• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.67-74
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• 2023

A microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) is proposed for the selective detection of ammonia in water by using the modified Berthelot reagent and a fluidic channel consisting of hollow paper. The modified Berthelot reagents were uniformly dispersed in cyclohexane and then immobilized in a detection zone of the µPAD. The loading position of the reagents and the type of a sample flow channel were optimized to achieve a sensitive ammonia detection within a short analytical time. The NH₃ µPAD exhibits a linear colorimetric response to the concentration of ammonia dissolved in water in the range of 1-100 mg L^-1, and its limit-of-detection is 1.75 mg L^-1. In addition, the colorimetric response was not influenced by the addition of 100 mg L^-1 nitrogen containing compounds (sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, uric acid, hydroxylamine, butylamine, diethylamine) or inorganic salts (NaCl, Na₂HPO₄), presenting the enough selectivity in the detection of water-dissolved ammonia against possible interferents.