A simple scanner-based colorimetric method for fluoride determination using Alfusone reagent.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Public Health

Background:

• Accurate fluoride ion determination is crucial for water quality monitoring and safeguarding public health.
• Conventional analytical instruments for fluoride testing can be expensive and complex.
• There is a need for simpler, more accessible methods for fluoride analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, simultaneous, multi-sample digital colorimetric method for fluoride determination.
• To utilize a 96-well plate and a flatbed scanner, avoiding conventional analytical instruments.
• To establish a cost-effective and user-friendly approach for fluoride analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fluoride solutions were analyzed using the Alfusone reagent in a 96-well plate.
• Scanned images were processed to extract color information using various parameters (RGB, CMYK, HSV, CIE XYZ, CIELAB).
• Method performance was evaluated using limit of detection, limit of quantification, and spike-and-recovery tests.

Main Results:

• The HSV H parameter achieved the lowest limit of detection (0.086 mg/L) and quantification (0.29 mg/L).
• The CIELAB b* parameter showed limits of detection (0.19 mg/L) and quantification (0.64 mg/L), both below regulatory standards.
• Spike-and-recovery tests indicated high accuracy, with R and a* parameters yielding recoveries near 100%.

Conclusions:

• The developed digital colorimetric method is simple, requires no specialized attachments, and allows simultaneous analysis.
• This technique effectively determines fluoride levels using readily available reagents and office equipment.
• The method presents a viable alternative for water quality monitoring and public health assessments.