Electrochemical Detection of Fenthion for Forensic Analysis
Electrochemical Detection of Fenthion for Forensic Analysis
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Date
2023-12
Authors
Robbins, Sydney
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University
Abstract
Fenthion is an insecticide that has been widely used to protect crops against pests,
however its toxicity has led to environmental and health concerns. Because of the harms
fenthion presents, the ability to rapidly and accurately assay this pesticide is essential for
forensic investigations of suicides, environmental violations, and poisonings.
Electroanalytical techniques have been shown to be advantageous in detecting pesticides.
Cyclic voltammetry is an electrochemical technique used to determine the reduction and
oxidation of analytes in order to identify unknown compounds. The efficiency of cyclic
voltammetry to detect trace amounts of fenthion is reportedly increased with the use of
nanoparticles to modify the electrode used. The electrocatalytic capabilities of various
nanomaterials drop-casted onto glassy carbon electrodes for fenthion detection will be
presented to provide a non-destructive, cost efficient, time sensitive, and reliable method
of fenthion detection that can be applied to forensic investigation, environmental
protection, and public health efforts.