A simple scanner-based colorimetric method for fluoride determination using Alfusone reagent
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The quantitative determination of fluoride ions is important for water quality monitoring and public health. This study aimed to develop a simple and simultaneous multi-sample digital colorimetric method for fluoride determination using a 96-well plate and a flatbed scanner, without requiring conventional analytical instruments. RESULTS: Fluoride solutions were color-developed using Alfusone reagent in a 96-well plate and scanned with a flatbed scanner. Color information was extracted from the scanned images and analyzed using red-green-blue (RGB), cyan-magenta-yellow-key (CMYK), hue-saturation-value (HSV), CIE XYZ, and CIELAB parameters. Among the evaluated parameters, the HSV H parameter showed the lowest limit of detection and limit of quantification of 0.086 and 0.29 mg/L, respectively. The CIELAB b* parameter showed the lowest values among the evaluated CIELAB parameters, with a limit of detection and limit of quantification of 0.19 and 0.64 mg/L, respectively. These values were below the World Health Organization guideline value for fluoride and the Japanese drinking water quality standard. Spike-and-recovery tests using bottled and tap water showed that the R and a* parameters provided recoveries closer to 100% than b*. The method offers a simple, attachment-free approach that enables simultaneous analysis of multiple samples and calibration standards using commercially available reagents and office automation equipment.
Source: BMC Research Notes
Language: English
Topic: Fluoride Effects and Removal
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,690
OpenAlex ID: W7166070867