Black Berkey filter elements reduced all 19 inorganic contaminants tested by 80% or more, with the majority exceeding 95% reduction, in independent testing by the County of Los Angeles Environmental Toxicology Laboratory. Key results include Chromium VI at over 99.85%, Cadmium and Thallium at over 99.5%, and Arsenic at over 99%. The full lab report is available as a downloadable PDF below.
Laboratory: County of Los Angeles, Department of Agricultural Commissioner, Environmental Toxicology Laboratory
Certification: California State DHS Certificate #1430
Report Date: August 22, 2012
Sample: Black Berkey Filter Element (Lab ID: E1201232001)
Commissioned by: New Millennium Concepts, Ltd.
Inorganic Contaminant Reduction Results
Testing covered 19 contaminants across heavy metals, trace metals, and water quality parameters. Each contaminant was spiked at a known concentration, filtered through the Black Berkey element, and the effluent was analyzed by EPA-approved methods.
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| Contaminant |
Pre-Filter Concentration |
Post-Filter Result |
% Reduction |
| Chromium VI |
200 µg/L |
<0.3 µg/L |
>99.85% |
| Cadmium |
200 µg/L |
<1.0 µg/L |
>99.50% |
| Thallium |
200 µg/L |
<1.0 µg/L |
>99.50% |
| Arsenic |
200 µg/L |
<2.0 µg/L |
>99.00% |
| Mercury |
25 µg/L |
<0.5 µg/L |
>98.00% |
| Lead |
200 µg/L |
<5.0 µg/L |
>97.50% |
| Antimony |
200 µg/L |
<5.0 µg/L |
>97.50% |
| Selenium |
200 µg/L |
<5.0 µg/L |
>97.50% |
| Turbidity |
4.5 NTU |
<0.10 NTU |
>97.78% |
| MBAS |
300 µg/L |
<10 µg/L |
>96.67% |
| Chromium |
200 µg/L |
<10 µg/L |
>95.00% |
| Copper |
200 µg/L |
<10 µg/L |
>95.00% |
| Nickel |
200 µg/L |
<10 µg/L |
>95.00% |
| Cobalt |
200 µg/L |
<10 µg/L |
>95.00% |
| Nitrite |
2 mg/L |
<0.1 mg/L |
>95.00% |
| Molybdenum |
200 µg/L |
<20 µg/L |
>90.00% |
| Total Chlorine |
0.65 mg/L |
<0.1 mg/L |
>87.50% |
| Vanadium |
200 µg/L |
<25 µg/L |
>87.50% |
| Barium |
200 µg/L |
<10 µg/L |
>80.00% |
Note on reported percentages: All post-filtration results fell below the laboratory reporting limit for each test. The reduction percentages shown are minimums. Actual reduction may be higher, but the lab equipment could not measure below its detection threshold.
Download the Full Lab Report
The original County of Los Angeles Environmental Toxicology Laboratory report (August 22, 2012) is available as a PDF. A later Envirotek Laboratories chemical reduction report (#14-260, October 2014), which retested many of the same heavy metals along with pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and petroleum compounds, is also available.
DOWNLOAD LA COUNTY REPORT (PDF)
DOWNLOAD ENVIROTEK REPORT (PDF)
VIEW ALL TEST RESULTS
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Black Berkey reduce heavy metals?
Yes. Independent testing by the County of Los Angeles Environmental Toxicology Laboratory confirmed Black Berkey elements reduce heavy metals including lead (over 97.5%), arsenic (over 99%), mercury (over 98%), cadmium (over 99.5%), and chromium VI (over 99.85%).
Who conducted the Black Berkey inorganic contaminant testing?
Testing was conducted by the County of Los Angeles Department of Agricultural Commissioner, Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, certified under California State DHS Certificate #1430. The report was commissioned by New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. and issued August 22, 2012.
How much arsenic does a Black Berkey filter reduce?
Black Berkey elements reduced arsenic by over 99% in independent laboratory testing, bringing a 200 µg/L concentration down to below the 2 µg/L reporting limit.
Does Black Berkey reduce chromium VI?
Yes. Chromium VI was reduced by over 99.85%, the strongest result of any contaminant in this round of testing. Post-filtration levels fell below 0.3 µg/L from an initial concentration of 200 µg/L.
Are Black Berkey filters still available?
Every new Berkey system ships with Black Berkey Elements while supplies last. Black Berkey Elements are not sold as standalone replacements; the authorized replacement is the Berkey Phoenix Element. The current in-stock replacement is the Berkey Phoenix New Millennium Edition, made by the same manufacturer, NMCL. Phoenix elements are a direct drop-in replacement for any existing Berkey system.
Where can I see all Berkey filter test results?
All independent laboratory test reports for Black Berkey and Phoenix filter elements are available on the Berkey Test Results page, including PFAS, lead, radiological, and organic contaminant testing.
By
Dan DeBaun
