Testonic® Arsenic Test Kit is designed for the practical determination of arsenic (As) in water samples. It helps monitor arsenic levels in well water, groundwater, drinking water sources, and process water.
Using a color-comparison test based on the Gutzeit method, the kit allows arsenic to be checked without specialized laboratory instruments. The color developed on the arsenic indicator filter is compared with the supplied reference chart to read the result in µg/L (ppb).
It provides a practical screening solution for routine water-source monitoring, comparing well-water samples, and checking changes before and after water treatment.
Why Is Arsenic Testing Important?
Arsenic can occur naturally in certain groundwater sources without causing noticeable changes in the water's appearance, odor, or taste. Monitoring arsenic is therefore particularly important when assessing well-water quality. Regular testing helps identify changes in water sources and determine when further laboratory analysis may be needed.
Arsenic Testing in 3 Simple Steps
- Prepare the Sample: Add 10 mL of the water sample to the special test vessel.
- Perform the Test: Add the kit reagents in the sequence specified in the instruction manual. Position the sulfide filter and arsenic indicator filter in the designated parts of the test assembly.
- Read the Result: Keep the assembly closed and wait 15 minutes. Compare the color developed on the upper arsenic indicator filter with the supplied color chart.
Important: Toxic gas may be generated during the test. Perform the analysis only in a fume hood or under the appropriate outdoor conditions described in the instruction manual. Never inhale the generated gas.
Package Contents
- Arsenic Test Solution A
- Granular reagent
- Arsenic Test Solution B
- Special glass test assembly
- Arsenic indicator filters
- Sulfide filters
- Arsenic color chart
- Instruction manual
Testonic® Arsenic Test Kit is designed for the color-comparison determination of arsenic (As) in water samples. It can be used to monitor arsenic in well water, groundwater, drinking water sources, and industrial process water.
The special glass test assembly and reference color chart allow arsenic levels to be evaluated within a 5–100 µg/L (ppb) range without an additional analytical instrument.
5–100 µg/L (ppb) As
Gutzeit – Visual color comparison
Approx. 15 minutes
Approx. 50 tests
Analytical Principle
The analysis is based on the Gutzeit method. Arsenic present in the water sample is converted into a gaseous form through a reaction with the kit reagents. The generated gas passes through the filters in the special test assembly and produces a color change on the arsenic indicator filter in the upper section.
The lower sulfide filter helps reduce potential interference from sulfur-containing compounds. The upper arsenic indicator filter is used to determine the arsenic level. Both filters must be positioned as specified in the instructions.
The color developed on the arsenic filter is compared with the reference chart. This is a semi-quantitative, color-step measurement, rather than a continuously reading instrumental analysis.
Applications
- Well water and groundwater: On-site screening of arsenic levels.
- Drinking water sources: Preliminary assessment of water sources requiring arsenic monitoring.
- Water treatment systems: Comparison of samples collected before and after treatment.
- Industrial processes: Practical screening of water samples where arsenic monitoring is required.
How to Perform the Test
Place 10 mL of the water sample into the clean test vessel. Prepare the reagents as instructed in the manual.
Add 5 drops of Solution A, 1 micro-spoon of granular reagent, and 10 drops of Solution B in the specified order. Position the sulfide filter in the lower section and the arsenic filter in the upper section, then close the assembly.
Gently shake the assembly as directed and wait 15 minutes. Compare the color developed on the upper arsenic indicator filter with the supplied reference chart.
Safety: The reaction may generate arsine (AsH3), an extremely toxic gas. Perform the test in a fume hood or under the appropriate outdoor conditions specified in the manual. Keep all connections tightly closed, never inhale the gas, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Arsenic (As) |
| Analytical Method | Gutzeit method, visual color comparison |
| Measuring Range | 5–100 µg/L (ppb) |
| Color Chart | 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µg/L |
| Sample Volume | 10 mL |
| Test Time | 15 minutes |
| Test Capacity | Approx. 50 tests |
| Storage Temperature | 8–24 °C |
Interpretation of Results
The arsenic level is determined by matching the color on the upper indicator filter to the closest reference step. The chart includes 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µg/L.
In dilute water samples, 1 µg/L is approximately equivalent to 1 ppb. For example, 20 µg/L arsenic corresponds to approximately 20 ppb or 0.020 mg/L.
The World Health Organization (WHO) specifies a provisional guideline value of 10 µg/L for arsenic in drinking water. This provides an important reference when assessing water quality. However, a visual test-kit result alone cannot establish that water is safe to drink or complies with applicable regulations. Results close to a limit or indicating elevated arsenic should be confirmed by a qualified laboratory when necessary.
Reference: World Health Organization – Arsenic.
Related Water Analyses
Arsenic results can be considered alongside other water-quality measurements when evaluating a water source.
| Arsenic (As) | Monitoring arsenic levels |
| Iron (Fe) | Evaluating groundwater characteristics and treatment processes |
| pH | Monitoring water acidity and alkalinity |
Important Notes
- Position the arsenic indicator filter above the sulfide filter.
- Compare the color only after the specified reaction time.
- Blackening of the lower sulfide filter may indicate the presence of sulfur-containing compounds.
- Keep the test assembly tightly closed throughout the reaction.
- Perform the analysis only under appropriate gas-control and ventilation conditions.
- Dispose of used reagents and filters according to applicable chemical-waste procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
It provides a visual assessment of arsenic levels in water samples within a range of 5–100 µg/L.
Yes. Well water and groundwater are among the main applications of the kit.
The color developed on the upper arsenic filter is compared with the five-step reference color chart.
The instruction manual specifies a 15-minute waiting period for the reaction and color development.
It helps reduce potential interference from sulfur-containing compounds in the sample.
No. The kit provides preliminary arsenic screening. A drinking-water safety assessment requires consideration of other water-quality parameters and, where necessary, confirmatory laboratory testing.
Yes. The reaction may produce extremely toxic gas. Follow all gas-control, ventilation, and safety instructions in the product manual.
For Drinking Water Production Facilities
Detects arsenic contamination in drinking water.
Pollution Monitoring and Water Quality Testing for Environmental and Wastewater Management
Analyzes arsenic contamination in drinking water and industrial water.
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