Trace Arsenic Screening for Water, Food & Beverages
The ChemSee AJ-LOW trace arsenic detector is designed for rapid colorimetric screening of low levels of arsenic in water and selected food and beverage samples. The detector produces a visible grey/brown color response when arsenic is detected and is designed to screen concentrations as low as approximately 1 part per billion (ppb).
1 ppb Detection
The AJ-LOW series is designed for lower-level arsenic screening, with a stated detection range of approximately 1–100 ppb.
Visual Response
A positive test produces a visible grey to brown color response on the indicator. Results are interpreted using the supplied instructions and reference information.
All Sample Types
The AJ-LOW series can be used for drinking water and selected food and beverage applications. Specific sample preparation depends on the material being tested.
Need elevated-level arsenic screening instead? For situations involving suspected higher arsenic concentrations or intentional contamination, see the AJ-05 Arsenic Detector →
Purchase Trace Arsenic Detectors
Select the appropriate AJ-LOW configuration and quantity for your testing application. Each package includes the detector components, sample-transfer materials and full-color instructions.
AJ-LOW Arsenic Detectors
Price range: $19.95 through $98.00
Trace Arsenic Applications
The AJ-LOW series is intended for applications where lower arsenic concentrations are important.
Water Screening
Screen drinking water and other suitable water samples for trace arsenic concentrations.
The AJ-LOW series is designed to detect arsenic concentrations below the current U.S. EPA drinking-water standard of 10 ppb.
Food & Beverage Screening
Applications may include selected foods and beverages such as juices, grains and other products where trace arsenic may be present naturally or through environmental exposure.
AJ-LOW-WN Applications
The AJ-LOW-WN configuration is intended for selected food and beverage matrices requiring application-specific sample preparation, including products such as wine and beer.
How the Trace Arsenic Detector Works
The sample is prepared according to the instructions for the applicable AJ-LOW configuration, exposed to the detector chemistry and evaluated by the resulting color response.
Grey / Brown Indicates Arsenic
Before use, the AJ-LOW indicator has a light appearance. When arsenic is detected under the conditions of the test, a grey to brown color develops.
The strength and appearance of the response should be interpreted according to the supplied product instructions.
No electronic reader is required for the visual screening result.
Important: Sample composition, preparation and other matrix effects can influence colorimetric testing. Always follow the instructions supplied for the particular AJ-LOW detector and sample type being tested.
U.S. & EU Arsenic Reference Levels
The AJ-LOW series operates in a concentration range that overlaps several U.S. and European arsenic reference levels. These values are provided as context for understanding trace-level screening applications.
U.S. Reference Levels
| Application | Level |
|---|---|
|
EPA Drinking Water Total arsenic maximum contaminant level |
10 ppb |
|
FDA Apple Juice Inorganic arsenic action level |
10 ppb |
|
FDA Infant Rice Cereal Inorganic arsenic action level |
100 ppb |
EU Reference Levels
| Application | Level |
|---|---|
|
Drinking Water Arsenic parametric value |
10 µg/L |
|
Fruit Juice & Nectars Maximum inorganic arsenic level |
20 ppb |
|
Rice-Based Drinks Maximum inorganic arsenic level |
30 ppb |
|
Infant / Young-Child Rice Maximum inorganic arsenic level |
100 ppb |
Regulatory context: These values are provided as reference points only. FDA food action levels and the EU food maximum levels shown above apply specifically to inorganic arsenic. The AJ-LOW is a screening detector and should not be represented as an arsenic-speciation method or as a substitute for certified laboratory analysis when formal regulatory compliance is required.
Regulatory sources:
U.S. EPA Drinking Water •
FDA Apple Juice •
FDA Infant Rice Cereal •
EU Drinking Water Directive •
EU Regulation 2023/915
AJ-LOW Features & Package Contents
Detector Features
- Trace-level colorimetric arsenic screening
- Approximate 1–100 ppb detection range
- Visible grey / brown positive response
- No electronic reader required for visual interpretation
- Suitable for home or field screening applications
- Application-specific configurations for selected sample types
Package Contents
- AJ-LOW-01 / AJ-LOW-WN detection vial(s)
- Detection powder, reagent and cap
- Sample filter
- Sample-transfer pipette
- Full-color instructions
Package contents may vary slightly by detector configuration and quantity selected.
Trace vs. Elevated Arsenic
Trace-Level Arsenic
Choose the AJ-LOW series when the application requires screening at low arsenic concentrations, including drinking-water and selected food or beverage applications.
Approximate range: 1–100 ppb
Elevated-Level Arsenic
Choose the AJ-05 when the concern is a significantly elevated arsenic level, including possible intentional contamination of food or beverages.
Approximate threshold: 500 ppb
Rapid Screening — Not Lab Quantification
The AJ-LOW series is designed for rapid colorimetric screening of trace arsenic in suitable samples. The visual result provides an indication of arsenic under the conditions of the test; it is not a substitute for certified laboratory analysis when an exact regulatory concentration, arsenic-speciation result or formal compliance determination is required.
ChemSee also offers mail-in sample testing for customers who prefer professional analysis of a submitted sample.
Questions About Trace Arsenic Testing?
Contact ChemSee if you are unsure which AJ-LOW configuration is appropriate for your sample or whether trace-level, elevated-level or mail-in arsenic testing best fits your needs.