Rapid colorimetric beryllium detection method and kit

Abstract

A method and kit using a colorimetric test in which the presence of beryllium is indicated by a visible color change are disclosed herein. Advantageously, according to the embodiments, when a dye-containing substrate comes into contact with beryllium, the color change occurs almost instantaneously, enabling rapid, near real-time detection of beryllium without the use of complex instruments.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Description of research and / or development funded by the federal government. The U.S. Government has certain rights to this disclosure in accordance with contract number DE-NA0001942 between the USD Department of Energy and Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC.

[0002] Areas of this disclosure This disclosure generally relates to methods and kits for the detection of beryllium (Be). More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods and kits for the rapid colorimetric detection of beryllium. [Background technology]

[0003] Beryllium is a lightweight metal with many applications, particularly in fields such as communications, discovery, energy, transportation, defense, and security. However, beryllium is a toxic metal, and therefore exposure to it must be limited. For example, inhalation of beryllium powder can potentially cause serious lung disease and a significant decrease in respiratory capacity. Therefore, rapid detection of beryllium is crucial to minimize health risks.

[0004] However, to the inventor's knowledge, no real-time or near-real-time beryllium detection method like the one disclosed herein currently exists on the market, hindering the rapid and real-time identification of beryllium. The lack of real-time detection technology results in processing and shipping delays while waiting for smear results. For example, when cleaning parts or areas, workers often have to wait a day or more to obtain smear results, resulting in downtime and shipping delays. In addition, workers may over-clean and waste time and resources because they lack the ability to immediately detect beryllium.

[0005] Current state-of-the-art methods for beryllium detection include fluorescence methods. These methods require specialized laboratory instruments, reagents, and staff, and involve complex and time-consuming preparation procedures. Results are typically available 12–14 hours after sampling, but can sometimes take over 24 hours. Fluorescence methods can also suffer from interference in the presence of other metals. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, what is still needed in the art is a novel approach for the rapid, inexpensive, and field-deployable detection of beryllium. Embodiments of the present invention address these and other needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In various embodiments, this disclosure provides novel approaches for the rapid, inexpensive, and field-deployable detection of beryllium. According to embodiments, methods and kits are disclosed that utilize a colorimetric test in which the presence of beryllium is indicated by a visible color change. Advantageously, according to embodiments, the color change occurs almost instantaneously when a dye-containing substrate comes into contact with beryllium, enabling rapid, near real-time detection of beryllium without the use of complex instruments. Embodiments herein provide methods and kits for qualitative beryllium detection that can give operators high confidence in cleanliness results and significantly improve efficiency.

[0008] Accordingly, according to one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for rapidly detecting beryllium, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a substrate saturated with a dye solution of chromium azurole S (CAS) or eriocromecyanin R (ECR) to form a saturated substrate, wherein the dye solution may contain i) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and / or ii) gum arabic; b) applying an aqueous solution suspected to contain beryllium to the saturated substrate; and c) detecting a visible color change of the saturated substrate after application of the aqueous solution, where the detection limit is 0.002 micrograms, wherein the detection of any beryllium is obtained in less than about 1 minute. This method may include one or more of the following steps: quantifying the amount of beryllium detected using a colorimeter to obtain a numerical value not only for the presence or absence of beryllium but also for the color change; allowing (drying) the saturated substrate a) to be completely dried before applying the aqueous solution b); forming a completely dried substrate and then proceeding to b) or storing this completely dried substrate for more than 10 days before b); providing the saturated substrate a) in a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) before b); and adding at least one of a surfactant and a buffer to the dye solution a). The substrate may be at least one of cotton swatch, filter paper, filter felt, cotton swab, quilted cotton square, and other fabrics.

[0009] In another embodiment, the Disclosure provides a method for rapidly detecting beryllium, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a substrate saturated with a dye solution of chromium azurole S (CAS) or eriocromecyanin R (ECR) to form a saturated substrate, wherein the dye solution may also contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); b) wiping a solid surface suspected to contain beryllium with the saturated substrate; and c) spraying at least one of water, a dilute acid solution, or an ammonium hydrogen fluoride solution onto the saturated substrate after or before wiping in b) to dissolve the beryllium and, if beryllium is present at a concentration above the detection limit, obtaining a visible color change of the saturated substrate, wherein the detection limit is 0.002 micrograms, and the detection of any beryllium is obtained in less than about 1 minute. This method may further include one or more of the following steps: d) a step of quantifying the amount of beryllium present using a colorimeter to obtain a numerical value not only for the presence or absence of beryllium but also for the color change; b) a step of enabling the saturated substrate of a) to be completely dried before wiping the solid surface; a step of forming a completely dried substrate and storing this substrate for more than 10 days before b); and b) a step of providing the saturated substrate of a) in a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and adding at least one of a surfactant or buffer to the dye solution of a). The substrate may be at least one of cotton cloth, filter paper, filter felt, cotton swabs, quilted cotton scare and other fabrics.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the Disclosure provides a kit configured for rapid detection of beryllium on a solid surface or in an aqueous solution, comprising a substrate saturated with a dye solution of chromium azurole S (CAS) or eriocromecyanin R (ECR) forming a saturated substrate, wherein the dye solution may contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and the kit is configured such that an aqueous solution suspected to contain beryllium is applied to the substrate saturated with the dye solution, or a solid surface suspected to contain solid beryllium is wiped with the saturated substrate, the kit is configured to provide a visible color change on the saturated substrate a) when beryllium is present at a concentration above the detection limit, the detection limit being 0.002 micrograms, and the kit is configured to detect any beryllium in less than about 1 minute. The kit may further include a colorimeter configured to quantify the amount of beryllium present to obtain a numerical value for the color change as well as the presence or absence of beryllium. The substrate can be at least one of cotton cloth, filter paper, filter felt, cotton swabs, quilted cotton scare, and other fabrics. The saturated substrate can be configured to be completely dry and to be stored for more than 10 days before use. The saturated substrate in a) may contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The dye solution in a) may further contain at least one of a surfactant and a buffer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] This disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to various drawings, in which similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar article components / methods and processes as appropriate.

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a portable, handheld colorimeter for use in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows test strips of various saturated substrates according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the test strip preparation according to the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] To reiterate, this disclosure provides a novel approach for the rapid, inexpensive, and field-deployable detection of beryllium. According to embodiments, this specification discloses a method and kit using a colorimetric test in which the presence of beryllium is indicated by a visible color change. Advantageously, according to embodiments, the color change occurs almost instantaneously when a dye-containing substrate comes into contact with beryllium, enabling rapid, near real-time detection of beryllium without the use of complex instruments. Embodiments herein provide a method and kit for qualitative beryllium detection that can give operators high confidence in cleanliness results and significantly improve efficiency.

[0016] The embodiment utilizes a color reaction between beryllium and a specific dye to provide rapid, qualitative and / or quantitative results using a color indicator.

[0017] In one embodiment, a method for rapidly detecting beryllium comprises the steps of: a) preparing a substrate saturated with a dye solution of chromium azurole S (CAS) or eriocromecyanin R (ECR) to form a saturated substrate, wherein the dye solution may contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and / or gum arabic; b) adhering an aqueous solution suspected to contain beryllium to the saturated substrate; and c) detecting a visible color change of the saturated substrate after the aqueous solution has been applied, if beryllium is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration above the lower limit of detection, wherein the lower limit of detection is 0.002 micrograms, and the detection of any of the beryllium can be obtained in less than about 1 minute. Optionally, the method may further include the step of: d) quantifying the amount of beryllium detected using a colorimeter to obtain a numerical value not only for the presence or absence of beryllium but also for the color change.

[0018] Accordingly, one embodiment involves preparing a solution of an indicator or dye containing chromazurol S (CAS) or eriocrom cyanine R (ECR), the dye solution may also contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Both CAS and ECR dyes experience a visible color change in the presence of beryllium. Additional components may be added to the dye solution to enhance the color response and / or prevent interference from acidic / basic media. For example, surfactants, buffers, and other additives may be added to the dye solution. Buffers, such as acetates, succinic acid, and sodium succinate, may be used to facilitate the generation of calibration curves, as will be further described below. However, buffers and surfactants have been found not to be necessary. Any added components should be selected so as not to interfere with beryllium. The pH of the dye solution may be about 4.6 to about 10, preferably about 6 to about 7. Furthermore, it should be noted that instead of manually adjusting the pH of the dye solution, a buffer solution such as ammonium hydroxide / ammonium chloride buffer with a pH of approximately 10 or sodium acetate / acetic acid buffer with a pH of approximately 4.6 may be used. The buffer may be used together with the dye and EDTA to create an all-in-one solution (containing all necessary components).

[0019] Next, to form a saturated substrate, a desired substrate may be saturated with a dye solution. A suitable substrate of any desired shape and size may be used, including but not limited to cotton cloth, filter paper, filter felt, cotton swabs, quilted cotton scarves, or other fabrics. Preferably, the substrate is flexible, absorbent, non-brittle, holds the dye, and has a distinct color change.

[0020] The saturated substrate may be immersed in a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in any suitable amount, such as about 5 weight percent, about 10 weight percent, or other suitable amount, to prevent potential interference from other metals. EDTA can complex other metals and prevent them from interacting with the dye.

[0021] Alternatively, as described above, EDTA may be included in the dye solution to create an all-in-one solution approach (single-dip approach), and the substrate may be immersed therein to form a saturated substrate.

[0022] Typically, the saturated substrate may be completely dried before an aqueous solution suspected of containing beryllium is deposited thereon. The aqueous solution may be deposited directly onto the saturated substrate in a desired amount. A visible color change to blue and / or purple indicates the presence of beryllium at a concentration above the detection limit, which, according to embodiments, is 0.002 micrograms. As the concentration of beryllium increases, the color continues to change.

[0023] In the case of beryllium in solid form (e.g., dust, metal), the dye-containing substrate or dye-containing cloth may be used in the same manner as a dry smear for collecting the sample. For example, a saturated substrate may be prepared and dried as described above and used to wipe a surface area suspected of being contaminated with beryllium. The dye-containing substrate or dye-containing cloth may then be sprayed with water, a dilute acid solution, or an ammonium hydrogen fluoride solution to dissolve the beryllium and obtain a color change. Embodiments using this technique for rapid detection of beryllium include the steps of: preparing a substrate saturated with a dye solution of chromium azurole S (CAS) or eriocromecyanin R (ECR) and optionally ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to form a saturated substrate; wiping a solid surface suspected of containing beryllium with the saturated substrate; and, after wiping, spraying the saturated substrate with at least one of water, a dilute acid solution, or an ammonium hydrogen fluoride solution to dissolve the beryllium and obtaining a visible color change of the saturated substrate if beryllium is present at a concentration above the detection limit of 0.002 micrograms, wherein detection of beryllium can be obtained in less than about 1 minute. Alternatively, the saturated substrate can be pre-activated with the aforementioned water, dilute acid solution, or ammonium hydrogen fluoride solution before wiping the surface suspected of containing beryllium.

[0024] Furthermore, as described above, before wiping the surface, the saturated substrate may be immersed in a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in any suitable amount, e.g., about 5% by weight, about 10% by weight, or other appropriate amount, to prevent potential interference from other metals. EDTA can complexe other metals, preventing them from interacting with the dye. Alternatively, EDTA may be included in the dye solution to create an all-in-one solution approach, in which the substrate is immersed to form a saturated substrate, which is then dried and used to wipe surfaces suspected of beryllium contamination.

[0025] Next, in order to obtain numerical values for color and enable the creation of a color calibration curve, the sample may be further tested using a colorimeter as necessary. Advantageously, this can not only provide a yes or no response regarding the presence of beryllium, but can also be used to quantify the amount of beryllium. FIG. 1 shows an example of a portable handheld colorimeter 2 that may be used in an embodiment. The colorimeter includes a sensor, a data processor, and typically computer software.

[0026] Quantification of color may use the CIE L * a * b * color model. The L * a * b * color model is modeled after the theory that two colors cannot simultaneously be red and green, or simultaneously be yellow and blue. L * represents lightness (a scale from black, 0, to white, 100), a * represents red / green coordinates (chromaticity, negative values corresponding to green and positive values corresponding to red), and b * represents yellow / blue coordinates (chromaticity, negative values corresponding to blue and positive values corresponding to yellow). The coordinates of a * and b * are considered the most important as they change as the color changes.

[0027] The colorimeter can measure the amount of transmitted light absorbed by a particular solution. The colorimeter can quantify color by measuring the three primary color components of light and display the data on a digital or analog output. The colorimeter may determine the concentration of individual components based on the amount of absorbance.

[0028] In embodiments, the measured values ​​may be obtained with a colorimeter after drying. For example, a saturated substrate or strip to which an aqueous solution suspected to contain beryllium has been attached may be dried and then placed at lens / position 4 of the colorimeter 2 shown in Figure 1 to test and obtain a reading of the above value. Similarly, a saturated substrate or strip to which a solid (e.g., dust) suspected to contain beryllium has been attached may be dried and then placed at lens / position 4 of the colorimeter 2 shown in Figure 1. For example, the strip may be placed flat and placed at the bottom of the colorimeter 2 (which has a hole) below lens / position 4. The strip may be positioned so that the hole is located above the sample spot where the visible color for detecting beryllium is located, allowing the colorimeter to operate to obtain its reading.

[0029] Figure 2 shows test strips of various saturated substrates according to embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating the color gradient and density changes. The corresponding color values ​​(L, a, b) obtained after the colorimeter readings described above are shown in Table 1 below. More specifically, Figure 2 shows test strips using 0.1 wt percent CAS at the described density and corresponding color gradient. Table 1 below shows the color values ​​(L, a, b) from the following colorimeter readings.

[0030] [Table 1]

[0031] Advantageously, a colorimeter may be used for further quantification of the results. For example, it can determine a range of color coordinates corresponding to a range of concentrations. Thus, if the tested color coordinates fall within that range, it indicates that the beryllium concentration for the tested sample is within that particular amount. Furthermore, calibration may be performed by providing a set of standard solutions of beryllium at known concentrations, attaching them to strips, and obtaining their measurements. These measurements may then be used in comparison to measurements of a particular sample / strip being tested to provide a range of beryllium concentrations for the test sample / strip. Charts may also be created using enumerated color coordinates corresponding to the amount / range of beryllium present, which may be a useful tool for roughly indicating how much beryllium is detected. [Examples]

[0032] Examples / Test Descriptions CAS and ECR dye solutions were used in the tests. Dye solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 1% by weight were prepared for testing by adding solid dye powder to DI water. Using tweezers, the smear substrate was completely immersed in the dye solution, removed, and dried in a tray. Once the smear was dry, a 20 μL droplet of Be standard solution (prepared from Be ICP standard) in the range of 5 ppb to 100 ppm, e.g., 0.0001 μg to 2 μg, was added to the smear, and the color response was recorded using a colorimeter.

[0033] For solution preparation, various concentrations of ECR ​​and CAS dyes were used and prepared as follows: The dye powder was weighed using a scale and then added to a 25 mL volumetric flask. If additives such as EDTA and / or surfactants were added, they were weighed later and added to the 25 mL volumetric flask. The final step in preparing the dye solution was to add one of the following to the 25 mL volumetric flask: DI water, pH 4.6 buffer solution, or pH 10 buffer solution. The dye solutions were combined by standing in a hood for 30 minutes to 1 hour or in an ultrasonic device for 10 to 20 minutes. Once completely dissolved, the solutions were transferred to a centrifuge tube for storage until use.

[0034] Regarding the substrates, several substrates were used to load the dyes. The substrates tested included cotton squares, filter felt, filter paper, chemical-resistant filter felt, and quilt squares. To load the dye solution onto substrates such as cotton quilt squares, the quilt squares were immersed in a centrifuge tube containing the solution for several seconds, then removed and dried on a plastic tray under a hood. Figure 3 schematically shows the preparation of a test strip according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the substrate 10 was loaded into a tube 12 containing the dye solution 14, then the saturated substrate 16 was removed and dried on a tray 18.

[0035] Regarding test methods for preventing interference, different test combinations suggested that adding a pH 10 buffer solution to a dye solution containing 5 wt% EDTA is effective in preventing interference from other metals, while still showing a dramatic color response on the test strip in the presence of beryllium. The test strips included combinations of different concentrations of CAS / ECR, buffer, surfactant, and 5 wt% EDTA. It should be noted that the combination of CAS / ECR and 5 wt% EDTA successfully prevented, among other things, the color response from a 100 ppm metal solution. This was indicated by the absence of a color response instead of a blue or purple response.

[0036] The tests were conducted using a multi-step immersion and drying process on the test strips described above, as well as using an all-in-one solution prepared by placing the dye powder and EDTA powder in a 25 mL volumetric flask and then filling it to the line with either a pH 4.6 or 10 solution. Several tests were also conducted by preparing dye solutions with the dye powder and EDTA powder and then filling a 25 mL volumetric flask to the line with DI water (unadjusted solution). Surfactants were also added to the solutions. Several different variables used with the solutions are shown in Table 2 below.

[0037] [Table 2]

[0038] A colorimeter such as colorimeter 2 shown in Figure 1 can be used to measure the initial color of the test strip and the test spot in aqueous Be.

[0039] Furthermore, regarding the tests, the following observations regarding the substrate, dye concentration, pH, additives, etc., are noteworthy. Regarding the tested substrates, filter paper was a viable option as it absorbed the dye, dried within a few hours, and reflected the color change; however, it became brittle after multiple dipping and drying cycles. Cotton quilt scare is particularly desirable as a substrate because it tends to load the dye well and the tested area tends to maintain its color and integrity well.

[0040] Regarding dye concentrations, 1% by weight of CAS and ECR, as well as additional dye concentrations of 0.05% to 2% by weight, were investigated. Further testing identified 0.25% by weight of ECR ​​and 0.1% by weight of CAS as optimal dye concentrations. This is because higher dye concentrations result in sufficient dye on the strip to demonstrate the color change in the presence of Be without overshadowing due to the intensity of the color of the test strips, while lower dye concentrations result in a faint color change. Therefore, according to the embodiment, dye concentrations of 0.1% to 0.25% by weight are particularly preferred.

[0041] Regarding pH, several dye solutions were prepared with pH values ​​ranging from 10 to 12 and 3 to 5. Tests revealed that approximately 10.5 to 11 was the optimal range for basic media, and approximately 4 to 5 was the optimal range for acidic media. The addition of either a basic or acidic buffer was considered useful for stabilizing the solution, and buffer solutions of pH 4.6 (sodium acetate / acetic acid) and pH 10 (ammonium hydroxide / ammonium chloride) were tested. However, while the addition of a buffer is not necessary for the dye solution to react in the presence of Be, it may be useful for dissolving EDTA in the dye solution. Particularly successful results were obtained from solutions of 0.1% CAS with pH 10 buffer and EDTA, as described above, and were very useful in preventing interference from other metals.

[0042] Regarding surfactants, we investigated them to help determine the presence of Be and the stability of the dye solution. Gum arabic was preferred over Triton X-114 and Triton X-100. While all surfactants were beneficial, gum arabic was easier to measure and dissolved better in the dye solution. Furthermore, it should be noted that both Triton X-114 and Triton X-100 were investigated at a concentration of 2 wt%. In addition, 5 wt% EDTA was used to help mask interference from other metals. Any competing elements that may interfere with beryllium analysis are complexed by EDTA. To determine that there is no interference when testing for beryllium, molybdenum, iron, aluminum, cadmium, zinc, chromium, copper, tin, silver, calcium, and magnesium were tested on test strips using EDTA.

[0043] The advantages of the embodiments of the present invention include real-time / near-real-time results for Be detection and the absence of or minimal requirement of complex instruments. Furthermore, the embodiments are a cost-effective solution for rapid Be detection. Embodiments of the present invention demonstrate a rapid, real-time test method for Be detection by colorimetric analysis. Embodiments of the present invention further demonstrate a rapid, real-time Be detection method that can utilize a user-friendly test strip as a dry smear and smear activation using DI water to initiate a color change.

[0044] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are advantageous in that the color results can be quantified using a CIE L, a, b model colorimeter, for example, by obtaining initial results of a newly prepared test strip, examining the color of the test strip via a colorimeter, and obtaining results of aqueous Be spots tested on the strip. The use of a colorimeter may be further employed to quantify the results, obtain a range of specific amounts of Be that may be present, and create a color chart showing, for example, that if the color coordinate is a certain amount, a specific corresponding amount of Be will be detected.

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention are advantageous in that they facilitate the safe handling of beryllium and compliance with workplace safety standards. A further advantage is their stability after several months of aging.

[0046] This disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, but it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are in the spirit and scope of this disclosure, contemplated thereby, and intended to be covered by the appended non-limiting claims for all purposes. In addition, all disclosed features and elements can be used in any combination according to the embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for rapidly detecting beryllium, a) A step of preparing a substrate saturated with a dye solution of chromium azurole S (CAS) or eriocromcyanin R (ECR) in order to form a saturated substrate, wherein the dye solution may also contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and / or gum arabic. b) A step of applying an aqueous solution suspected to contain beryllium to the saturated substrate, c) A step of detecting a visible color change of the saturated substrate after the aqueous solution has been applied, in the case that beryllium is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration exceeding the lower limit of detection, wherein the lower limit of detection is 0.002 micrograms. A method that includes any beryllium, and in which detection of any beryllium is obtained in less than one minute.

2. d) A step of quantifying the amount of beryllium detected using a colorimeter to obtain not only the presence or absence of beryllium but also a numerical value for the color change. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base material is at least one of cotton cloth, filter paper, filter felt, cotton swabs, quilted cotton scare, and other fabrics.

4. A step that allows the saturated substrate a) to be completely dried before applying the aqueous solution b). The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

5. A process of forming a completely dry substrate and then proceeding to b) or storing the completely dried substrate for more than 10 days before b). The method according to claim 4, including the method described in claim 4.

6. Step a) before step b) is to provide the saturated substrate from a) into a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

7. A step of adding at least one of a surfactant and a buffer to the dye solution of a). The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

8. A method for rapidly detecting beryllium, a) A step of preparing a substrate saturated with a dye solution of chromium azurole S (CAS) or eriocromecyanin R (ECR) in order to form a saturated substrate, wherein the dye solution may also contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), b) A step of wiping a solid surface suspected of containing beryllium with the saturated substrate, c) After wiping in b) or before wiping in b), a step of spraying at least one of water, a dilute acid solution, or an ammonium hydrogen fluoride solution onto the saturated substrate to dissolve the beryllium, and obtaining a visible color change of the saturated substrate if beryllium is present at a concentration above the detection limit, wherein the detection limit is 0.002 micrograms. A method that includes any beryllium, and in which detection of any beryllium is obtained in less than one minute.

9. d) A step of using a colorimeter to quantify the amount of beryllium present and to obtain not only the presence or absence of beryllium but also a numerical value for the color change. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the base material is at least one of cotton cloth, filter paper, filter felt, cotton swabs, quilted cotton scare, and other fabrics.

11. b) A step that allows the saturated substrate in a) to be completely dried before wiping the solid surface. The method according to claim 8, including the method described in claim 8.

12. A step of forming a completely dry substrate and storing the substrate for more than 10 days prior to (b). The method according to claim 11, including the method described in claim 11.

13. Step a) before step b) is to provide the saturated substrate from a) into a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The method according to claim 9, including the method described in claim 9.

14. A step of adding at least one of a surfactant or a buffer to the dye solution of a). The method according to claim 8, including the method described in claim 8.

15. A kit configured to rapidly detect beryllium on a solid surface or in an aqueous solution, a) A substrate saturated with a dye solution of chromium azurole S (CAS) or eriocromcyanin R (ECR) that forms a saturated substrate, wherein the dye solution may contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), The system is configured such that an aqueous solution containing and suspected of containing beryllium is applied to the substrate saturated with the dye solution, or a solid surface suspected of containing solid beryllium is wiped with the saturated substrate. The kit is configured to provide a visible color change on the saturated substrate a) when beryllium is present at a concentration above the detection limit, and the detection limit is 0.002 micrograms. The kit is configured to detect any beryllium in less than one minute.

16. b) A colorimeter configured to quantify the amount of beryllium present and obtain not only the presence or absence of beryllium but also a numerical value regarding the color change. The kit according to claim 15, further comprising:

17. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the base material is at least one of cotton cloth, filter paper, filter felt, cotton swabs, quilted cotton scare, and other fabrics.

18. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the saturated substrate is completely dry and configured to be stored for more than 10 days before use.

19. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the saturated substrate of a) comprises ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

20. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the dye solution in a) further comprises at least one of a surfactant and a buffer.

Images