Cassava feeds 300 to 500 million people per year globally. It is very nutritious but contains cyanide. If not cooked properly it causes acute cyanide intoxication or even partial paralysis. Drinking water that is contaminated by industrial waste occasionally contains cyanide, which when consumed causes vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic effects on the thyroid gland and the nervous system as the gastrointestinal tract readily takes up the toxin and only 10-15 percent is excreted.
Researchers at the University of Delhi have collaborated with Colorado State University to make a test that allows naked eye detection of cyanide in water. The test uses a sensor, CoII-bis(terpyridine) complex which gives a colored complex when added to water. This could help decision makers to know if drinking water meets EPA and WHO guidelines on quality by an on the spot test on a small volume of water.
Reference: Sensors and Actuators B-chemical 235: 325-329.
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