The use of organic complexants as probe for toxic metals analysis in environment with digital-image colorimetry
M. Lutfi Firdaus, Juwita Megarani, Hadi Apriyoanda, Agus Sundaryono, Eko Swistoro

University of Bengkulu, Indonesia

Abstract

The concern on environmental pollution that currently occurs is toxic heavy metal pollution generated from various industrial activities and daily household activities. To monitor and determine the quantity of pollutants, instruments such as AAS or ICP-MS which are very expensive are needed. Analysis of trace level of heavy metals in polluted environments is a challenging task. First problem is the lack of representative instruments such as ICP-Ms in most Indonesian research institutions due to its expensive price and maintenance. Second problem is extremely low concentration of analytes needs a sophisticated method that is still scarce. This study aims to find a simple method, economical dan portable but also accurate and precise in the analysis of heavy metals. Method which will be used based on colorimetric analysis which is part of spectroscopy. The metal analyzed will be complexed first using an organic complexion such as 1,5-diphenilcarbazide (DPC), alizarin red, dithizone, etc. The colored complex solution is then measured using spectroscopy in the range of visible light region. This study used digital image colorimetry as an alternative that is more economical, practical and environmentally friendly. Image data will be taken using cellphone camera and processed by the primary color system or RGB. The accuracy of this method was compared with UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results of this research were implemented to students to their understanding on the topic of environmental chemistry.

Keywords: Heavy Metals, organic complexants, visible spectrophotometry, digital image.

Topic: Chemistry