A METHOD FOR ARSENIC LEVEL DETERMINATION AND A DEVICE FOR ARSENIC REDUCTION IN DRINKING-WATER

A method of non-flame atomic absorption spectrometry for total arsenic concentration at trace level in liquid samples by the hydrides genera tion technique was developed. Separation of arsenic from liquid sample s was done by reduction of samples using stanochloride. Argon was used as supporting gas. The detection limit in this method was 1 ppb. The method was checked on water samples taken from water-supply wells by d etermination of total arsenic level. The interfering influence of Au, Ag, Cu, Se and Fe on total arsenic concentration determination was als o examined. Laboratory and semi-industrial devices for quick filtratio n of dissolved arsenic from well water were constructed. Single- and d ouble-layer filters filled with quartz sand and anthracite with filtra tion speeds of 20 and 12 m(3)/h, respectively, were used. The average reduction of total arsenic concentration level of 42% was attained. (C ) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.