An arrangement for detecting contaminants in aqueous liquids contains a microscope with a microphotographic fitting. A retrospectively installable device between the microscope light source and the condenser contains a pulsed electronic flash. The existing microscope light source is adapted to contain a light beam chopper between the microscope lens (6) and camera (7). The arrangement is used to produce banded motion tracks of cells moving in living preparates. USE/ADVANTAGE - For rapid detection of contaminants in aqueous liquids. Can produce test results very quickly.