Analysis of Pesticides in the Field using a Handheld Raman Analyzer with SORS

Significance of the Topic

In modern agriculture, the ability to rapidly and accurately identify pesticides on-site is crucial to ensure safe application, regulatory compliance and to prevent distribution of illegal or adulterated agrochemicals. Handheld Raman spectrometers utilizing Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) allow non-destructive, through-barrier analysis, enabling agronomists and customs authorities to verify materials in real time without sample preparation.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application study evaluated the performance of the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman analyzer equipped with SORS for field identification of pesticides in two scenarios:

1. Pre-application verification of commercial pesticide formulations in rural environments.
2. Customs inspection of agrochemical shipments to detect banned, counterfeit or misdeclared products.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study utilized the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman analyzer with the Toxic and Hazardous on-board spectral library and custom user libraries created via Agilent Command Fleet Management Software. Key features:

• SORS optics enabling detection through colored/opaque plastics, paper, fabric and dark glass.
• Battery-powered, portable operation for in-field deployment.
• Custom library creation on-device or via PC software to target locally used pesticide formulations.

Results and Discussion

In the field operation, nine common pesticides (three insecticides, four herbicides and two fungicides) were scanned in native containers and glass vials. All samples were correctly identified within two minutes, demonstrating high-quality spectral matches, including through opaque barriers.
During customs inspections, the SORS capability successfully confirmed the identity of diflufenican and diflubenzuron concealed in paper sacks, yielding match scores of 97%.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Elimination of sample preparation and consumables reduces operational costs and time.
• Rapid, on-site confirmation supports safe pesticide application and regulatory enforcement.
• Custom library flexibility ensures applicability to region-specific agrochemicals.
• Portability allows deployment in remote agricultural areas and border checkpoints.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in miniaturized Raman instrumentation, expanded spectral libraries and automated chemometric algorithms will further enhance real-time pesticide monitoring. Integration with cloud-based data sharing can support supply chain traceability. Additionally, coupling SORS with complementary techniques (e.g., near-infrared) may broaden detection capabilities for complex formulations and degradation products.

Conclusion

The Agilent Resolve handheld Raman analyzer with SORS provides a robust, fast and non-destructive solution for field and customs identification of pesticides. Its through-barrier analysis, custom library support and high match accuracy make it a valuable tool for ensuring agrochemical safety and regulatory compliance.

References

1. Tostado, L. Pesticides and Agriculture: Dangerous Substances. Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, 2022.
2. Global Crop Protection Chemicals Market Report. Mordor Intelligence, 2023.
3. Lopes-Ferreira, M. et al. Impact of Pesticides on Human Health in Brazil. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2022, 19(6), 3198.
4. Crop Life Latin America. Forms of Illegal Trade in Agricultural Inputs, 2021.
5. Mongabay News. Trafficking of Agrochemicals in Mercosur Borders, 2023.