The development of a screening molecularly imprinted polymer optosensor for detecting xylenes in water samples

We describe a rapid, sensitive, fluorescent screening test for xylenes in water samples that avoids more costly time-consuming methods. The screening test is based on a molecularly imprinted polymer and it runs without the need for any pre-concentration step, thus rendering it suitable for routine use in water-quality-control laboratories. The test recognizes contaminated samples rapidly (50 s) and inexpensively with a cut-off level of 10 μg mL− 1, which is the value that the International Organization has laid down in its assessment of the water quality for human consumption. The reliability of the screening test was 23% false positives and 0% false negatives in 30 samples. The applicability was confirmed by analyzing mineral, tap and river water samples.