Colorimetry is an analytical method to determine the concentration of color forming dissolved substances in solution. It uses the principle that absorption of light of characteristic wavelengths is proportional to the concentration of the dissolved substance (Beer-Lambert law). Infinita Lab, USA, network of testing labs offers this test to clients in the USA and across the world.
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Concentration Measurement by Colorimetry
Colorimetry is an analytical method to determine the concentration of certain dissolved substances in solution. It is based on the principle that when a beam of white light passes through a colored solution, some wavelengths are absorbed, changing the color and intensity of the transmitted beam. The transmitted light is detected by a photoelectric cell, producing a digital or analog signal that is recorded. The main parts of a colorimeter are a light source, a sample cell to hold the specimen solution and a photoelectric detector system. Colorimeters are used for a wide range of research and quality control applications across the chemical, environmental and biological fields.
Concentration is determined from the Beer-Lambert law which relates absorbance and transmission intensities to the concentration of the dissolved substance and the distance traversed through the sample cell.
Some substances that are colorless in solution can be made to react with suitable reagents that produce colored products, in proportion to the concentration. The resulting solution is subjected to colorimetric testing. Comparison with a known calibration standard enables the determination of unknown concentrations of the substance.
Monochromatic light from a controlled source can also be used, in which case the method is termed spectrophotometry.
Common Uses of Colorimetry
Raw Water quality testing
Wastewater pollution testing
Food Processing quality control
Paint color quality control
Textile color quality control
Pharmaceutical products quality control
Advantages of Colorimetry
Quick and simple technique
Provides a quantitative estimate
Portable equipment can be used in field conditions
Limitations of colorimetry
Only colored solutions can be analyzed
Calibration with a standard solution is needed
Different substances with same color may cause errors
