Anthocyanin‐Enhanced Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers for Sustainable Hg(II) Ion Sensing

Hg(II), poses a significant threat to both the environment and overall well‐being. The present indicator utilizes anthocyanin extract from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), RSE, and incorporates it into bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNF) to detect Hg(II) ions. Through examination of the CIE Lab color variables, it is determined that the binding of Hg(II) leads to a discernible alteration in the color. The visible color changes as the Hg(II) concentration increases. ATR‐FTIR(Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM(scanning electron microscopy) are utilized to analyze the bacterial cellulose nanofibers containing anthocyanin. The selectivity of the proposed sensor is assessed by conducting experiments with different types of metal ions including Co2+, Al3+, Na+, Ba2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and Cu2+. The outcomes indicate that the sensor exhibits a remarkable ability to distinguish and respond specifically to Hg(II) ions. This particular sensing technique allows for the precise and reliable detection of Hg(II), with a detection limit of 0.72 ppm, by simply observing with the naked eye. For the effective treatment of a tap water sample, the BCNF‐RSE film provides successful results in the detection of Hg(II) ions. This innovative metallochromic sensor offers a promising solution for the on‐site, cost‐effective, portable, easy to use, and real‐time detection of Hg(II) ions.