Analytical Sciences


Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 29(6), 655 (2013).

Green Analytical Methodology Using Indian Almond (Terminalia Catappa L.) Leaf Extract for Determination of Aluminum Ion in Waste Water from Ceramic Factories
Pimporn INSAIN,*1 Supada KHONYOUNG,*2 Ponlayuth SOOKSAMITI,*3 Somchai LAPANANTNOPPAKHUN,*1 Jaroon JAKMUNEE,*1 Kate GRUDPAN,*1 Katja ZAJICEK,*4 and Supaporn KRADTAP HARTWELL*4
*1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Analytical Science and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
*2 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
*3 Office of Primary Industry and Mines Region III, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
*4 Department of Chemistry, Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207, USA
The use of natural reagents from plant extracts for chemical analysis is one of the approaches in the development of low cost and environmentally friendly green analytical chemistry methodology. Here, crude extract from Indian Almond (Terminalia Catappa L.) leaves was used for colorimetric determination of aluminum by monitoring the absorbance of the Al3+-extract complex at 435 nm. Dry leaves and freeze-dried fresh leaf extract can be kept for extended use. A simple flow injection analysis (FIA) system was also employed for rapid analysis (approximately 180 injections/h). The linear working range up to 100 mg L−1 was established with a detection limit (blank + 3SD) of 0.8 mg L−1, a limit of quantitation (blank + 10SD) of 2.4 mg L−1, and a relative standard deviation of 3 – 5%. This simple green analytical chemistry methodology was applied for the determination of Al3+ in waste water samples from ceramic factories. The results agreed well with the results obtained from the ICP-OES technique.