A Portable Measurement Device Based on Phenanthroline Complex for Iron Determination in Water

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Traditional iron determination methods are often laboratory-bound, limiting real-time field analysis.
• Accurate quantification of Fe2+ is crucial for ensuring water quality and compliance with human consumption regulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a novel, portable, and compact iron measurement system (IMS) for field determination of Fe2+ in water.
• To ensure the IMS quantifies iron concentrations within regulatory limits for human consumption.
• To evaluate the analytical performance and sensitivity of the developed IMS.

Main Methods:

• The IMS utilizes spectroscopy absorption, specifically the phenanthroline standard method, for Fe2+ determination.
• An optical sensing system with a light-emitting diode and photodiode measures absorption through a ferroin complex.
• The system was validated using standard Fe2+ samples across various water matrices, including a novel solid reagent for field pre-treatment.

Main Results:

• The IMS demonstrated superior analytical performance compared to existing state-of-the-art instruments.
• The system achieved a sensitivity of 2.5 µg Fe2+/L within the regulatory measurement range.
• A linear photodiode response was observed for Fe2+ concentrations ranging from 25 to 1000 µg/L.

Conclusions:

• The developed IMS is a self-contained, portable, and compact solution for accurate Fe2+ measurement in the field.
• The system's performance and sensitivity make it suitable for assessing iron levels in various water bodies, including those intended for human consumption.
• The incorporation of a novel solid reagent enhances the usability and efficiency of the IMS for field applications.