Design of headspace paper sensor for determination of Arsenic (III) in drinking waters using smart mobile phone based on chemical hydride generation

Arsenic is one of the most environmental drinking water pollutants. [1]. A large number of analytical methods have been reported for the analysis of arsenic. But this methods need complex and expensive tools with high operating costs. In the present study, a simple and portable paper sensor was designed for trace colorimetric analysis of arsenic in drinking waters using mobile smart phone. This paper sensor don’t need any laboratory equipment and skilled workers. For the fabrication of the paper sensor, filter paper, sticker templates with circle patterns and a waterproof eye pencil were used [2]. The proposed method involves in situ arsine generation, transfer of the volatile to the headspace and its reaction with mercury (II) bromide at the detection zone of a paper sensor. The chemical reaction between mercury (II) bromide and arsenic results in the formation of a yellow-brown product which can be analyzed by a smartphone that connected with the image processing application (Image J). Experimental parameters, namely composition of the paper sensor and hydride generation factors were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection and the relative standard deviation were 10 ngmL-1 and 5.6%, respectively. The obtained calibration curve has two linear ranges of 20–100 ngmL−1 and 100–500 ngmL−1. Remarkably, the limit of detection of the method reported herein was as same as the maximum contaminant levels set by the World Health Organization in drinking water. As the result, the paper sensor could be used to determine arsenic concentration in water samples.