Ion-selective paper-based chromogenic strip and electrochemical sensor for the detection of ammonium ions

The fraudulent practice of adding ammonium salts to milk in order to enhance the nitrogen content has serious health implications including renal failure. Ammonium ion detection has been targeted through the conventional analytical methods however, lack of portability and complex operation limits their use for field applications. In this scenario, paper-based test strips and electrochemical sensors can provide strategies for point-of-test applications. Here, an ion-selective paper-based chromogenic strip and an electrochemical sensor has been developed for detection and quantification of ammonium ions. The developed paper-based chromogenic strip showed detection limit of 0.008 % (w/v) for ammonium ions, whereas, electrochemical sensor showed an LOD of 0.0062 ± 0.0023 % (w/v) with a sensitivity of 1.6 × 10⁻⁵ A.% ⁻¹.mm⁻². The developed paper-based chromogenic strip and electrochemical sensor can be employed by regulatory bodies and dairy industries to ensure the safety and quality of milk.