This paper presents a numerical investigation of the Nusselt number for compressible gas flow in a microtube under constant wall heat flux values, both positive and negative, ranging from -20000 to 20000 W/m2. The Nusselt number is defined based on the difference between the surface temperature during heat transfer and the adiabatic wall temperature, which represents the temperature in the absence of heat transfer. In high-speed microchannel gas flow, the gas temperature decreases as thermal energy is converted into kinetic energy due to significant gas expansion and flow acceleration near the outlet. This approach prevents negative Nusselt numbers or heat transfer coefficients when the gas temperature falls below the wall temperature, particularly in cases involving negative wall heat flux. The numerical methodology is based on the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method. The Nusselt number is determined by solving the governing equations incorporating density variation and viscous dissipation for compressible flow. The results reveal that Nusselt numbers calculated using adiabatic wall temperatures differ from those obtained using bulk temperatures and are lower than those observed in incompressible flow. A correlation is proposed for predicting the heat transfer coefficient in gaseous flow through microtubes.

A uniform inlet velocity profile is widely used in the numerical simulations of fluid flow and heat transfer in ducts for both incompressible and compressible flows. In incompressible flows, the calculated fluid pressure at the inlet edge is extremely high and affects the calculation of the average pressure. In compressible flows, the fluctuation of pressure in the flow direction results in the fluctuation in the velocity. This has motivated this study to numerically investigate a physically realistic velocity profile at the inlet of a pipe rather than using a uniform velocity profile. The numerical simulations were based on the control volume-based power law scheme and the semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations (SIMPLE) algorithm. The continuity and momentum equations for a flow in a pipe with the rounded inlet corner were solved to obtain a physically realistic inlet velocity profile. The obtained inlet velocity profile was expressed by a simple expression in the range of Reynolds number from 100 to 2000. Using this velocity profile, both the incompressible and compressible flows in a pipe were numerically investigated. The results resolved the previously observed inconsistencies in the pressure that were previously observed in the numerical simulations with uniform inlet velocity profiles.

first_page Download PDF settings Order Article Reprints Font Type: Arial Georgia Verdana Font Size: Aa Aa Aa Line Spacing:    Column Width:    Background: Open AccessCorrection Correction: Kumar et al. Numerical and Experimental Modeling of Paper-Based Actuators. Chem. Proc. 2021, 5, 15 by Ashutosh KumarAshutosh Kumar SciProfiles Scilit Preprints.org Google Scholar , Hojat Heidari-BafrouiHojat Heidari-Bafroui SciProfiles Scilit Preprints.org Google Scholar , Amer CharbajiAmer Charbaji SciProfiles Scilit Preprints.org Google Scholar , Nasim RahmaniNasim Rahmani SciProfiles Scilit Preprints.org Google Scholar , Constantine AnagnostopoulosConstantine Anagnostopoulos SciProfiles Scilit Preprints.org Google Scholar and Mohammad FaghriMohammad Faghri SciProfiles Scilit Preprints.org Google Scholar * Microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Chem. Proc. 2021, 5(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemproc2021005092 Published: 19 March 2024 (This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Chemical Sensors and Analytical Chemistry) Download keyboard_arrow_down Download PDF Download PDF with Cover Download XML Download Epub Versions Notes Text CorrectionThere was an error in the original publication [1]. The ODE function was mentioned as d-solve function.A correction has been made to the paragraph in 3.2. Numerical Solution:The numerical solution for the problem is obtained by using ODE function, an output from MATLAB for the analytical solution for the water and variable values are compatible with the information indicated in Table 3.The authors state that the scientific conclusions are unaffected. This correction was approved by the Academic Editor. The original publication has also been updated. ReferenceKumar, A.; Heidari-Bafroui, H.; Charbaji, A.; Rahmani, N.; Anagnostopoulos, C.; Faghri, M. Numerical and Experimental Modeling of Paper-Based Actuators. Chem. Proc. 2021, 5, 15. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]Disclaimer/Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Share and Cite MDPI and ACS Style Kumar, A.; Heidari-Bafroui, H.; Charbaji, A.; Rahmani, N.; Anagnostopoulos, C.; Faghri, M. Correction: Kumar et al. Numerical and Experimental Modeling of Paper-Based Actuators. Chem. Proc. 2021, 5, 15. Chem. Proc. 2021, 5, 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemproc2021005092 AMA Style Kumar A, Heidari-Bafroui H, Charbaji A, Rahmani N, Anagnostopoulos C, Faghri M. Correction: Kumar et al. Numerical and Experimental Modeling of Paper-Based Actuators. Chem. Proc. 2021, 5, 15. Chemistry Proceedings. 2021; 5(1):92. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemproc2021005092 Chicago/Turabian Style Kumar, Ashutosh, Hojat Heidari-Bafroui, Amer Charbaji, Nasim Rahmani, Constantine Anagnostopoulos, and Mohammad Faghri. 2021. "Correction: Kumar et al. Numerical and Experimental Modeling of Paper-Based Actuators. Chem. Proc. 2021, 5, 15" Chemistry Proceedings 5, no. 1: 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemproc2021005092 Article Metrics No No Article Access Statistics Multiple requests from the same IP address are counted as one view.

This study presents an innovative lateral flow microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) designed for conducting quantitative paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (p-ELISA), seamlessly executing conventional ELISA steps in a paper-based format. The p-ELISA device utilizes a passive fluidic circuit with functional elements such as a multi-bi-material cantilever (B-MaC) assembly, delay channels, and a buffer zone, all enclosed within housing for autonomous, sequential loading of critical reagents onto the detection zone. This novel approach not only demonstrates a rapid assay completion time of under 30 min, but also boasts reduced reagent requirements, minimal equipment needs, and broad applicability across clinical diagnostics and environmental surveillance. Through detailed descriptions of the design, materials, and fabrication methods for the multi-directional flow assay (MDFA), this manuscript highlights the device’s potential for complex biochemical analyses in a user-friendly and versatile format. Analytical performance evaluation, including a limit of detection (LOD) of 8.4 pM for Rabbit IgG, benchmarks the device’s efficacy compared to existing p-ELISA methodologies. This pioneering work lays the groundwork for future advancements in autonomous diagnostics, aiming to enhance global health outcomes through accessible and reliable testing solutions.

Numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the correlation between assessments based on the total entropy generation rate criterion and the thermal resistance criterion in the context of evaluating heat transfer performance. This study focused on a parallel plate channel heat sink with the lower wall subjected to a constant heat flux, under various flow constraints. The flow was assumed to be laminar and fully developed. The energy equation was discretized using the control volume-based power law scheme, and the resulting algebraic equations were solved by the line-by-line method. Optimal channel heights which lead to minimize irreversibility and temperature difference between heated wall and inlet fluid temperatures were determined by both the total entropy generation rate and thermal resistance criteria under four distinct flow constraints: identical mass flow rate, identical inlet velocity, identical pumping power, and identical pressure drop. The investigation revealed a lack of significant correlation between the optimal channel heights derived from assessments based on the total entropy generation rate and thermal resistance. Consequently, the utilization of the total entropy generation rate criterion for evaluating heat transfer performance, based in the second law of thermodynamics, instead of the thermal resistance criterion, based in the first law of thermodynamics, was deemed inappropriate. The total entropy generation rate criterion was based on the minimization of the irreversibility and served as an indicator of heat transfer quality. As a recommendation, it is suggested that results obtained from both the total entropy generation rate and thermal resistance criteria for assessing heat transfer performance be presented separately for each specific application.

Dissipative particle dynamics with energy conservation is a mesoscopic numerical method used to simulate heat transfer in complex fluids. However, while this method can determine the fluid temperature, it cannot directly calculate the heat transfer rate from a solid wall to the fluid. This study introduces a novel boundary treatment that calculates the heat transfer rate from the solid wall to the particle based on the increment in the thermal energy of the particles. To validate this approach, we simulated stationary water in a channel using in-house code to estimate the thermal conductivity of water. The dissipative particle dynamics method, enhanced with the proposed boundary treatment, accurately predicted the thermal conductivity of water within the temperature range of 280 to 360 K, with errors of less than +/- 2.5 %. Additionally, thermal conductivity in equilibrium was obtained using the Green-Kubo formula and compared with the results from the dissipative particle dynamics method. The thermal conductivity obtained via the Green-Kubo formula exhibited significant fluctuations.

This study presents an integrated approach to understanding fluid dynamics in Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices (µPADs), combining empirical investigations with advanced numerical modeling. Paper-based devices are recognized for their low cost, portability, and simplicity and are increasingly applied in health, environmental monitoring, and food quality analysis. However, challenges such as lack of flow control and the need for advanced detection methods have limited their widespread adoption. To address these challenges, our study introduces a novel numerical model that incorporates factors such as pore size, fiber orientation, and porosity, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of fluid dynamics across various saturation levels of paper. Empirical results focused on observing the wetted length in saturated paper substrates. The numerical model, integrating the Highly Simplified Marker and Cell (HSMAC) method and the High Order accuracy scheme Reducing Numerical Error Terms (HORNET) scheme, successfully predicts fluid flow in scenarios challenging for empirical observation, especially at high saturation levels. The model effectively mimicked the Lucas–Washburn relation for dry paper and demonstrated the increasing time requirement for fluid movement with rising saturation levels. It also accurately predicted faster fluid flow in Whatman Grade 4 filter paper compared with Grade 41 due to its larger pore size and forecasted an increased flow rate in the machine direction fiber orientation of Whatman Grade 4. These findings have significant implications for the design and application of µPADs, emphasizing the need for precise control of fluid flow and the consideration of substrate microstructural properties. The study’s combination of empirical data and advanced numerical modeling marks a considerable advancement in paper-based microfluidics, offering robust frameworks for future development and optimization of paper-based assays.

The primary objective of this study is to investigate variations in gas temperature and average velocity during the laminar-turbulent transition of compressible flow. This investigation encompasses an exploration of the effect of Mach number on transitional Reynolds number. Experiments were conducted utilizing a pair of adiabatic stainless steel microtubes with a diameter (D) of 131.6 mu m. The first microtube was dedicated to measuring local pressure to obtain friction factor, local Mach number, and bulk temperature. The second microtube was employed for measuring local wall temperature. Additionally, a stainless steel microtube with a diameter (D) of 124 mu m and a rectangular microchannel with a hydraulic diameter (Dh) of 99.36 mu m were incorporated in the study. Friction factor, Mach number, and bulk temperature were determined by measuring mass flow rate and local pressure near the outlet. The measured mass flow rate exhibited a slight increase that plateaued during the laminar-turbulent transition as the Reynolds number increased. In laminar flow, an increase in the Reynolds number resulted in an increase of the Mach number and a reduction in bulk temperature. Conversely, during the laminar-turbulent transition, the Mach number either remained constant or decreased, and the bulk temperature increased due to the conversion of kinetic energy to thermal energy. Experimental validation of this phenomenon was achieved by measuring the wall temperature of an adiabatic microtube.

In this paper, the behavior of the Bi-Material Cantilever (B-MaC) response deflection upon fluidic loading was experimentally studied and modeled for bilayer strips. A B-MaC consists of a strip of paper adhered to a strip of tape. When fluid is introduced, the paper expands while the tape does not, which causes the structure to bend due to strain mismatch, similar to the thermal loading of bi-metal thermostats. The main novelty of the paper-based bilayer cantilevers is the mechanical properties of two different types of material layers, a top layer of sensing paper and a bottom layer of actuating tape, to create a structure that can respond to moisture changes. When the sensing layer absorbs moisture, it causes the bilayer cantilever to bend or curl due to the differential swelling between the two layers. The portion of the paper strip that gets wet forms an arc, and as the fluid advances and fully wets the B-MaC, the entire B-MaC assumes the shape of the initial arc. This study showed that paper with higher hygroscopic expansion forms an arc with a smaller radius of curvature, whereas thicker tape with a higher Young's modulus forms an arc with a larger radius of curvature. The results showed that the theoretical modeling could accurately predict the behavior of the bilayer strips. The significance of paper-based bilayer cantilevers lies in their potential applications in various fields, such as biomedicine, and environmental monitoring. In summary, the novelty and significance of paper-based bilayer cantilevers lie in their unique combination of sensing and actuating capabilities using a low-cost and environmentally friendly material.

In this paper, we present a novel and cost-effective lab-on-paper microfluidics platform for performing ELISA autonomously, with no user intervention beyond adding the sample. The platform utilizes two Bi-Material Cantilever Valves placed in a specially designed housing. The integration of these valves in a specific channel network forms a complete fluidic logic circuit for performing ELISA on paper. The housing also incorporates an innovative reagent storage and release mechanism that minimizes variability in the volume of reagents released into the reagent pads. The platform design was optimized to minimize variance in the time of fluid wicking from the reagent pad, using a randomized design of experiment. The platform adheres to the World Health Organization's ASSURED principles. The optimized design was used to conduct an ELISA for detecting rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) in a buffer, with a limit of detection of 2.27 ng/mL and a limit of quantification of 8.33 ng/mL. This represents a 58% improvement over previous ELISA methods for detecting rabbit IgG in buffer using portable microfluidic technology.

For gas flow over a flat plate, the temperature recovery factor is defined as a fraction of free-stream total temperature rise recovered at the wall or is the ratio of the actual temperature rise at the wall to the maximum possible temperature rise in the free-stream. Its value depends on Prandtl number and is independent of Mach number. The gas velocity and temperature are determined by the temperature recovery factor using the adiabatic wall temperature. It is an important parameter to be used to evaluate the gas velocity and temperature indirectly. In the present study, for internal flow, a methodology was introduced to estimate the temperature recovery factor numerically based on the total and bulk temperature for both laminar and turbulent flow regions in a microtube. The numerical simulations are based on the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method. The compressible momentum and energy equations for an ideal gas were solved to obtain the temperature recovery factor. To further validate the estimated values of the temperature recovery factor, experiments were conducted using stainless steel microtubes. The gas bulk temperature and Mach number that were determined by the temperature recovery factor were compared with the experimental results and they were in good agreement.

This research explores the dynamics of a fluidically loaded Bi-Material cantilever (B-MaC), a critical component of μPADs (microfluidic paper-based analytical devices) used in point-of-care diagnostics. Constructed from Scotch Tape and Whatman Grade 41 filter paper strips, the B-MaC’s behavior under fluid imbibition is examined. A capillary fluid flow model is formulated for the B-MaC, adhering to the Lucas–Washburn (LW) equation, and supported by empirical data. This paper further investigates the stress–strain relationship to estimate the modulus of the B-MaC at various saturation levels and to predict the behavior of the fluidically loaded cantilever. The study shows that the Young’s modulus of Whatman Grade 41 filter paper drastically decreases to approximately 20 MPa (about 7% of its dry-state value) upon full saturation. This significant decrease in flexural rigidity, in conjunction with the hygroexpansive strain and coefficient of hygroexpansion (empirically deduced to be 0.008), is essential in determining the B-MaC’s deflection. The proposed moderate deflection formulation effectively predicts the B-MaC’s behavior under fluidic loading, emphasizing the measurement of maximum (tip) deflection using interfacial boundary conditions for the B-MaC’s wet and dry regions. This knowledge of tip deflection will prove instrumental in optimizing the design parameters of B-MaCs.

This work presents a dynamic modeling approach for analyzing the behavior of a bi-material cantilever actuator structure, consisting of a strip of filter paper bonded to a strip of tape. The actuator’s response is induced by a mismatch strain generated upon wetting, leading to the bending of the cantilever. The study delves into a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic deflection characteristics of the bilayer structure. It untangles the intricate connections among the saturation, modulus, hygro-expansion strain, and deflection, while uniquely addressing the challenges stemming from fluid–structure coupling. To solve the coupled fluid–solid differential equations, a combined numerical method is employed. This involves the application of the Highly Simplified Marker and Cell (HSMAC) technique for fluid flow analysis and the Finite Difference Method (FDM) for response deflection computation. In terms of the capillary flow model, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations closely align with the classical Washburn relationship, depicting the wetted front’s evolution over time. Furthermore, the numerical findings demonstrate that heightened saturation levels trigger an increase in hygro-expansion strain, consequently leading to a rapid rise in response deflection until a static equilibrium is achieved. This phenomenon underscores the pivotal interplay among saturation, hygro-expansion strain, and deflection within the system. Additionally, the actuator’s response sensitivity to material characteristics is highlighted. As the mismatch strain evolving from paper hygro-expansion diminishes, a corresponding reduction in the axial strain causes a decrease in response deflection. The dynamic parameter demonstrates that the deflection response of the bilayer actuator diminishes as dynamic pressure decreases, reaching a minimal level beyond which further changes are negligible. This intricate correlation underscores the device’s responsiveness to specific material traits, offering prospects for precise behavior tuning. The dependence of paper modulus on saturation levels is revealed to significantly influence bilayer actuator deflection. With higher saturation content, the modulus decreases, resulting in amplified deflection. Finally, strong concordance is observed among the present fluidically coupled model, the static model, and empirical data—a testament to the accuracy of the numerical formulation and results presented in this study.

The novel paper-based Bi-Material Cantilever (B-MaC) valve allows the autonomous loading and control of multiple fluid reagents which contributes to the accurate operation of paper-based microfluidic devices utilized for biological and chemical sensing applications. In this paper, an extensive parametric study is presented to evaluate the effects of key geometric parameters of the valve, such as paper direction, cantilever width, paper type, tape type, and sample volume, in addition to the effects of relative humidity and temperature on the functionality of the B-MaC and to provide a better understanding of the rate of fluid flow and resulting deflection of the cantilever. Machine direction, cantilever width, paper type, and tape type were found to be important parameters that affect the B-MAC’s activation time. It was also observed that the rate of fluid imbibition in the B-MaC is considerably affected by change in humidity for high (55 °C) and low (25 °C) temperatures, while humidity levels have no significant effect during imbibition in the B-MaC at an ambient temperature of 45 °C. It was also found that a minimum distance of 4 mm is required between the B-MaC and the stationary component to prevent accidental activation of the B-MaC prior to sample insertion when relative humidity is higher than 90% and temperature is lower than 35 °C. The rate of fluid imbibition that determines the wetted length of the B-MaC and the final deflection of the cantilever are critical in designing and fabricating point-of-care microfluidic paper-based devices. The B-MaC valve can be utilized in a fluidic circuit to sequentially load several reagents, in addition to the sample to the detection area.

In this paper, we report a simple and inexpensive paper-based microfluidic device for detecting nitrate in water. This device incorporates two recent developments in paper-based technology suitable for nitrate detection and has an optimized microfluidic design. The first technical advancement employed is an innovative fibrous composite material made up of cotton fibers and zinc microparticles that can be incorporated in paper-based devices and results in better nitrate reduction. The second is a detection zone with an immobilized reagent that allows the passage of a larger sample volume. Different acids were tested—citric and phosphoric acids gave better results than hydrochloric acid since this acid evaporates completely without leaving any residue behind on paper. Different microfluidic designs that utilize various fluid control technologies were investigated and a design with a folding detection zone was chosen and optimized to improve the uniformity of the signal produced. The optimized design allowed the device to achieve a limit of detection and quantification of 0.53 ppm and 1.18 ppm, respectively, for nitrate in water. This accounted for more than a 40% improvement on what has been previously realized for the detection of nitrate in water using paper-based technology.

With the technological advancements in electronics, thermal management is becoming a concern that considerably affects the performance of electronic parts and systems, and two-phase immersion cooling is attracting attention due to its preferable cooling capacity. In immersion cooling, heat is dissipated by boiling that occurs on hot surfaces immersed in coolants. Therefore, it is essential to investigate boiling towards the realization and optimization of immersion cooling. Extensive studies have been carried out in terms of boiling heat transfer, e.g., bubble dynamics, heat transfer mechanisms, and critical heat flux, which convincingly indicate that boiling heat transfer greatly depends on surface characteristics and liquid properties as well as interactions between surfaces and liquids. As a consequence, many technologies have been applied to tailor-made or engineered surfaces to achieve an enhancement in boiling. Accordingly, this chapter will concentrate on technologies that produce thin film coatings on target surfaces, like CPU and memories in electronics, enabling high-efficient boiling performance and having good compatibility with electronics. Specifically, the chapter will be organized mainly with the following sections: introduction, fundamentals of boiling, coating technologies for boiling enhancement, and exploration of the enhancement mechanism. Through this work, it is expected to provide general insights into boiling heat transfer and give suggestions regarding the future directions of boiling heat transfer research.

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have witnessed a great extent of innovation over the past decade, developing new components and materials assisting the diagnosis of different diseases and sensing of a wide range of biological, chemical, optical, and electrochemical phenomena. The novel paper-based cantilever (PBC) actuator is one the major components that allows autonomous loading and control of multiple fluid reagents required for the accurate operation of paper-based microfluidic devices. This paper provides an extensive overview of numerical and experimental modeling of fluidically controlled PBC actuators for automation of the paper-based assay. The PBC model undergoing hygro-expansion utilizes quasi-static 2D fluid loaded structure governed by the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory for small and moderately large deflections. The solution for the model can avail the response of paper-based actuators for response deflection θ, within 0° to 10° under the assumption of insignificant cross-sectional deformation. The actuation of PBC obtained using a quasi-static theory shows that our results are consistent with quantitative experiments demonstrating the adequacy of models.

Paper-based microfluidic technology is a relatively new field of research that provides low-cost platforms and sensors for point-of-care diagnostics. While the majority of research in this field has been for biomedical applications, more and more paper-based devices and platforms are being designed and developed for environmental applications, such as water quality monitoring and assessment. One such application is the detection of nitrate in water samples. Colorimetric detection of nitrate by paper-based devices using the Griess assay requires the reduction of nitrate to nitrite before undergoing the reaction. In this paper, we measured the performance of a paper-based dip strip for detecting nitrate and nitrite by calculating its limit of detection and limit of quantification. We also calculated the reduction efficiency of vanadium (III) chloride in the dip strip for detecting nitrate. Our results show that the reduction time of nitrate via vanadium (III) chloride is much longer than that when using zinc microparticles. Our results also show that the performance of the dip strip using vanadium (III) chloride for nitrate detection is not as good as more intricate paper-based devices that have a separate reaction zone with zinc microparticles. The limits of detection and quantification calculated were 3.352 and 7.437 ppm, and the nitrate reduction efficiency varied over the range of nitrate concentrations tested.

 Abstract — Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant life which is most frequently found as phosphate in water. Once phosphate is found in abundance in surface water, a series of adverse effects on an ecosystem can be initiated. Therefore, a portable and reliable method is needed to monitor the phosphate concentrations in the field. In this paper, an inexpensive dip strip device with the ascorbic acid/antimony reagent dried on blotting paper along with wet chemistry is developed for the detection of low concentrations of phosphate in water. Ammonium molybdate and sulfuric acid are separately stored in liquid form so as to improve significantly the lifetime of the device and enhance the reproducibility of the device’s performance. The limit of detection and quantification for the optimized device are 0.134 ppm and 0.472 ppm for phosphate in water, respectively. The device’s shelf life, storage conditions, and limit of detection are superior to what has been previously reported for the paper-based phosphate detection devices.

Paper-based microfluidic technology is a relatively new field of research that provides low-cost platforms and sensors for point-of-care diagnostics. While the majority of research in this field has been for biomedical applications, more and more paper-based devices and platforms are being designed and developed for environmental applications such as water quality monitoring and assessment. One such application is the detection of nitrate in water samples. Colorimetric detection of nitrate by paper-based devices using the Griess assay requires the reduction of nitrate to nitrite before undergoing the reaction. In this paper, we measured the performance of a paper-based dip strip for detecting nitrate and nitrite by calculating its limit of detection and limit quantification. We also calculated the reduction efficiency of vanadium (III) chloride in the dip strip for detecting nitrate. Our results show that the reduction time of nitrate via vanadium (III) chloride is much longer than that when using zinc microparticles. Our results also show that the performance of the dip strip using vanadium (III) chloride for nitrate detection is not as good as more intricate paper-based devices that have a separate reaction zone with zinc microparticles. The limits of detection and quantification calculated were 3.352 ppm and 7.437 ppm and the nitrate reduction efficiency varied over the range of nitrate concentrations tested.