Materials for Optical Detection of Selenium in Water

Selenium has emerged out as a water pollutant of concern over a few years in Indian states including Punjab and Haryana. Conventionally, Selenium value is determined using manual titration and a few analytical instruments such as ICPMS, IC, etc. These techniques require longer analysis time and a special laboratory set up for handling these chemicals and instruments. We have developed a unique fluorimetric chemosensor for selenium qualitative analysis within the WHO/USEPA permissible limit. With our expertise in analytical chemistry and hardware development, we have developed fluorimetric material as well as a colorimetric method for selenium detection in water. Further to read the response of the sensor, a portable device “Selenium Analyzer” is also designed for selenium analysis in water with reduced analysis time, and an economical approach.

• Selenium detection within WHO/USEPA/BIS limit
• Colorimetric Reagent Kits based on Modified Iodometry
• Wide detection range of 0.01 -1 ppm
• Negligible interference against other common ions.
• Low Water Sample Requirement

• The developed materials and method enables onsite detection of Selenium in Ground Water
• The real-time color change can be related to selenium concentration.
• The device and method can be further extended to biological samples as well as soil samples with small modifications in sample processing.
• The colorimetric method can be further integrated with a mobile app for digital real-time analysis and cloud data storage.

The developed materials and device perform selenium detection within the WHO/USEPA/BIS limit and can be used in the field without specialized expertise. This will enable primary screening of water resources for high levels of selenium to avoid negative health impacts on living beings. Further, the developed method can also be extended for soil as well as biological samples analysis with little modification.