H2S Strip Test is ready to use simple device based on hydrogen sulphide indicator bacteria for carrying out bacteriological examination of drinking water. The Hydrogen Sulphide Paper Strip Method.
The Hydrogen Sulphide Paper Strip Method is an on site testing method for the microbial quality of drinking water and is based on the detection of hydrogen sulphide producing bacteria rather than the coliform bacteria. Human faeces contain a high concentration of sulphate reducing bacteria of up to 1010/g (Levett, 1993) and some of the enteric bacteria such as Salmonella, Proteus, Citrobacter and some strains of klebsiella, also produce hydrogen sulphide.
Sterilized paper strip treated with media is kept in sterilized glass bottle. The water sample is filled in the bottle and kept for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature (25oC to 35oC).
If bacteria are present in the sample, they produce hydrogen sulphide, which turns water sample black