RAPID TEST DETERMINATION OF MANGANESE IN POTABLE WATER

A rapid test is proposed for the semiquantitative determination of man ganese in potable water with the use of an indicator paper containing dyes (Malachite Green and Rhodamine 6G), an oxidizing agent (potassium periodate), promoting and masking agents, ingredients of buffer mixtu res, and compounds improving the quality of the indicator zone. In the course of analysis, the time lapse was measured, after which the colo r of the indicator zone was changed because of the oxidation of Malach ite Green by potassium periodate with Mn(II) acting as a catalyst. The detection limit is found to be 0.03 mg/L, which is two orders of magn itude lower than that obtained using the rapid test for manganese prop osed previously and 2.5-fold lower than the maximum permissible concen tration (MPG) of this element in potable water. When Mn is analyzed wi thin the concentration range 0.03-0.5 mg/L, systematic errors are abse nt and the relative standard deviation is found to be lower than 25%. For the rapid test proposed, the experimental frequencies of detection give a reasonable fit to a normal distribution.