Precautions while conducting silver nitrate test for detection of aluminium phosphide

Aluminium phosphide is commonly used as a grain preservative in predominant wheat producing belt of North India. It has gained importance as a grain preservative over the years, but simultaneously due to its high toxicity with no known medical antidote, it is also the most common offender in suicidal poisoning. The most common and widespread chemical test used for its detection is silver nitrate test. In this paper we are going to highlight how the analysis using silver nitrate test is to be done ideally, to prevent false positive results.