely used herbicide in the world, glyphosate. The electrochemical sensor developed is based on a three-dimensional porous and fibrous structure with nanosheets, making it suitable for scalable manufacture. The study was conducted utilising a linear voltammetry technique and demonstrates the potential to identify glyphosate with good sensitivity. The sensor exhibited detection and quantification limits of 2.7 μmol L^-1 and 9.0 μmol L^-1, respectively, and showed good selectivity without significant interference from other elements. The sensor presents advantages suitable for scalable production, with case studies in screening of glyphosate-contaminated samples.