Recent Progress in Electrochemical Sensors for Organophosphorus Pesticide Monitoring in Food and Environmental Samples: A Review

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPP), such as malathion (MTN), methyl parathion (MP), and chlorpyrifos (CHL), are widely used in agriculture to control pests and increase crop yields. However, their persistent residues in vegetables, fruits, and drinking water pose significant threats to human health, including neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Therefore, the development of efficient detection methods with high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response is of great importance. Among various analytical approaches, electrochemical methods have attracted considerable attention due to their simplicity, low cost, potential for miniaturization, and suitability for field applications. This review presents an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for the detection of common OPP. Various approaches to the surface modification of working electrodes are described, including the use of nanomaterials, polymers, and metal-organic frameworks. The mechanisms of electrochemical oxidation and reduction of pesticides, as well as key analytical parameters of sensors – such as detection limit, linear range, sensitivity, and selectivity – are analyzed. Current problems, including interference from coexisting compounds and long-term sensor stability, are also discussed. In addition, future research directions are outlined, such as integration with portable devices and applications in real-world samples. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of current trends and challenges in the development of advanced electrochemical sensors for OPP monitoring.