Determination of Alkalinity in water Samples

Table of Contents

Objective.....................................................................................................................................3
Theory:........................................................................................................................................3
Principle......................................................................................................................................5
Environmental Significance......................................................................................................5
Apparatus and Chemicals Used................................................................................................5
Procedure....................................................................................................................................5
Readings......................................................................................................................................6
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................7
References...................................................................................................................................7
Objective:

1) Understanding the concepts regarding chemical Parameters of Drinking Water

2)Theoretical Terms regarding the alkalinity
3)How to measure alkalinity of water samples – A Hand on Experience
4)Applications i.e. Environmental Significance
5)How to present the Alkalinity Data

Theory:
The alkalinity refers to the measure of the capacity of the water to neutralize the acids. It can
measure the bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, hydroxide ions, and carbonate naturally present in the
water.

The pH level of drinking water refers to how basic or acidic it is. The pH level refers to the hydrogen
ions found in the water. It stands for ’potential of hydrogen.’ The pH level of the water at normal
drinking level, carbonate, and bicarbonate are the main contributors to its alkalinity.

What is Alkalinity in Drinking Water?

Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to resist changes in pH that would make the water more acidic. It
also helps protect your health and piping when it comes to drinking water.

The term “buffering capacity” usually denotes this capacity. Alkalinity also refers to the capability of
the water to neutralize the acid. This is true that it has a buffering capacity. A buffer is a solution in
which acid can be added without changing the concentration of available H+ ions (as in changes in
pH). It absorbs the excessive H+ ions and protects the water from fluctuations in pH.

For example, if we add the same weak acid solution to two vials of water - both with a pH of 7. One
is with zero alkalinity or buffering power. The other has a buffering power (e.g., alkalinity of 50 mg/l)-
the pH of the zero-alkalinity water will immediately drop. In contrast, the pH of the buffered water will
change from very little to not at all. The pH of the buffered solution would change when the buffering
capacity of the solution is overloaded.

What Changes the Alkalinity?

The pH and the alkalinity level of the well water can be affected by various factors such as acidic
sanitizers, rain, fill water, and other product applications that can change the alkalinity level over
time. The majority of alkalinity in the surface water is from calcium carbonate, CaCo3, leached from
soil and rocks.

This process is enhanced if the soil and rocks have been broken up for various reasons like urban
development and mining. Limestone contains high levels of calcium carbonate. When used to
decrease the acidity at homes, it can runoff into surface waters and raise the alkalinity level.

Alkalinity is important in the treatment of wastewater and drinking water. It can influence the
treatment processes such as anaerobic digestion. Water can also become unsuitable for irrigation if
it is higher than the natural level of alkalinity in the soil.

US EPA Category The concentration of Calcium Carbonate (mg/L)

Acidified <1

Critical <2

Endangered 2-5

Highly Sensitive 10-20

Not Sensitive >20

Alkalinity is closely related to the acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) of a solution. Often, ANC is
incorrectly used to refer to alkalinity. But the acid-neutralizing capacity can refer to the combination
of the solution and solids available. Examples are aquifer solids and suspended matter.

How to Measure Alkalinity

Measurement of Alkalinity

Titration is the process that measures alkalinity. The ‘titrant’ is an acid of known strength added to a
volume of a treated sample of water. The volume of acid needed to bring the samples to a specific
pH level reflects the alkalinity of the sample. A color change indicates the pH endpoint. The unit that
expresses the alkalinity is milligrams per liter (mg/l) of CaCO3 (calcium carbonate).

Measuring Alkalinity

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) uses one common method for measuring alkalinity. It is to take
a water sample and add acid to it, then check the pH of the water as acid is added. It takes an initial
reading of the water, adds small amounts of acid, stirs it, and then takes its pH. The same steps are
repeated many times.

First, the compounds in the water, such as bicarbonates, neutralizes the acids being added. The
more acid is added, the more bicarbonates get “used up” as they are neutralized by the acid. Until
eventually, all the acid-neutralizing compounds are used up. After this, the acid in the water will
linearly lower the pH. The scientist will see this reflection point by viewing a line chart of the amount
of acid added to the water and the resulting pH. The point where the change in pH line becomes
linear determines the water’s alkalinity.

Factors Affecting Alkalinity

Geology and Soils

The water system accumulates carbonates if the water passes through soil and rock containing
carbonate minerals, such as calcite (CaCO3). Waters with limestone and sedimentary rocks and
carbonate-rich soils are high in alkalinity. The Eastern part of the Boulder Creek watershed is one
example. Waters with igneous rocks (such as granite) and carbonate-poor solids are low in
alkalinity. One example is the western part of the Boulder Creek watershed.

Changes in pH
Since pH and alkalinity are closely related, changes in pH can also affect alkalinity. This is true,
especially in a poorly buffered stream.

Sewage Outflow
The effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) can increase alkalinity to a stream. The
wastewater from our houses also contains bicarbonate and carbonate from the cleaning agents and
food residue that we put down our drains.

Alkalinity Degree and Levels

Alkalinity with a pH of higher than 8.3 is mostly carbonate (CO 32-). On the other hand, alkalinity with a
pH lower than 8.3 is mostly bicarbonate (HCO3-).

Since alkalinity varies due to differences in geology, there are no set standards for alkalinity.
Freshwater usually has 20-200 mg/L levels of alkalinity. A total alkalinity level of 100-200 mg/L can
stabilize the pH level in a stream. Levels below ten mg/L show that the water is poorly buffered and
susceptible to pH changes from natural and human-caused sources.

Why Alkalinity Is Important

To A Body of Water
The alkalinity of your nearby body of water is important to the health and welfare of, for example, a
lake. The ecosystem and organisms living in the lake adapted to the water bodies that did not
change quickly. Before the arrival of humans, these bodies of water were not subjected to acid rain
or chemical spills. The fish in the lake were just fine until the pH and aquatic characteristics of a lake
changed much over a short period.

To Aquatic Organisms
Fish and other aquatic life need a pH range of 6.0 to 9.0. Since alkalinity buffers against rapid pH
changes, the alkalinity helps protect the living organisms who need a specific pH range. Higher
alkalinity levels in surface water can buffer acid rain and other acid wastes. This can prevent pH
changes that are hazardous to aquatic life.

To Drinking Water Source

Alkalinity is also important in considering drinking water and wastewater treatment because it
influences cleaning processes like anaerobic digestion. When the alkalinity level in water is higher
than the natural level of alkalinity in the soil, water may be unsuitable for irrigation.

The pH Level in Drinking Water

The pH level of the water is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. If the measurement is below 7, it means
that the water is acidic. If it is above 7, then the water is alkaline or basic. If it is 7, then the water is
neutral.

If the pH level of the water is less than 6.5, then it can contribute to the corrosion of the fixtures and
the pipes. Also, how corrosive the water depends upon other factors. Examples of these are the total
dissolved solids, water temperature, alkalinity, and hardness.

Furthermore, water with a pH balance of 6.5 is not a health risk. But the corrosive water can dissolve
metals like zinc, cadmium, lead, and copper, which are found in the pipes. As such, it can cause
increased concentrations of metals in the drinking water. It can lead to health issues in the long run.

Meanwhile, if the pH level is above 8.5, it can contribute to the scale build-up, especially in
plumbing.

The Level of Alkalinity in the Water

Alkalinity comprises hydroxides, bicarbonates, and carbonates, which join magnesium, calcium, and
lye. You can find such components in antacids like Rolaids or Tums, lye, baking soda, and
limestone. If the alkalinity level is high, it will take more acid to lower the water's pH level. One way
to think of alkalinity is the ability of the water to neutralize the acid. Alkalinity is expressed as ppm
calcium carbonate equivalent. The higher the number, meaning the more of these components are
found in the water.

High alkalinity water may lead to a gradual increase in the growing media pH. Whenever the pH
level climbs, the availability of various plant nutrients, especially micronutrients like manganese and
iron, are negatively affected. This can now result in deficiencies.

It may now be necessary to introduce mineral acids like phosphoric or sulfuric minerals into the
water. Or use acidic media amendments like acid-forming or sulfur minerals.

On the other hand, low alkalinity water lacks the components that will neutralize the acid. The
continued use of acidic formulas may lead to an undesirable decrease in the pH level of the growing
medium.

The water is often deficient in magnesium, calcium, sulfate, or other supplements that may be
needed.

Types of Alkalinity

Caustic Alkalinity:

Caused by the presence of Hydroxides ions. The amount of strong acid required to decrease the pH of
sample to about 10. It gives the alkalinity due to hydroxyl ions.

Carbonate Alkalinity /Phenolphthalein alkalinity :

Caused by the presence of carbonate (CO32− ). The amount of strong acid required to lower the pH of
sample to 8.3 . It is also known as phenolphthalein alkalinity. It gives the alkalinity due to carbonates
and hydroxyl ions.

Total Alkalinity/methyl orange alkalinity :

The amount of strong acid required to lower pH of sample water to 4.3. Color indicator used is methyl
orange hence total alkalinity is also known as methyl orange alkalinity

Environmental Significance
Proper doses of coagulants & Lime softening in water

Important for fish and aquatic life because it protects or buffers against rapid pH changes

It will buffer acid rain

Important parameter in the control processes such as anaerobic digestion

Large alkalinity of waster imparts a bitter taste

Highly alkaline water react with other cations in water to produce precipitate which can corrode the
pipes in water distribution pipes

Principle

The alkalinity of water can be calculated by titrating water sample with sulphuric acid of known
values of pH, volume, and concentrations. It is expressed as mg/L as CaCO 3
Water sample having pH >4.5 is titrated with acid to pH 4.5 end point, all HCO 31−, CO32− & OH1− will be
neutralized.

For pH > 8.3, add 1-2 drops of phenolphthalein indicator, the colour of sample changes to pink which
is due to the presence of hydroxyl ions (OH1−). On titrating with sulphuric acid, pink colour disappears
i.e. hydroxyl ions ( OH1−) neutralized. Now add 1-2 drops of methyl orange indicator. Colour will
change to yellow. Again, titrate with sulphuric acid until colour change to pink/ orange red.

Reagents
Pipette
flask
Measuring Cylinder
0.02 N sulphuric acid
Phenolphthalein Indicator
Methyl orange Indicator

Procedure
Phenolphthalein
1) We took 50ml of tap water sample in the flask.
2) Then we added 1 to 2 drops of phenolphthalein. It shows the pink colour due to the presence
of hydroxyl ions.
3) We titrated with the .02N H2SO4 till the pink colour disappear.
Methyl orange
4) Then we add methyl orange its colour changes to yellow than we titrated it with the. 02N
H2SO4
5) The colour changes from yellow to orange red. That, the end point of titration.

Observation

Sample-1 Volume (ml) of H2SO4 used for Phenolphthalein

Sr. No Initial reading(ml) Final reading(ml) Difference (ml)

1 15.1 19.8 4.7

Mean volume of H2SO4 for Phenolphthalein = 4.7 ml

Observation

Sample-1 Volume (ml) of H2SO4 used for Methyl Orange

Sr.NO Initial reading(ml) Final reading(ml) Difference (ml)

1 19.8 36.9 17.1

Mean Volume (ml) of H2SO4 used for Methyl Orange = 17.1

 Sampl Normalit Volume Mean volume of Mean Phenolphthalein Methyl Total
e no. y of H2SO4 of H2SO4 for Volume alkalinity (mg/l Orange alkalinity
(N) sample Phenolphthalei (ml) of as CaCO3) alkalinit (mg/l as
taken in n H2SO4 used y (mg/l CaCO3)
flask(ml) (ml) for Methyl as
Orange(ml) CaCO3)
1 0.02 50/100 4.7 17.1 98 342 440

Results

Alkalinity of Sample 1 = 98 mg/L as CaCO 3

Alkalinity of Sample 2 = 342 mg/L as CaCO 3

Conclusion:

In sample 1 both Phenolphthalein and Methyl Orange show alkalinity. Phenolphthalein has greater pH
than 8.3 and Methyl Orange has greater pH so, they both show color.

Reference

https://www.aqion.de/site/148

https://theberkey.com/blogs/water-filter/alkalinity-of-water-definition-what-is-the-alkalinity-in-
drinking-water

Precautions

Wear Lab Coats, Closed toe shoe and masks while performing experiment.

Tie you hair

Don’t mix any type of solutions especially adding water to the acids

Keep your bags away from the working area

In case of any emergency, contact with Lab Engineer and Lab Technician