Philippine Journal of Science
152 (3): 1245–1252, June 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 23 Sep 2022

Color Test Kit for Detecting Organophosphate
and Carbamate Pesticides by Using Esterase
Extract from Honey Bees

Udomsap Jaitham1, Sumed Yadoung1, Anurak Wongta1, Bajaree Chuttong2,
Khanchai Danmek3, and Surat Hongsibsong1*

1School of Health Sciences Research,
Research Institute for Health Sciences,
Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
2Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology
and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture,
Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
3School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000 Thailand

*Corresponding author: surat.hongsibsong@cmu.ac.th

[Download]
Jaitham U et al. 2023. Color Test Kit for Detecting Organophosphate and Carbamate
Pesticides by Using Esterase Extract from Honey Bees. Philipp J Sci 152(3): 1245–1252.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.03.39

 

ABSTRACT

Organophosphates (OPs) and carbamates (CMs) are two classes of pesticides that are widely used in agriculture, public health, and home pest control. Both OPs and CMs work by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Analytical methods used for the detection of OPs and CMs can be costly, as they often require specialized equipment and experienced analysts. Therefore, it is necessary to develop low-cost, quick, and simple analytical techniques for OPs and CMs detection. This study developed a method for detecting OPs and CMs using esterase enzymes from honey bee heads and a colorimetric technique. The limits of detection (LODs) for OPs include dicrovos, mevinphos, azinophos-methyl, and chlorpyrifos with values of 0.005, 0.001, 0.02, and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively, and the LODs for CMs are carbaryl, ethiofencarb, oxamyl, and fenobucarb with values of 0.0008, 0.03, 0.01, and 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. Comparisons between the developed method and the GC-FPD showed no difference in detecting OPs and CMs residues in fruits and vegetables. This developed method can detect OPs and CMs residues in fruits and vegetables, which will help reduce costs and facilitate easy verification.