WSU researchers develop test for toxic produce residues
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years AGO
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a means to identify whether herbicidal residue remains on produce.
COURTESY PHOTO/WENDY WEI/PEXELS
PULLMAN — A team of researchers from Washington State University has developed a test for the residue of toxic herbicides in fruit and vegetables using relatively simple nanoparticles, according to a WSU press release.
According to the press release, the team used the nanoparticles to detect atrazine and acetochlor in samples of apples, strawberries, cabbage, corn and fruit juice. The two herbicides are widely used by U.S. farmers and orchardists, and both farmers and food processors are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to keep the levels of roughly 800 tested-for chemicals at safe levels.
The nanoparticle involves small platinum-palladium particles to catalyze a reaction that changes the color of a pureed fruit or vegetable sample if the chemical is present. The nanoparticle can either be used in the field with a small portable unit or on a simple test strip that changes color and can be read with a smartphone, the press release said.
“We want to come up with a low-cost method that can be used in the field or the laboratory,” said WSU professor Bernie Van Wie in the press release.
The press release said WSU is currently working with a company to commercialize the technology, which was developed with financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.