Did you know that cyanide is one of the most commonly used chemicals in the world? Its widespread use and highly reactive nature increases the potential for cyanide to enter the environment. At CARO, we most commonly get requests for cyanide testing from mining clients and environmental consultants working on sites where they are worried about cyanide from manufacturing, combustion and other sources.
We have recently validated new instrumentation for the testing of cyanide that dramatically increases our ability to provide you with the most accurate results for all species of cyanide in water and soil. But first…
Cyanide is a highly poisonous ion consisting of carbon and nitrogen atoms with triple covalent bonds (CN–). Cyanide binds with the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase. This complex inhibits cellular respiration and energy production, resulting in cytotoxic hypoxia affecting the central nervous system and heart. Death can result from exposure to high concentrations.
Due to its high reactivity, cyanide readily forms metal-cyanide complexes and other organic compounds. From an analytical perspective, cyanide is typically categorized as follows:
Exposure can occur via inhalation, drinking water, eating food, and touching contaminated soil. The chemical composition of cyanide in environmental samples is affected by pH, temperature, trace metal content and the presence of compounds containing sulfur.
Our new, fully automated, state of the art CNSolutionTM 3100 system employs in-line UV digestion, a gas diffusion membrane and an extremely sensitive amperometric detector. This replaces our laborious manual distillation and colorimetric technique.
This methodology is relatively new and is now fully approved by the US EPA. ASTM International has published the following reference methods that are the basis of CARO’s offerings:
We have the expertise to analyze cyanide in air, soil, and water. Please contact us for information on sampling protocols, provision of containers, pricing, and any other questions you may have. We are always happy to help!
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Whitehorse, YT, Y1A0A8, Canada,
Victoria, V8T 1Y9, BC, Canada