Enhanced selective detection of insecticide Profenofos with aid of a novel CeO2 NPs/rGO nanocomposite using bacterial derived bioflocculant polymer as reducing agent

Abstract

Agricultural harvests with increased pesticide use are important in the development health toxins. In this study, we used an in-situ method to prepare a novel (CeO2 NPs/rGO) bionanocomposite from bioflocculant polymer reducing agent, which we then used to detect toxic organophosphorus insecticide - Profenofos (PFS). CeO2 NPs (Ce3+/Ce4+) strongly bind with rGO via π-π * electrostatic interaction, resulting in a synergistic effect that enhance the electroconductivity via electron transfer to the interlayers and can be used as an efficient electrocatalyst. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the media composition for the production of bioflocculant polymer from Bacillus sp. and the media composition for the production of bioflocculant polymer. Various spectroscopic, microscopic techniques were used examine the structure, shape and functional properties of the bionanocomposite. This work provides an effective sustainable approach with a LOD of 0.004 μM, a wide response range 0.01–170 μM, superior selectivity and sensitivity of 2.63 μAμM–1cm–2. Furthermore, the proposed sensor has outstanding reproducibility and stability. The electrocatalytic demonstration of CeO2 NPs/rGO nanocomposite specifies its practical application in real-time analysis of a wide range of pesticides.