Critical Mechanistic Insight, Technological Innovation Advances and Multi-Media Environmental Application of Colorimetry Toward Heavy Metal Detection

Colorimetry, a widely employed analytical technique that leverages the visible light spectrum observable to the naked eye, has gained prominence as a straightforward and intuitive method for detecting target substances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the development and current state of colorimetry, focusing on its origin, underlying mechanism, technological advancement, and application in environmental contexts. The historical evolution of colorimetry is initially surveyed, emphasizing key developmental milestones. The core recognition mechanisms are further elucidated, detailing heavy metal ion-induced discoloration of organic dyes, alongside adjustments in nanomaterial spacing, morphology, and alterations in catalytic performance. Then, technological progress of colorimetry is reviewed, tracing the evolution from traditional UV-visible spectrophotometry to digital image colorimetry and portable, handheld devices. Thereafter, the current state of colorimetry is comprehensively evaluated, particularly its application in detecting heavy metals across water, soil, and atmospheric particulate matter. Ultimately, this review addresses prevailing challenges, such as enhancing ultra-trace detection sensitivity and mitigating matrix interferences, while also highlights strategies to overcome these, which are vital for advancing colorimetric environmental monitoring. The review aims to underscore the potential of colorimetry in complex environmental monitoring and to provide a theoretical framework for future research and technological innovation in the field. Historical evolution of colorimetry is emphasizing on key developmental milestonesThe core recognition mechanisms of colorimetry are further elucidatedTechnological colorimetry is traced from spectrophotometry to portable devicesApplication of colorimetry in detecting heavy metals across water, soil and atmospheric particulate matterChallenges in ultra-trace detection sensitivity and matrix interferences Historical evolution of colorimetry is emphasizing on key developmental milestones The core recognition mechanisms of colorimetry are further elucidated Technological colorimetry is traced from spectrophotometry to portable devices Application of colorimetry in detecting heavy metals across water, soil and atmospheric particulate matter Challenges in ultra-trace detection sensitivity and matrix interferences

比色法（Colorimetry）是一种依托肉眼可见可见光光谱的常用分析技术，作为简便直观的目标物质检测方法广受青睐。本综述全面概述了比色法的发展历程与当前研究现状，重点涵盖其起源、核心作用机制、技术进展以及在环境领域的应用。首先梳理了比色法的历史演变脉络，着重强调其关键发展里程碑；随后进一步阐明其核心识别机制，详细阐述了重金属离子诱导有机染料变色的原理，以及纳米材料间距、形貌的调控与催化性能的变化；接着综述了比色法的技术迭代进程，追溯了从传统紫外-可见分光光度法（UV-visible spectrophotometry）到数字图像比色法（digital image colorimetry），再到便携手持设备的演进路径；之后全面评估了比色法的当前应用现状，尤其聚焦其在水体、土壤与大气颗粒物中重金属检测的实践应用；最后，本综述探讨了当前面临的核心挑战，如提升超痕量检测灵敏度与缓解基质干扰，并提出了相应的破解策略——这些对于推动比色法环境监测技术的发展至关重要。本综述旨在凸显比色法在复杂环境监测中的应用潜力，并为该领域未来的研究与技术创新提供理论支撑框架。
比色法的历史演变聚焦关键发展里程碑
比色法的核心识别机制得到进一步阐明
比色技术的演进路径从分光光度法延伸至便携设备
比色法在水体、土壤及大气颗粒物重金属检测中的应用
超痕量检测灵敏度与基质干扰相关挑战
比色法的历史演变聚焦关键发展里程碑 比色法的核心识别机制得到进一步阐明 比色技术的演进路径从分光光度法延伸至便携设备 比色法在水体、土壤及大气颗粒物重金属检测中的应用 超痕量检测灵敏度与基质干扰相关挑战