Quaternary Ammonium in Water - DIY Test

How can you test for quaternary ammonium in your water without a device?

This test strip is extremely easy to use.

Take a test strip and dip it into the water	After about twenty seconds, compare the strip's color with the scale on the back of the container.

The test strip result indicates whether your water contains: 0; 100; 150; 200; 250; 300; 350, 400 or 100 mg/l (or ppm) of quaternary ammonium.

How can you test for quaternary ammonium in your water with your eXact Micro 20 photometer?

	Remove a test strip from the container before starting the test. Leave it in a dry, easily accessible place, and close the container immediately.
	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 the group: the quaternary ammonium test belongs to group 6. Then press the MENU button repeatedly to select the test parameter: QA. (You will find all this information in a table in the user manual supplied with the device.
	Rinse the test cell at least 3 times with the water you will be testing (to reduce the risk of cross-contamination from your previous test). Finally, fill the small cell completely 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 strip back and forth (about 1 back-and-forth motion per second). As soon as the "1" disappears from the screen, remove the 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.

Everything you need to know about quaternary ammonium in water

Sources of quaternary ammonium in water

Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as QACs, are ammonium salts in which the four hydrogen atoms of ammonia (NH₄) have been replaced by organic groups.

Quaternary ammonium compounds are not natural compounds produced spontaneously in nature. They are synthesized in a laboratory by chemically modifying ammonia, a compound naturally present in the environment. Ammonia (NH₃) is a compound made up of nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H). The four hydrogen atoms of ammonia are replaced by organic groups to form quaternary ammonium salts.

Although quaternary ammonium compounds do not occur naturally in the environment, they can be introduced through various human activities, particularly through cleaning products, disinfectants, personal care products and pharmaceuticals. Because of their widespread use in these products, quaternary ammonium compounds may also be present in the environment as contaminants, particularly in surface water and wastewater, where they can affect aquatic plants and animals.

Effects of quaternary ammonium on the body

It is important to note that quaternary ammonium (QA) may pose potential health and environmental hazards. Here are a few points to consider:

• Skin and respiratory irritation : QA can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract when inhaled or in direct contact with the skin.
• Toxicity to aquatic organisms : QA can be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms if discharged in large quantities into waterways or aquatic ecosystems.
• Antimicrobial resistance : Excessive use of disinfectants containing this substance can promote the development of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, which can make antibacterial treatments less effective over time.
• Accumulation in the environment : Quaternary ammonium can accumulate in the environment, particularly in sediments in waterways and aquatic ecosystems, which can harm local plants and animals.