Transforming environmental analysis with Raman and SERS spectroscopy: rapid on-site monitoring of agricultural and industrial pollutants

Environmental monitoring of chemical pollutants is essential for protecting ecosystem health and public safety. Among various contaminants, fertilizer runoffs and plant protection products pose significant risks due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment. Traditional analytical methods, while accurate, often require complex sample preparation, expensive laboratory-based instrumentation, and trained personnel. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with handheld Raman devices for in situ detection and quantification of trace-level pollutants in environmental samples. By employing Orbital Raster Scanning and paper-based SERS substrates this study addresses key challenges in SERS analysis, including signal variability from hotspots and reproducibility. Methyl mercaptan was successfully quantified to a concentration of 0.05 ppm. Distinct SERS profiles were obtained for arsenate, benomyl, malathion, phosalone, phosmet, triadimefon, paraquat, and thiram, enabling their detection at low ppm levels. These findings highlight the sensitivity and reliability of SERS measurements and the convenience of handheld Raman instrumentation, establishing it as a transformative tool for rapid, non-destructive environmental monitoring.