Boron detection and quantification based on the absorption spectra of pyridoxine and its boron complex

Abstract

Environmental contextBoron, an essential element for human health and the growth of animals and plants, can also be harmful when intake is excessive. Herein, a simple and efficient method for determining boron species in aqueous samples has been developed based on the optical absorption of the pyridoxine or boron–pyridoxine complex. This rapid method is suitable for online analysis, with great significance to drinking water and industrial water treatment. AbstractA simple and efficient method for the determination of boron species in aqueous samples is presented based on the optical behaviour of the pyridoxine or boron–pyridoxine complex. The boron concentration in the sample is proportional to the absorption intensity of the boron–pyridoxine complex, and is inversely proportional to that of free pyridoxine. The calibration plot is linear in the range of 0–8mgL–1 boron element within a pH 5.72–9.30 range. The method was developed for freshwaters, but is also applicable to seawater without significant interference from other commonly occurring ions in water such as Na+, K+, Cl–, Zn2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, NO3–, and SO42–. This simple and rapid method is suitable for incorporation into an online analyser, which will be of great significance to the water treatment industry.