Arsenic Test Kits Research Articles

Spatial pattern of arsenic concentration and associated noncarcinogenic health risk assessment: a case study on Gangni Union of Chuadanga district of Bangladesh

Groundwater is one of the world’s most important sources of fresh drinking water. Various contaminants mix with groundwater and alter its natural composition, such as arsenic. This study aimed to ascertain the present condition of arsenic concentration, its spatial pattern, and its relationship with tube well depth in the Gangni Union in the Chuadanga district of Bangladesh. Additionally, the study tried to assess the associated noncarcinogenic health risks imposed by oral ingestion of arsenic. Systematic sampling was used to collect water samples (n=100) along with depth information from the sample tube wells. Water samples were analyzed with the pre-calibrated Hach EZ, Dual-Range Arsenic Test Kit (Range: 0.00–0.5 mg/l). Both geostatistical (spatial autocorrelation, Hotspot analysis, and IDW) and statistical (descriptive and correlation statistics) methods were used. The resultant arsenic content of the samples tested ranges from 0.0004 (mg/l) to 0.10 (mg/l). Arsenic levels in almost 42% of the samples exceeded the WHO standard, 21% exceeded the Bangladesh standard, and 37% were within the tolerable standard. Geostatistical analysis shows that approximately 63% of the total area is arsenic contaminated. Furthermore, hotspot analysis reveals that the northeastern and southeastern parts of the study area are more arsenic-contaminated than the other parts. Noncarcinogenic health risk assessment shows that children have a higher average daily dose (ADD) range (8.33E-06-0.00181) than adults (2.78E-06-0.0006). Similarly, the hazard quotient (HQ) value is also higher for children (0.0277–6.033) than for adults (0.0092–2.011). The result of Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r (98) = − 0.7580, p = 0.000, shows a negative linear relationship between concentration values and depth, meaning that increasing depth will reduce arsenic contamination from tube well water.

Improved On-Site Characterization of Arsenic in Gypsum from Waste Plasterboards Using Smart Devices.

The impurities in waste plasterboards, a product of ethical demolition, are a serious problem for their recycling. Plasterboards, the wall materials used in old buildings, are often recycled into gypsum powder for various applications, including ground stabilization. However, this powder contains various chemical impurities from the original production process of the gypsum itself, and such impurities pose a risk of polluting the surrounding soil. Here, we present a simple method for verifying the presence of arsenic, a harmful element in recycled gypsum that is suitable for use at demolition sites. First, we developed a simple pretreatment method using a cation-exchange resin to dissolve insoluble gypsum suspended in water by exploiting a chemical equilibrium shift, and we estimated the quantity suitable for releasing the arsenic from arsenic-containing gypsum. This pretreated solution could then be tested with a conventional arsenic test kit by observing the color changes in the test paper using the image sensor of a smart device. This simple method could determine a wide range of arsenic quantities in the gypsum, which would be helpful for monitoring arsenic in recycled gypsum powder, thereby supporting the development of a safe circular economy for waste plasterboards.

Integrating the Gutzeit method with X-Ray fluorescence spectroscopy for rapid quantification of inorganic arsenic in selected beverages

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) in foods has raised significant concerns because it is carcinogenic to human beings. Herein, we integrated the Gutzeit method with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to measure iAs in selected beverages within 45 min. Briefly, iAs was firstly reduced to arsine under acidic conditions. Transformed arsine was then trapped on mercury bromide test discs and subsequently measured by XRF. Interference from dimethylarsinate on the test discs was minimized by an acetone rinsing step to a great extent. A standard curve with a linear range from 0 to 133.3 μg/L was established, and the limit of detection and quantification were 1.9 and 5.7 μg/L, respectively. This method was further evaluated with commercial beverages, and the results were compared with those from a commercial arsenic test kit and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. We demonstrated that this method is sensitive, reliable, fast, and comparatively cost-effective for use in iAs screening in the food industry.

Developing a Method to Remove Inorganic Arsenic from Rice with Natural Substances

Many developing nations struggle with arsenic (As) exposure due to the over-pumping of groundwater wells, which results in higher concentrations of As in agricultural systems. In Bangladesh, there has been an ongoing crisis of As-related health issues, such as heart disease and various cancers, primarily due to the consumption of As-contaminated water and rice. Prior research has mainly focused on removing As from water, but there has been little research on removing As from rice, even though rice contains dangerous amounts of As and Bangladeshis have a heavily rice-based diet. We focus on developing a method to remove inorganic As from rice using natural substances. We developed a method utilizing activated charcoal and bentonite clay to lower levels of As in rice using these natural substances. We adapted a procedure to use the Quick Sensafe Rapid Arsenic Test Kit to measure As before and after treatment while simulating cooking conditions. Activated charcoal was the most effective, as it was able to remove 75% of As when used alone. Therefore, this method could be utilized by countries like Bangladesh to lower As intake and incidences of As-related health issues.

Survey of arsenic contamination in white rice in Aceh

White rice as the major staple food for Indonesian people has the opportunity to be contaminated with chemical hazards. Research in the USA shows that arsenic is contained in rice. The arsenic emissions of 75% are estimated to originate from human activities, most of which are mining, fertilizers and pesticides. This study aims to determine qualitatively arsenic contamination of white rice consumed by Acehnese people and how to cook it. A total of 30 white rice samples were obtained from the Aceh Health Polytechnic of Ministry of Health employees who brought white rice for breakfast with the consideration that they come from various regions in Aceh. Arsenic analysis contamination in samples was carried out using arsenic test kits (brand: merckoquant). Using a test kit begins with standardization before being applied to the sample solution. Data collected is primary data, in the form of interviews using questionnaires about white rice cooking techniques and the results of analysis of arsenic contamination on white rice. The results showed that white rice consumed by the employees was safe from arsenic. This result confirms that the rice cooking technique in a household is feasible. Besides that the arsenic test was also carried out on white rice sold in stalls, the results were positive. This indicates that white rice is consumed by people in Aceh, there are those which are contaminated with arsenic. This study provides evidence that the contamination is still present in rice which has been processed into rice cooked, as a result of qualitative tests on white rice obtained from stalls. Arsenic contamination is not found in white rice processed in Aceh household.

Test for arsenic speciation in waters based on a paper-based analytical device with scanometric detection

A rapid, simple and affordable method for arsenic speciation analysis is described in this work. The proposed methodology involves in situ arsine generation, transfer of the volatile to the headspace and its reaction with silver nitrate at the detection zone of a paper-based analytical device (PAD). Thus, silver nitrate acts as a recognition element for arsine in the paper-based sensor. The chemical reaction between the recognition element and the analyte derivative results in the formation of a colored product which can be detected by scanning the detection zone and data treatment with an image processing and analysis program. Detection and injection zones were defined in the paper substrate by formation of hydrophobic barriers, thus enabling the formation of the volatile derivative without affecting the chemical stability of the recognition element present in the PAD. Experimental parameters influencing the analytical performance of the methodology, namely color mode detection, composition of the paper-based sensor and hydride generation and mass transfer conditions, were evaluated. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method showed limits of detection and quantification of 1.1 and 3.6 ng mL−1, respectively. Remarkably, the limit of detection of the method reported herein was much lower than the maximum contaminant levels set by both the World Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency for arsenic in drinking water, unlike several commercially available arsenic test kits. The repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation, was found to be 7.1% (n = 8). The method was validated against the European Reference Material ERM®-CA615 groundwater and successfully applied to the determination of As(III), As(V) and total inorganic As in different water samples. Furthermore, the method can be used for the screening analysis of total arsenic in waters when a cut-off level of 7 ng mL−1 is used.

Evaluation of an Arsenic Test Kit for Rapid Well Screening in Bangladesh

Exposure to arsenic in groundwater via drinking remains unabated for millions of villagers in Bangladesh. Since a blanket testing campaign using test kits almost a decade ago, millions of new wells have been installed but not tested; thus affordable testing is needed. The performance of the Arsenic Econo-Quick (EQ) kit was evaluated by blindly testing 123 wells in Bangladesh and comparing with laboratory measurements; 65 wells were tested twice. A subset of the same 123 wells was also tested using the Hach EZ kit in the field and the Digital Arsenator in the laboratory in Bangladesh. The EQ kit correctly determined the status of 110 (89%) and 113 (92%) out of 123 wells relative to the WHO guideline (10 μg/L) and the Bangladesh standard (50 μg/L), respectively. Relative to the WHO guideline, all misclassifications were underestimates for wells containing between >10 and 27 μg/L As. Relative to the Bangladesh As standard, over- and underestimates were evenly distributed. Given its short reaction time of 10 min relative to the Hach EZ and its lower cost compared to the Arsenator, the EQ kit appears to have several advantages for well testing in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

Socio-economic Status of Arsenicosis Symptomatic Patients in Santpur, Rautahat, Nepal

Introduction Arsenic contamination in drinking water has been one of the epidemics of the global concern including Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Objective The general objective of the study is to find out the prevalence of arsenicosis symptomatic patients and their socio-economic status in Santpur VDC, Rautahat District, Nepal. Methods The tools and techniques applied were the Questionnaires, Direct Observation, Interview, Arsenic Field Test Kit (ENPHO), Arsine Generator Method and Statistical Tools (c2-test at 95% confidence level). 124 people were examined from 36 risk households who used to drink water from 42 tube wells (some household had more than one tube well). Results The overall prevalence of arsenicosis symptomatic patients among the risk households of Santpur was found to be 15.3 percent (19 out of 124) with 84.21 percent Melanosis in trunk and 15.79 percent keratosis in sole and palm. The highest occurence was 22.8 percent (13 out of 57, c2=4.553, P 0.05) in the poor, 51.72 percent (15 out of 29, c2=152.792, P<0.05) in agricultural workers. All positive patients (19 out of 19, 100.0%) were above 40 years of age and had been drinking arsenic contaminated water for 1.5-25 years. Positive correlation (R2=0.9741) was found between ENPHO arsenic test kit and laboratory method. Conclusion Poor, illiterate and agricultural worker group people are found to be more exposed with arsenic. So the study recommends launching the long-term management strategy in the region which includes uplifting the socio-economic status of Terai people.

Arsenic test kit in medicinal plant products

The contamination of arsenic in medicinal plant products could be either intentional for alleged medicinal or accidental purposes. Arsenic test kit was developed on the basis of Gutzeit reaction that generates arsine gas which is then captured with silver nitrate. Quantitation of arsenic was done by comparison of the color of arsenic and silver nitrate with a developed standard arsenic color tab. Limit of detection of the test kit was 0.4 ppm that is below the 4 ppm-FDA allowable legal contamination in medicinal products of Thailand. The developed test kit was validated through an inter-laboratory comparison performed in 124 samples using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry as a conventional standard method. The result revealed acceptable percentage of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy that were 85.71, 86.46 and 86.29 respectively. Satisfaction of the test kit was also evaluated among the inter-laboratories. The data also showed the practical usefulness of test kit. In addition, concerning the test kit convenience, accessories and packaging 51.52% were also highly satisfied. The procedure time is only 7–10 minutes. Moreover, the kit shelf life was also evaluated. It could be kept both at room temperature and 4 oC for 6 and 12 months respectively. This Arsenic test kit is therefore appropriate to use for quality control by medicinal plant product manufacturers and for customer protection by responsible personnel from all public and private agencies.

Evaluation of Two New Arsenic Field Test Kits Capable of Detecting Arsenic Water Concentrations Close to 10 μg/L

Millions of people worldwide are exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. Arsenic field test kits may offer a cost-effective approach for measuring these exposures in the field, although the accuracy of some kits used in the past has been poor. In this study, arsenic concentrations were measured in 136 water sources in western Nevada using two relatively new arsenic test kits and compared to laboratory measurements using atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients comparing the Quick Arsenic and Hach EZ kits to laboratory measurements were 0.96 (p < 0.001) and 0.95 (p < 0.001), respectively. When analyzed in seven exposure categories (0-9, 10-19, 20-49, 50-99, 100-199, 200-499, and > or = 500 microg/L), test kit and AFS measurements were in the same category in 71% (Quick Arsenic) and 62% (Hach EZ) of samples, and within one category of each other in 99% (Quick Arsenic) and 97% (Hach EZ) of samples. Both kits identified all water samples with high arsenic concentrations (> 15 microg/L) as being above the United States Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water standard and the World Health Organization's guideline value for arsenic of 10 microg/L. These results suggestthatthese easily portable kits can be used to identify water sources with high arsenic concentrations and may provide an important tool for arsenic surveillance and remediation programs.