Development and validation of an eco-compatible UV–Vis spectrophotometric method for the determination of Cu(2+) in aqueous matrices

Cu(2+) are ubiquitous ions in the ecosystem and are responsible of serious environmental pollution. Indeed, the development of sensitive methods for Cu(2+) detection is an urgent demand. In this work, we proposed a new spectrophotometric method for Cu(2+) determination in different water matrices (distilled water, drinking water, wastewater, and river water). The method employs a bio-based organic ligand namely tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS) able to form a stable complex with the analyte with a maximum absorption at 710 nm. Within the linear range of 6.3–381 mg L(−1), the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be as 1.43 mg L(−1). Moreover, the recovery data of the spiked analysis of drinking/river/wastewater water samples were also satisfactory and verified the feasibility of the method for the analysis of Cu(2+) in natural conditions. Finally, the AGREE assessment tool was used for a quantitative evaluation of the proposed method and reference method, in agreement with the green analytical chemistry principles. The results showed the lower environmental impact of the proposed method and the suitability of this novel approach for Cu(2+) in water matrices. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00216-023-04785-6.