A novel, direct and simple colorimetric method employing μicroanalytical paper-based devices (μ-PADs) for the selective determination of bismuth is described. The suggested method exploits the colorimetric variation of bismuth after its rapid reaction with methyl thymol blue (MTB) in an acidic medium (pH ranging between 0.7 and 3.0), modified with nitric acid, on the surface of a paper device at room temperature. The devices are low cost, composed of chromatographic paper and wax barriers and the analytical protocol is easily applicable with minimal technical expertise and without the need for experimental apparatus. The user must add a test sample and read the color intensity of the colored Bi(III)–MTB complex formed at the sensing area using a simple imaging device such as a flatbed scanner. Various chemical variables, such as HNO3 and MTB concentration, reaction time, ionic strength, detection zone size and photo-capture detector are optimized. A study of interfering ions such as K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42− and HCO3− was also conducted. The stability of the paper devices is also studied in different maintenance conditions with particularly satisfactory results, rendering the method suitable for field analysis. The detection limits are as low as 3.0 mg L−1 with very satisfactory precision, ranging from 4.0% (intra-day) to 5.5% (inter-day). Natural water samples are successfully analyzed, and bismuth percentage recoveries were calculated in the range of 82.8 to 115.4%.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.