Electrochemical Monitoring of Isoproturon from Biochar Derived Controlled Released Formulations

In this work, controlled release formulations (CRF) were developed to gradually release isoproturon (IPU) herbicide (HB) into soil over a prolonged period. This technology has emerged as a promising solution to address concerns associated with conventional agrochemical use. For this purpose, CRF was derived from biochar (BC), called IPU (IBC) and IPU/bentonite/polyvinyl alcohol (IBPBC). Scanning electron microscopy studies showed a multi-phase surface morphology of IBC and IBPBC due to the uniform dispersion of IPU and other components within the BC matrix. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated successful formation of IBC and IBPBC by binding IPU with the BC matrix. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the desired 2θ° values in the microstructures of BC, bentonite (BT), IPU, IBC, and IBPBC. The time-dependent release behavior of IPU from the IBC- and IBPBC-based CRF was investigated using square wave voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry. Both IBC and IBPBC showed controlled release of IPU with a good limit of detections over glassy carbon electrodes. IBC released 0.170% of IPU over 100 min, and IBPBC released 0.073% of IPU over 120 min. These results indicate that both IBC and IBPBC effectively release IPU in a controlled manner, providing gradual and sustained release within the specified time frames.