Not published: DEVELOPMENT OF A QUICK, SIMPLE AND LOW-COST TEST FOR IRON CONTENT DETERMINATION IN SURFACE AND MARINE WATER

Authors

Keywords:

iron detection, Fe(II)/Fe(III), thiocyanate, colorimetric test, field monitoring, rapid analysis, smartphone colorimetry

Abstract

Military operations in Ukraine have intensified the challenge of monitoring water bodies and have created a strong demand for a rapid, simple, and low-cost method for iron screening under limited laboratory control. The object of research is an indicator colorimetric test system intended for fast determination of iron concentration in surface and marine waters under field conditions. To select the test formulation, two chromogenic reagents, potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) and sulfosalicylic acid, as well as pH adjusters, 10% NH4OH and 5N H2SO4, were compared using spectrophotometric characteristics in model waters containing 1 and 5 mg/L of Fe(III). It was established that, at both iron levels, the KSCN and H2SO4 combination provides the highest colour intensity and the best visual contrast. The sulfosalicylic acid system produces a less contrasted signal, and the yellow shades formed in alkaline medium are difficult to distinguish reliably by visual inspection and therefore complicate detection. The thiocyanate complex was shown to be sufficiently stable for field readout since during the first 10 minutes after mixing the absorbance decreases by less than 5% and the change is not visually perceptible. A colour scale covering 0 to 10 mg/L of Fe(III) was developed together with a test protocol that involves adding 25 ml of the sample, 2.5 ml of 5N H2SO4, and 1 g of KSCN, followed by reading after approximately 2 minutes by comparing the solution colour with the scale. The developed test systems are recommended for rapid monitoring of iron in natural waters. The kit can be implemented in a “cylinder – ampoule – sachet – scale configuration”, which reduces reagent dosing steps and supports use outside the laboratory. Results can be documented using smartphone photography followed by RGB based colour coding.

Supporting Agency

  • We acknowledge funding from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine through the project of fundamental research, applied research, and scientific and technical developments of young scientists. The supported project is 0124U001100 “The novel selective indicator systems for assessing the state of the marine environment in Ukraine”.

Author Biographies

Marta Litynska, National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute"

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Senior Lecturer

Department of Technology of Inorganic Substances, Water Treatment and General Chemical Technology

Mariia Dubenets, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

Chemical Faculty

Svitlana Kyrii, National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute"

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor

Department of Technology of Inorganic Substances, Water Treatment and General Chemical Technology

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Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Litynska, M., Dubenets, M., & Kyrii, S. (2026). Not published: DEVELOPMENT OF A QUICK, SIMPLE AND LOW-COST TEST FOR IRON CONTENT DETERMINATION IN SURFACE AND MARINE WATER. Technology Audit and Production Reserves. Retrieved from https://journals.uran.ua/tarp/article/view/356036

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Copyright (c) 2026 Marta Litynska, Mariia Dubenets, Svitlana Kyrii

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