Rapid and simple spectrophotometric determination of persulfate in water by microwave assisted decolorization of Methylene Blue

A rapid and simple method for determination of persulfate in aqueous solution was developed. The method is based on the rapid reaction of persulfate with Methylene Blue (MB) via domestic microwave activation, which can promote the activation of persulfate and decolorize MB quickly. The depletion of MB at 644 nm (the maximum absorption wavelength of MB) is in proportion to the increasing concentration of persulfate in aqueous solution. Linear calibration curve was obtained in the range 0-1.5 mmol/L, with a limit of detection of 0.0028 mmol/L. The reaction time is rapid (within 60 sec), which is much shorter than that used for conventional methods. Compared with existing analytical methods, it need not any additives, especially colorful Fe²⁺, and need not any pretreatment for samples, such as pH adjustment.