A rapid method for the determination of arsenic concentrations in urine at field locations

A colorimetric method for arsenic in urine utilizing a portable hood and requiring minimal laboratory facilities is described. Urine samples are combusted in a hot plate-oven with MgO and Mg(No3)2. Arsine is generated from the ashed product and passed into silver diethyldithio-carbamate in pyridine. Inorganic and organic arsenicals in urine at 0.03 ppm with 6% variation is detectable.