Detection and discrimination of organophosphorus pesticides in water by using a colorimetric probe array

•A colorimetric probe array for detection and discrimination of organophosphorus pesticides in water has been developed.•A clear discrimination was observed for malathion, leptophos, dichlorvos, dibrom and diazinon.•The array was able to detect and predict concentration of diazinon in leaves from orange trees.

Detection and discrimination of several organophosphorus pesticides in water using a colorimetric probe array containing twelve dyes has been achieved. A clear discrimination for malathion, leptophos, dichlorvos, dibrom and diazinon was observed. The array was used to determine the concentration of diazinon in orange leaves.