A method for the determination of sulfide based on the addition reacti
on of sulfide with magenta at pH 7 and 25 degrees C is described. The
decrease in absorbance of magenta at 540 nm, its lambda(max), over. a
fixed time is proportional to the concentration of sulfide over the ra
nge of 25-2500 ng ml(-1). The limit of detection was found to be 15 ng
ml(-1). Ten replicate analysis of a sample solution containing 1.5 mu
g ml(-1) sulfide gave a relative standard deviation of 0.8%. The effe
cts of various cations and anions on sulfide determination have been r
eported and procedures for removal of interferences have been describe
d. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.