Copper (Soluble) Test Kits
Visual Kit
| Range | MDL | Method | Type | Test Kit | Refill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 - 1.0 & 1 - 10 ppm | 0.05 ppm | Bathocuproine | CHEMets | K-3510 | R-3510 |
Photometric Kit
| Range | Method | Type | Test Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 12.00 ppm (0 - 7.00 ppm Spectrophometer) | Bathocupoine | Vacu-vials | K-3503 |
CHEMetrics offers test kits employing the well-known Bathocuproine reagent to deliver sensitivity and accuracy within two minutes or less. Based on CHEMetrics patented Self-Filling Reagent Ampoule technology. Premixed. Premeasured. Precise. Each kit contains 30 tests.
Bathocuproine Method
CHEMetrics' test kits employ the bathocuproine reagent. Bathocuproine disulphonate forms an orange-coloured chelate with copper. The method measures total soluble copper as ppm (mg/l) Cu. The test kits are applicable for analysis of drinking water, surface waters, groundwater, wastewater and seawater.
Reference:
APHA Standard Methods, 22nd ed., Method 3500-Cu C - 1999.
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Technical Data Sheet |
Applications
Copper is used in many industrial systems on account of its heat and electrical conducting properties and being a soft, malleable metal, e.g. piping and heat exchangers. As pipes corrode, more copper will leach into the water. This is a major concern within condensate and heat exchanger systems. Measuring copper is therefore useful for monitoring corrosion of copper pipes.
Historically, copper sulphate-based pesticides, such as algicides, bactericides or fungicides were commonly applied to ponds and water supplies, however environmental professionals now discourage its indiscriminate use. It is still used in organic farming. The Soil Association in the UK permits the use of copper fungicides for certified organic crops only if there is a major threat to crops.
Copper levels in domestic water supplies may also originate from copper pipes and fittings. Copper may cause blue/green staining on sanitary fittings, and excessive levels can result in a metallic taste. While absorption of a small amount of copper into the human body is necessary to be healthy, too much can cause illness. The Directive Prescribed Concentration or Value (PCV) for copper in drinking water in UK and Ireland is 2.0 mg/l. The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) set by the USEPA for copper in drinking water is 1.3 mg/l.
What is Copper?
Copper (Cu) is a group 11 metal in the periodic table, and is pink-orange in colour. Copper had 3 main oxidation states, +1, +2 and +3, although +3 is less common. These are Cu (I), Cu (II) and Cu (III) respectively. Copper is one of few native metals that is found in nature in its elemental form. It is a naturally occurring metal in the earth’s crust and in seawater. It can enter water through natural as well as industrial processes.