Electroanalytical Overview: the Measurement of Diuron.

Abstract

Diuron, a widely used herbicide, has been banned or heavily restricted in several countries due to its environmental persistence and toxicity to aquatic ecosystems. Its chemical stability allows it to remain in soil and water for extended periods, leading to long-term contamination and potential leaching into groundwater. This is particularly concerning because diuron has been classified as a possible human carcinogen and exposure through contaminated water, food, or occupational contact raises significant safety concerns. Laboratory-based instruments provide a robust methodology for the measurement of diuron, but there is an opportunity for electroanalytical based devices to provide an in-the-field approach that is comparable and, in some cases, can provide enhanced sensitivity. The low-cost and portable nature of electrochemical instruments allows one-site analysis, removing sample transportation and storage costs, and reducing the overall measurement time. In this perspective, we summarize recent advances in the measurement of diuron using electroanalytical methods, providing insights into the measurement of diuron using various sensing materials and electrochemical platforms. A wide range of electrode materials, such as carbon-based nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, and molecularly imprinted polymers, have been explored to enhance sensitivity and selectivity in the measurement of diuron, and furthermore, we consider the use electrochemiluminescence and additive manufacturing. This overview highlights the role of material properties, electrode surface modification strategies, and signal amplification to enhance the electroanalytical detection of diuron, offering insights into current advancements and future directions in electrochemical sensing for environmental monitoring.