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Sulfide Test Kits

K-9510 Sulfide Test Kit And A Vacu-vials Box

What is Sulfide?

Sulfide (or ‘sulphide’ in some regions) is an anion of sulfur with the chemical formula S2-.  The term “sulfide” commonly refers to chemical compounds containing the S2- ion as well as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Sulfides are naturally present in ground water as a result of leaching from sulfur-containing mineral deposits and decomposition of organic matter. Hydrogen sulfide is also formed in groundwater under anaerobic conditions due to the reduction of sulfur and sulfate by sulfur-reducing bacteria.  Hydrogen sulfide contamination is particularly prevalent in potable water sourced from wells dug into shale or sandstone. Sulfides can also be produced in water heaters from sulfate or sulfur reducing bacteria in the source water. Sulfide levels in surface waters are typically low. High concentrations are often indicative of groundwater intrusion or pollution resulting from industrial waste or sewage. Hydrogen sulfide is often present in industrial wastewater from petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants.

Why Test for Hydrogen Sulfide in Water?

Testing for hydrogen sulfide in water is common as even low concentrations emit a rotten egg smell and can cause dark stains on silverware or metal plumbing fixtures. Hydrogen sulfide is also corrosive to copper, iron, and steel which can lead to costly maintenance.

Biogenic sulfide corrosion is initiated by Thiobacillus bacteria which oxidize hydrogen sulfide to sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This corrosion shortens the operating lifespan of Industrial wastewater influent is analyzed for sulfide to determine proper treatment regime, and effluent is tested prior to discharge to ensure that treatment was effective. Whether water treaters are evaluating industrial, residential, commercial or municipal infrastructure, their top priority is to identify the source of contamination so the system can be treated properly.

Since hydrogen sulfide readily escapes as a gas from water, sample preservation is necessary upon collection. If preservation is not possible, the sample should be analyzed immediately using a field test kit.

About Our Sulfide Test Kits

CHEMetrics visual sulfide test kits feature CHEMets® then compare to the supplied color standards to determine the concentration. For higher concentrations VACUettes® test kits are available and operate on the same technology.

CHEMetrics also offers instrumental hydrogen sulfide testing kits featuring self-filling Vacu-vials® ampoule technology. The 13mm ampoules are compatible with most photometers or spectrophotometers.

Click on a catalog number in the tables below for more information or to purchase a test for hydrogen sulfide in water.

Visual Kits

Range MDL Method Kit Catalog No. Refill Catalog No.
0-1 & 1-10 ppm 0.05 ppm Methylene Blue K-9510 R-9510
0-30 & 30-300 ppm 2 ppm Methylene Blue K-9510D R-9510D
0-60 & 60-600 ppm 4 ppm Methylene Blue K-9510A R-9510A
0-120 & 120-1200 ppm 7.5 ppm Methylene Blue K-9510B R-9510B
0-1200 & 1200-12,000 ppm 75 ppm Methylene Blue K-9510C R-9510C

Instrumental Kits

Range Method Kit Catalog No.
V-2000 & V-3000: 0-3.00 ppm / Spec: 0-1.00 ppm Methylene Blue K-9503
0-6.00 ppm Methylene Blue K-9523

The Methylene Blue Method

References: USEPA Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, Method 376.2 (1983). APHA Standard Methods, 23rd ed., Method 4500-S2 D-2000.CHEMetrics test kits measure total acid soluble sulfides and employ the methylene blue methodology. Sulfides react with dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine in the presence of ferric chloride to produce methylene blue. Results are expressed as ppm (mg/L) S.