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The Hydrogen Sulphide Paper-strip Test: A Community-based Tool for Water Quality Monitoring

A low-cost alternative test for bacteria to reveal possible faecal contamination in drinking water which is simple and easy to interpret is the Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) paper-strip test. Hydrogen sulphide producing bacteria are associated with the presence of faecal contamination and may be used as indicator organisms for faecal contamination.




The test is well suited for monitoring drinking water systems in developing tropical countries, in remote field locations, and in disaster or emergency situations. There are five easy steps to follow:

1. Filling in the details

2. Collecting the control

3. Collecting the sample

4. Checking the results

5. Interpretation of results

The following report provides information on the scientific basis, manufacture and use of the H2S paper strip test in the Pacific Islands. In addition, suggestions are given on how the test could be utilised for rural, outer island and community-based water quality monitoring.

• A simple test for monitoring drinking water quality in the Pacific Islands