EU Funding Helps Improve The Detection of Pesticides in the EnvironmentApril 29, 2005The production of more advanced sensors to improve the detection of pesticides in water and other environmental samples has been helped by a grant of almost 1.23 million euro from the EU's Framework Programme. With seven partners from four EU member states, the SAFEGUARD project was designed to systematically evaluate specifically tailored enzymes as the basis for the production of sensors that are able to detect significantly lower levels of pesticides than has previously been possible. "This project permits detection limits of pesticides such as Paraxon for environmental protection applications down to concentrations (of 1x10-17M) that until now were unobtainable", says Professor Seamus Higson of Cranfield University. "The enzymes will be produced by molecular biology techniques to be selectively responsive and sensitive to the presence of pesticides. They will be the basis for the production of established sensors, able to rapidly and routinely quantify pesticides in water and other environmental samples at concentrations below recommended acceptance levels. "This work will provide a new tool for environmental protection purposes for use both in the field as well as laboratory based determinations" The sensors will be fabricated by advanced interfacial techniques and will allow software control, data processing, chemometric analysis and routine monitoring capabilities. "SAFEGUARD is an excellent example of how Framework Funding is being used to help protect and improve the lives of future generations", says Catherine Holt, FP6UK's National Contact Point for Global Change and Ecosystems. "Pesticides are a part of our every day lives but it is only right that we invest research and development funding into projects like this to continually improve our ability to monitor levels in the environment. "The current Framework Programme (FP6) runs until 2006 and organisations wanting free information on how to access some of the 19 billion euro available should log on to http://fp6uk.ost.gov.uk or call central telephone support on 0870 600 6080." Glasgows |
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| Related Pesticide Current Events and Pesticide News Articles An inexpensive 'dipstick' test for pesticides in foods Scientists in Canada are reporting the development of a fast, inexpensive "dipstick" test to identify small amounts of pesticides that may exist in foods and beverages. Pesticides exposure linked to suicidal thoughts A new study in China has found that people with higher levels of pesticide exposure are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues Scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. The study is in the current issue of ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication. Study shows more corn for biofuels would hurt water More of the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow corn would find their way into nearby water sources if ethanol demands lead to planting more acres in corn, according to a Purdue University study. New computing tool could lead to better crops and pesticides say researchers A new computing tool that could help scientists predict how plants will react to different environmental conditions in order to create better crops, such as tastier and longer lasting tomatoes, is being developed by researchers. Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues Scientists in China are reporting the "intriguing" discovery that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. Organic weed control for dandelions Spring and summer often find homeowners out in their yards, busily attempting to control the onslaught of dandelions in a quest for green, weed-free lawns. Environmental effects of cold-climate strawberry farming Strawberries are America's fifth-favorite fruit, according to consumption rates. California and Florida grow more than 95% of the nation's strawberries; an additional 12,000 acres are planted in other states. Pesticides -- easier detection of pollution and impact in rivers The long-term effects of pesticides on living organisms in rivers and on water quality can now be assessed more easily. Pitt research suggests EPA pesticide exposure test too short, overlooks long term effects The four-day testing period the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commonly uses to determine safe levels of pesticide exposure for humans and animals could fail to account for the toxins' long-term effects, University of Pittsburgh researchers report in the September edition of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. More Pesticide Current Events and Pesticide News Articles |
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