Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Based Potentiometric Sensor for the Selective and Sensitive Detection of Nerve Agent Simulant Parathion

Abstract

In this study, a potentiometric sensor was developed for the analysis of the parahtion which is a nerve agent simulant and pesticide. A molecularly imprinted polymer was used as the recognition layer in the electrode used in the potentiometric sensor. Parathion is also used as both an organophosphorus pesticide and a nerve agent simulant. For this reason, analysis methods to be developed for parathion are very important. The most important advantages brought by MIP-based sensor systems are; fast analysis, sensitive analysis, and the ability to analyze at very low concentrations. The sensor developed in our study was validated for parathion adsorption. In our study, first, Parathion imprinted polymers were synthesized. The synthesized MIPs are used as the recognition layer in the potentiometric sensor. The characterization of parathion imprinted polymers was done by FESEM, FT-IR, and zeta-sizer measurements. Optimization of the working conditions was carried out for the developed sensor system. The working pH was found to be 7.4.Measurements were taken for parathion samples with different concentrations under optimum operating conditions. When the results obtained were examined, a large linear range (10-8-10-4 mol L-1) and a satisfying detection limit against parathion (1.86 × 10-8 mol L-1) were calculated. Interference effect analysis was carried out within the scope of the performance tests of the potentiometric sensor. The analysis showed that interference did not affect the experimental results. In order to examine the matrix effect of the real sample environment, analyses were carried out in tap water and lake water. The recovery values in the analysis results are quite good. The results of the experiments show that the sensor we have developed can be used successfully in complex matrix environments.