The Gutzeit test is a method used to detect the presence of dissolved mercury in water. It is pronounced as /ɡuːt.saɪt tɛst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part, "Gutzeit," is spelled with a "g" followed by a "u" that is pronounced as a long "u" sound /uː/. The second syllable "zeit" is spelled with a "z" and a "e" that is pronounced as a long "a" /eɪt/. This test is commonly used in environmental monitoring to measure mercury levels in water bodies.
Gutzeit test refers to a common laboratory method used for the qualitative detection of the concentration of arsenic in substances, typically in solutions or solid samples. Named after the German chemist Friedrich Gutzeit, the test involves a reaction between the sample and a reagent containing silver nitrate that has been impregnated onto filter paper. This reagent is specifically sensitive to arsenic compounds, making it suitable for screening purposes.
To conduct the Gutzeit test, a small amount of the sample is placed in a test tube along with the silver nitrate-impregnated filter paper. The test tube is tightly sealed and heated, causing the sample to sublimate and react with the silver nitrate on the filter paper. If the sample contains arsenic compounds, a brick-red or brownish stain will appear on the filter paper after heating, indicating the presence of the toxic element.
The Gutzeit test is considered a preliminary screening method due to its simplicity and low cost. However, it only provides qualitative results, indicating the presence or absence of arsenic, rather than quantifying its concentration. Therefore, further analytical techniques are needed for precise measurements.
This test has found application in various fields, including environmental monitoring, forensic science, and industrial processes involving potential arsenic exposure. It is particularly valuable in detecting arsenic in natural waters, biological samples, and suspected poisoning cases, helping to identify potentially toxic substances and protect human health.
The word "Gutzeit test" is derived from the name of Friedrich Gutzeit, a German chemist who developed the test in the 1880s.