Sensitive reaction rate method for the determination of low levels of formaldehyde with photometric detection

A simple and rapid method is proposed for the determination of ultra trace amounts of formaldehyde. It is based on the catalytic effect of formaldehyd e on the oxidation of Brilliant cresyl blue by bromate. The reaction is mon itored photometrically by measuring the decrease in absorbance of the dye. Formaldehyde in the range of 0.005-2.300 mu g/mL can be determined with a l imit of detection of 0.003 mu g/mL. The relative standard deviation for ten replicate measurements of 1.5 mu g/mL formaldehyde is 0.1%. The method was used for the determination of formaldehyde in real samples with satisfacto ry results.