Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Detection of Atrazine in Water Samples Using Chitosan-Stabilized Palladium Nanoparticles

Atrazine, a slow-degrading herbicide needs constant monitoring and control as it causes carcinogenicity and reproductive abnormalities. This study presents a new electrochemical sensor designed to detect atrazine in water with high precision. The sensor uses a special technique called molecular imprinting along with chitosan-stabilized palladium nanoparticles on a glassy carbon electrode. The PdNPs enhance the electroactive surface area and thus the number of interaction sites for the analyte. Different material characterization techniques were used to characterize the formulated PdNPs. Molecularly imprinted nanomaterials were used to provide the selectivity among other interferents of atrazine. Differential pulse Voltammetry was used to detect atrazine with a limit of detection of 10.115 fM and a wide linear dynamic range of 33.72 fM to 3.1 nM. The sensor was efficiently tested in different polluted water samples without interference from structural analogs. This sensor offers a reliable tool for monitoring water quality and protecting human health by ensuring atrazine levels are safely controlled.