Dip-and-read test strips for the determination of trinitrotoluene (TNT) in drinking water

Abstract A test strip to quantify trinitrotoluene (TNT) in water has been developed using a homogenous apoenzyme reactivation immunoassay system (ARIS). In comparison with other test kits for the detection of TNT, the novel test strip is much simpler in application. The test strip has only to be dipped into the aqueous sample. A blue color develops on the reagent strips proportional to the TNT concentration. The concentration of TNT is determined either by visual comparison with a color card, or more precisely using a reflectometer. A measuring range of about 1–10,000 μg l−1 TNT in water was demonstrated. The reagent strips were prepared by sequential impregnation of a cellulose pad with two solutions, one based on acetone and the other based on aqueous buffer. All necessary components are included in the reagent strip in dry form.