Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Portable Device Detects Toxic Pesticides in Water and Food
Scientists from IIT Madras and Panjab University created a small, easy-to-use device that quickly finds a harmful pesticide called Malathion in water and food.
This helps keep people and the environment safe by letting farmers and safety agencies check for too much pesticide in their products and water.
Researchers develop a portable device to detect pesticide residues
The device is designed to be user-friendly and offer real-time, ultra-sensitive detection
It uses gold nanoparticles and an aptamer molecule to recognize Malathion pesticide
The device has a detection limit of about 250 picomolar and correlates with lab results
It can help monitor pesticide contamination in water, produce, and soil
- Who
- Researchers from IIT Madras and Panjab University
- What
- Developed a portable device to detect pesticide residues
- When
- The research was published in the journal Review of Scientific Instruments
- Where
- In water, food, and the environment
- Why
- To ensure safety standards and reduce public health risks
Pro-Device
Cautious
Real-time detection
Pro-Device
The device enables quick, on-site monitoring of pesticide contamination.
Cautious
More real-world testing is needed to ensure its reliability in diverse conditions.
- Pesticide
- Malathion
- Detection Limit
- About 250 picomolar
- Device Type
- Colorimetric detection system using gold nanoparticles
- Funding
- Department of Science and Technology's 'Technology Development and Transfer' Programme
- Next Steps
- Validation with real-world samples and extension to detect other pesticides