Permanganate in Water - DIY Test

What is permanganate and why is it found in water?

The most commonly used permanganate compound. It is known for its deep purple color and oxidizing properties.

Potassium permanganate is often used in water treatment for various reasons: it is used to oxidize and break down organic contaminants, heavy metals, algae, and odors, but it can also be used as a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms due to its oxidizing properties. Permanganate can also be found in wastewater from certain industries where it is used for specific processes.

Why test the permanganate level in your water?

At high concentrations, permanganate can be toxic to humans. It can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingesting permanganate can cause gastrointestinal problems and tissue damage. Prolonged or high-dose exposure can cause more serious effects, such as liver and kidney damage.

High permanganate levels can affect the taste and odor of water, making it unpleasant to drink. When using permanganate for water treatment, it is crucial to monitor residues and reaction byproducts to ensure they do not exceed safe levels.

How do you test permanganate with a photometer?

The kit shown here contains 100 test strips, allowing you to perform 100 tests. You can easily perform these tests yourself at home using one of these photometers from the eXact range: iDip, Micro20, Micro20 without Bluetooth.

Testing procedure with the iDip photometer

It is very simple to use:

1. Open the app on your mobile phone and turn on the photometer.

2. Add water to the tester's designated cell.

3. Place the test strip in the water for 20 seconds.

4. View the result directly on the photometer. This result is automatically saved on your phone.

This water testing system is fast, reliable, modern, expandable, and comprehensive. It is THE most accessible system.

Procedure with the Micro 20 photometer

	Remove a test strip from the container before starting the test. Place it somewhere dry and easy to reach, and immediately close the container.
	Turn on the photometer by pressing the ON/ZERO button. The screen will show all indicators, then the selected menu, then the most recent results.
	Press the SELECT button repeatedly to choose group 6. Then press the MENU button repeatedly to select the test parameter: PM. (You will find all this information in a table in the user manual supplied with the device.)
	Next, rinse the test cell at least 3 times with the water you are going to test (to reduce the risk of cross-contamination from your previous test). Finally, completely fill the small cell with the water to be tested.
	Press the ON/ZERO button. The cursor will move across the screen before it displays 0.00PM. This indicates that the sample is ready to be tested.
	Dip the appropriate test strip into the small cell and immediately press the READ button. This will start a countdown. During the countdown, gently move the test strip back and forth (about 1 back-and-forth motion per second). As soon as the "1" disappears from the screen, remove the test strip.
	The cursor will move across the screen while the photometer prepares the test results. Record the value displayed for the parameter. This value is automatically saved in the MENU, and if you use the exact iDip app, the results will be saved in its "RESULTS" section. After the test, rinse the cell and clean it with the small brush.