Immunoassays for Pesticide Detection
Date
Authors
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Altmetrics
Authors
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
The Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management Conference is Iowa's premier crop production education event. No other program in Iowa brings together the diverse range of topics, slate of expert presenters and results of the latest University research.
The ICM Conference offers workshops focusing on the latest in crop production technology. Experts from Iowa and surrounding states will provide research updates and results in soil fertility, soil and water management, crop production and pest management.
Department
Abstract
The occurrence of herbicides and other agricultural chemicals in groundwater continues to be a major concern in Iowa and across the country. Analytical capabilities have improved dramatically in the past twenty years, resulting in the ability to detect ever smaller quantities of chemicals (the vanishing zero). Detection of pesticides has been based primarily on conventional technology, such as gas or high-performance-liquid chromatographic methods. Although these methods are highly sensitive, they are also very expensive and time consuming. Immunoassay tests are alternative analytical methods that are also highly sensitive, but can be used by persons with little or no scientific background. The price of these tests also is within the range of most dealers and growers, approximately $150 for a kit that will analyze 10 to 15 samples. This paper will describe how immunoassays function and the potential areas where they might be used in agriculture.