Color Test Kit for Detecting Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticides by Using Esterase Extract from Honey Bees

Abstract

Organophosphates (OPs) and carbamates (CMs) are two classes of pesticides that are widely used in agriculture, public health, and home pest control. Both OPs and CMs work by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Analytical methods used for the detection of OPs and CMs can be costly, as they often require specialized equipment and experienced analysts. Therefore, it is necessary to develop low-cost, quick, and simple analytical techniques for OPs and CMs detection. This study developed a method for detecting OPs and CMs using esterase enzymes from honey bee heads and a colorimetric technique. The limits of detection (LODs) for OPs include dicrovos, mevinphos, azinophos-methyl, and chlorpyrifos with values of 0.005, 0.001, 0.02, and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively, and the LODs for CMs are carbaryl, ethiofencarb, oxamyl, and fenobucarb with values of 0.0008, 0.03, 0.01, and 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. Comparisons between the developed method and the GC-FPD showed no difference in detecting OPs and CMs residues in fruits and vegetables. This developed method can detect OPs and CMs residues in fruits and vegetables, which will help reduce costs and facilitate easy verification.