Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure.5.6
(a, b) Low- and (c) high-magnii cation SEM images of the 3D graphene
micropillars. (d) h e PDMS micropillars uncovered with graphene are shown bright
due to the charging ef ect. (e) Digital image of the graphene micropillar integrated
electrochemica, Adapted with permission from [100].
5.2.3 Pesticides
Pesticides
are chemicals used to control and/or eliminate pests and dis-
eases of plants and/or animals; its major application is in agriculture. Large
amounts of these organic chemicals are very persistent in the environment;
constant and prolonged use of them, lead risks like their retention in soil
which can cause contamination of surface and groundwater due to wash-
ing and leaching processes [104].
Interest on the knowing more about health risks associated with expo-
sure to pesticides present in the environment has risen in recent years.
According to the EPA the risk to human health depends on both toxicity
of the pesticide and the likelihood of people coming into contact with it.
Pesticides considered strong contaminants are: Organophosphates
(OPs), N-methyl carbamates, Triazines, Chloroacetanilides and
Pyrethrins / Pyrethroids. h ese pesticides are used in agriculture, so they
are absorbed by fruits and plants that will later be used as food. Also they
