Development of a rapid detection paper for cyanide ions in aqueous solutions using an organic reagent

Cyanide is a toxic chemical agent classified as a blood agent, which has been previously used in warfare and acts of terrorism. Cyanide exerts its toxic effects primarily by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase (complex IV) in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which is essential for aerobic cellular respiration. Numerous methods based on colorimetric reactions have been investigated for the detection of cyanide poisoning; however, these techniques typically suffer from low sensitivity, prolonged detection times, and safety risks due to direct exposure to the chemicals. This paper presents a novel method for detecting cyanide in aqueous solutions. Under the established optimal conditions, cyanide was detected with a low detection limit of about 20 ng/mL. This method has the potential to be developed into a rapid on-site detection kit for cyanide in aquatic solutions.