Surveying Iodine Nutrition Using Kinetic Spectrophotometry: An Integrative Laboratory Experiment in Analytical Chemistry for Population Health

New experiments for undergraduate students are needed to stimulate experiential learning in the laboratory while providing valuable training for future career development. Iodine deficiency remains a major public health concern that is monitored by measuring the median urinary iodide concentration of a population. In this context, we have introduced a kinetic spectrophotometric experiment based on the classic Sandell–Kolthoff reaction for second-year undergraduate students in analytical chemistry. This two-day laboratory experiment incorporates principles of quantitative chemical analysis, redox chemistry, reaction kinetics, optical spectroscopy, sample pretreatment, external calibration, method validation, statistical analysis, and quality assurance. Additionally, students gain real-world experience of implementation of a reliable analytical method used in global health initiatives to combat iodine deficiency, including participation in a round-robin study with the CDC. This colorimetric assay is widely used for continuous monitoring of mandatory iodized table salt programs to prevent the risk of iodine deficiency disorders, including developmental delays and intellectual impairment in children.