Nanoengineered electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of carbendazim in environmental waters using Er₃NbO₇/f-CNF nanocomposite

Water contamination by agricultural chemicals is a pressing environmental issue today. Carbendazim (CBZ), a potent fungicide with broad-spectrum antifungal properties and significant toxicity, poses substantial risks to ecosystems and human health. This study introduces an advanced electrochemical sensor by modifying screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) with a nanocomposite of erbium niobate (Er₃NbO₇) and functionalized carbon nanofibers (f-CNF). The Er₃NbO₇/f-CNF nanocomposite enhances electrochemical performance through its high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and catalytic activity. This synergy results in exceptional attributes such as a low detection limit of 6.0 nmolL⁻¹, low quantification limit of 19.98 nmolL⁻¹, sensitivity of 3.522 μAμ(molL⁻¹)⁻¹.cm⁻², and precision of 0.05%. The sensor demonstrates a wide linear range from 0.2 to 222 μmolL⁻¹, combined with high selectivity and robust stability, making it suitable for precise CBZ detection. Successful deployment in environmental monitoring underscores its versatility and effectiveness in safeguarding human health and ecological balance, establishing it as a pivotal tool in environmental protection efforts.