Current Progress on Nanomaterials for Direct Optical Sensing of Organophosphorus Pesticides

Detection of emerging environmental contaminants using nanomaterials without the aid of biological recognition elements would improve both sensitivity and stability of optical sensing by orders of magnitude, even for detecting ultra-low concentration levels. Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) are an essential class of pesticides that ensures the demanding global crop production; however, they are a top emerging contaminant that causes massive health and ecological impacts to society and the environment. Many analytical techniques have been developed to detect these OPPs with the concern of environmental monitoring of these pollutants to mitigate future potential threats. In this book chapter, various optical sensing techniques are focused on, and nanomaterials are highlighted as rapid, facile, stable, highly sensitive, and selective materials without biological recognition materials for the detection of OPPs. The different types of nanomaterials and optical sensing strategies are further discussed by explaining the insights of mechanisms that provide the diverse range of limits of detection and sensitivity based on OPPs types. In conclusion, this chapter offers powerful insights into nanomaterials as direct probes for optical sensing strategies for the future progress of optical sensors in detecting OPPs in the environment.