Microfluidic paper-based analytical device for convenient use in measurement of iodate in table salt and irrigation water

We report a convenient microfluidic paper-based analytical device (mu PAD) for the determination of iodate. The mu PAD was fabricated using an ink-stamp with a simple circle design. Colorimetric detection of iodate employs the oxidation of hydroxylamine by the iodate to generate nitrite which reacts with the Griess reagent producing an intense magenta color. The images were recorded by a digital camera, and converted to a green scale color intensity by ImageJ. Calibration of iodate was linear in the range of 50-400 mg L-1 with a detection limit of 38.1 mg L-1. With such a wide linear range, the method can be applied to various kinds of samples with the entire process completed in 50 s. Good precision of measurement was obtained (<2 %RSD). Iodate levels were determined using the mu PADs in table salt and irrigation water samples. The measured concentrations of the samples correlated well with the values as found by the standard iodometric titration (no statistical difference at a 95% confidence level). The developed device is simple with easy fabrication and rapid operation. It is portable and cost-effective and therefore suitable for quality control of iodate levels in the manufacturing and agricultural industries.