Anthocyanin immobilization in carboxymethylcellulose/starch films: A sustainable sensor for the detection of Al(III) ions in aqueous matrices

A robust and sustainable sensor for the detection of Al(III) ions in water was developed by immobilization of anthocyanin (AN) from black rice in a film formed by carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and starch. Characterization of the films was performed using solubility, thickness, FTIR, and mechanical analysis. The film exhibited an irreversible color change from red to purple in response to the presence of Al(III). The best colorimetric response of the sensor was observed at pH 4.5 and a time of 60 min, achieving the detection of 3 mg L^-1 of Al(III). For concentrations higher than 5 mg L^-1, the sensor response time decreased to 20 min. The minimum Al(III) concentration detected with the naked eye was lower than the maximum permissible concentrations in aqueous effluents according to different legislations, indicating the potential of this study to develop sensors for the detection of Al(III).