NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF

TECHNOLOGY SRINAGAR

Department of Civil Engineering

Environmental Engineering Laboratory

Manual
 Vision of the Institute

To establish a unique identity of a pioneer technical Institute by developing a high-quality

technical manpower and technological resources that aim at economic and social development
of the nation as a whole and the region in particular keeping in view the global challenges.

Mission of the Institute

M1. To create a strong and transformative technical educational environment in which fresh
ideas, moral principles, research and excellence nurture with international standards.

M2. To prepare technically educated and broadly talented engineers, future innovators and
entrepreneurs, graduates with understanding of the needs and problems of the industry, the
society, the state and the nation.

M3. To inculcate the highest degree of confidence, professionalism, academic excellence and
engineering ethics in budding engineers.
 VISION OF THE DEPARTMENT

To nurture Civil engineers with passion for professional excellence, ready to take
global challenges and to serve the society with high human values.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE

DEPARTMENT
(1) To provide facilities and infrastructure for academic excellence in the field of Civil engineering.
(2) To inculcate in the student the passion for understanding professionalism, ethics, safety,
sustainability and then actively contribute in the society.
(3) To nurture creativity and encourage innovative solutions to real life
challenging problems in Civil engineering students.
(4) To prepare student for lifelong learning in global perspective.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL
OBJECTIVES

PEO1: To prepare students to get employment, profession and/or to pursue post-graduation

and research in Civil engineering discipline in particular and allied engineering fields in
general.

PEO2: To prepare students to identify and analyse Civil engineering problems in an iterative
approach that involves defining, quantifying, testing and review of the identified problem.

PEO3: To prepare students to plan, organize, schedule, execute and communicate effectively
as an individual, a team member or a leader in multidisciplinary environment.

PEO4: To provide the students, an academic environment that makes them aware of
excellence in field of Civil Engineering and enables them to understand significance of
lifelong learning in global perspective.
EXPERIMENT--1
DETERMINATION OF pH OF A SAMPLE OF WATER

The term “pH” refers to the measurement of hydrogen ion activity in the solution. Since the
direct measurement of the pH is very difficult, specific electrodes are needed for quick and
accurate pH determination. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with lower values indicating
high H+ (more acidic) and higher values indicating low H+ ion activity (less acidic). A pH of
7 is considered as neutral.
Every whole unit in pH represents a ten-fold increase in or decrease in hydrogen ion
concentration. Most natural waters possess the pH values ranging from 5.0 to
8.5. Rain water have a pH value of 5.4 to 6.0 which then reacts with the soils and minerals
causing the reduction in H+ ion concentration and thus the water may become alkaline with a
pH 0f 8.0-8.5. More acid water (pH<5) and more alkaline (pH >9) and other immediate
changes in the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) suggest that the quality of the water is
adversely affected due to the introduction of some toxic contaminants in water bodies.

pH is measured using pH meter, which comprises a detecting unit consisting of a glass

electrode, reference electrode, usually a calomel electrode connected by KCl Bridge to the
pH sensitive glass electrode and an indicating unit which indicates the pH corresponding to
the electromotive force is then detected. Before measurement, pH meter should be calibrated
by using at least two buffers.

Precautions

1. The pH meter can be standardized by measuring the 7-pH buffer solution or any other
solution of standard pH. Sometimes, the manufacturer of the pH meter may suggest other
methods of standardizing, which too have to be followed.
2. The electrodes have to be inserted into the water so that it does not touch the bottom of
the beaker. Bottom contact with damage may cause damage to the electrodes.
3. Any cause of slow response due to the polarization can be solved by washing the
electrodes thoroughly.
4. Periodic check has to be conducted to check the electrodes

1
5. During the electrode storage, they have to be kept moist. And also follow the
instructions of the manufacturer.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:-

1. pH meter
2. pH electrode filled with KCL solution

3. Buffer solutions of pH4 and pH 7

4. Clean beakers

5. Tissue papers
6. Distilled water

7. Thermometer
Procedure:-

* Plug in the pH meter to power source and let it warm up for 5 to 10 minutes

* Wash the glass electrode with distilled water and clean slowly with a soft tissue.
* Note the temperature of water and set the same on the pH meter
* Place the electrode in pH 7 buffer solution and set the value of 7 on the pH meter turning
the Calibrate knob on the meter.

* Take out the electrode, wash with DW and clean.

* Dip the electrode in the pH 4 buffer solution. Adjust the value on the pH readout meter by
the Slope switch . Repeat with pH 7 and pH4 buffers till a correct and stable reading is

displaced.

* While moving and cleaning the electrode, put the selector switch on standby mode.
Turn to pH mode for recording the pH.

2
* Now place the electrode in the water sample whose pH is to be determined.

* You can take a number of simultaneous readings for different samples until the power is
on

pH Meter

3
EXPERIMENT NO-2

DETERMINATION OF TURBIDITY IN A WATER SAMPLE

AIM

To determine the turbidity of the given water sample as per IS: 3025 (Part 10) -
Reaffirmed 2002.

5.2 INTRODUCTION

Turbidity is the technical term referring to the cloudiness of a solution and it is a qualitative
characteristic which is imparted by solid particles obstructing the transmittance of light
through a water sample. Turbidity often indicates the presence of dispersed and suspended
solids like clay, organic matter, silt, algae and other microorganisms.

When the turbid water in a small, transparent container such as drinking glass is held up to
the light, an aesthetically displeasing opaqueness or milky coloration is apparent. The
colloidal material which exerts turbidity provides adsorption sites for chemicals and for
biological organism that may not be harmful. They may be harmful or cause undesirable
tastes and odours. Disinfection of turbid water is difficult because of the adsorptive
characteristics of some colloids and because the solids may partially shield organisms from
disinfectant. In natural water bodies, turbidity may impart a brown or other color to water
and may interfere with light penetration and photosynthetic reaction in streams and lakes.
Turbidity increases the load on slow sand filters.

The filter may go out of operation, if excess turbidity exists. Knowledge of the turbidity
variation in raw water supplies is useful to determine whether a supply requires special
treatment by chemical coagulation and filtration before it may be used for a public water
supply. Turbidity measurements are used to determine the effectiveness of treatment
produced with different chemicals and the dosages needed.

4
Turbidity measurements help to gauge the amount of chemicals needed from day- to-day
operation of water treatment works.
Measurement of turbidity in settled water prior to filtration is useful in controlling chemical
dosages so as to prevent excessive loading of rapid sand filters. Turbidity measurements of
the filtered water are needed to check on faulty filter operation.
Turbidity measurements are useful to determine the optimum dosage of coagulants to treat
domestic and industrial wastewaters. Turbidity determination is used to evaluate the
performance of water treatment plants.

PRINCIPLE

Turbidity is based on the comparison of the intensity of light scattered by the sample under
defined conditions with the intensity of the light scattered by a standard reference suspension
under the same conditions. The turbidity of the sample is thus measured from the amount of
light scattered by the sample taking a reference with standard turbidity suspension. The
higher the intensity of scattered light the higher is the turbidity. Formazin polymer is used as
the primary standard reference suspension.

Equipments Required

1. Turbidity Meter
2. Sample Cells
3. Standard flasks
4. Funnel
5. Wash Bottle
6. Tissue Papers
Chemicals Required

1. Hexamethylenetetramine
2. Hydrazine sulphate
3. Distilled Water.

5
Experimental Steps

NOTE:- IN STEP 3, USE SET ZERO KNOB TO ADJUST THE READING TO

ZERO WITH DISTILLED WATER

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 PREPARATION OF REAGENTS
1. Hydrazine Sulphate

Weigh accurately 1 g of hydrazine sulphate and dissolve it in turbidity free distilled

water.
Take 100 mL standard measuring flask and place a funnel over it.
Transfer it to a 100 mL standard flask and make up to 100 ml using turbidity free distilled
water.

2. Hexamethylene Tetramine

Weigh accurately 10 g of Hexamethylene tetramine and dissolve it in turbidity free distilled

water.
Take 100 mL standard measuring flask and place a funnel over it. Transfer it to a
100 mL standard flask and make up to 100 ml

3.Standard 4000 NTU Solution

Mix 5 mL of hydrazine sulphate solution and 5 mL of Hexamethylenetetramine solution
in a 100 mL standard measuring flask.
Allow the mixture to stand for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, make up the volume to 100 mL using turbidity free distilled water. The
standard 4000 NTU solution is ready.

NOTE:- FOR MAKING SOLUTIONS OF LOWER TURBIDITY VALUES, USE THE

NORMALITY EQUATION, N1V1= N2V2 USING DISTILLED WATER FOR
DILUTION PURPOSES
Example: - N1=4000, N2 required =200 NTU for experiment, V1=say 10ml, then V2=
N1V1 / N2 = (4000 X 10) / 200 = 400 ml. Hence to make a solution of 200NTU, you
need to dilute 10 ml of 4000 NTU to 400 ml.

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 EXPERIMENT NO-3
DETERMINATION OF TOTAL, SUSPENDED, AND DISSOLVED SOLIDS
AIM
The aim of the experiments is determination of total, suspended and dissolved solids in
water.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
1. Balance 2. Beaker 3. Measuring Cylinder 4. Filter paper/ or Gooch Crucible 5. Funnel 6.
Dropper
PROCEDURE:

(a)Measurement of Total Solids (TS)

(1) Take a clear dry glass beaker of 150 ML capacity (which was kept at 103°C in an oven
for 1 hour) and put appropriate identification mark on it. Weight the beaker and note the
weight.

(2) Pour 100ml. of the thoroughly mixed sample, measured by the measuring cylinder,
in the beaker.

(3) Place the beaker in an oven maintained at 103°C for 24hours. After 24 hours, when
whole of the water has evaporated, cool the beaker and weight. Find out the weight of solids
in the beaker by subtracting the weight of the clean beaker determined in step (1)

(4) Calculate total solids (TS) as follows:

Total Solids in water= Difference of weight of the beakers / Volume of sample
X1000

(b) Measurement of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

(1) Same as above (step 1 of total solids).
(2) Take a 100 ml. of sample and filter it through a double layered filter paper or a Gooch
Crucible and collect the filtrate in a beaker.

(3) Then repeat the same procedure as in steps (3) and (4) of the total solids
determination and determine the dissolved solids contents as follows:

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CALCULATION:
Dissolved solids, TDS (mg/l) = mg of solids in the beaker / (volume of sample) x 1000
Also total solid (TS)= Suspended Solids + Total dissolved Solids (TDS)

9
EXPERIMENT-4
TO DETERMINE THE ALKALINITY IN A SAMPLE OF WATER

Alkalinity is a measure of the acid-neutralizing capacity of water and is usually determined

by titration against sulfuric acid to the endpoint of the acid–base reaction.

Alkalinity has two types :- Phenolphthalein alkalinity denoted by (P) and the Total
Alkalinity denoted by (T)

Phenolphthalein alkalinity measures the hydroxides and half the carbonates at a pH 8.3.
Total alkalinity measures all carbonate, bicarbonate, and
hydroxide alkalinity at a pH 4.5 (approximately).

DETERMINATION OF ALKALINITY

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

1. Burette with Burette stand and porcelain dishes// Clear flasks

2. Pipettes with elongated tips

3. Conical flask
4. Measuring cylinders
5. Beakers

6. Dropper
7. Stirrer

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CHEMICALS REQUIRED

1. Standard0.02N sulphuric acid

2. Phenolphthalein indicator
3. Methyl orange indicator
Sample handling and preservation: Preservation of sample is not practical. Because biological
activity will continue after a sample has been taken, changes may occur during handling
and storage. To reduce the change in samples, keep all samples at 4°C. Do not allow samples
to freeze. Analysis should begin as soon as possible. Do not open sample bottle before analysis.

PROCEDURE:

1. Measure 100 ml of your sample into a 250 ML flask which has been
thoroughly cleaned.

2.Add 03 drops of phenolphthalein indicator. If the color of the solution turns pink, titrate
your sample with 0.02 N H2SO4 until color changes from pink to clear. Record the

volume of acid used for the titration. Record the ml of N/50 sulphuric acid used as (P)

3. To the same sample, add 03 drops of methyl orange and continue to titrate with N/50
sulphuric acid until the first pink color appears. Note the volume of acid used as ( T )

The various relations between (P) and (T) are given below:-

(a) P=0, alkalinity= T x 10 mg/l (Bicarbonate Alkalinity)

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(b) P=T, alkalinity= T x 10 mg/l ( Hydroxide Alkalinity )

(c) P= 1/2 T, Alkalinity = T x 10 mg/l ( carbonate alkalinity)

(d) P < 1/2 T, Alkalinity =( T-2P) x 10 mg/l (bi carbonate alkalinity)

(e) P > 1/2 T, Alkalinity = ( 2P-T ) x 10 mg/l ( Hydroxide alkalinity)

TABLE FOR RECORDING THE OBSERVATIONS

S.No Initial Final Vol of P(ml) T (ml) Alkalinity (mg/l)

Reading Reading N/50
(ml) (ml) acid used

Note: - Take three readings for a sample

16
Experiment 5a: Sulfate Ions

Objective: To determine sulfate ion concentration in a water sample using method: 4500-SO42-
E. Turbidimetric Method)

Background:
Sulfate are found in appreciable quantity in all natural waters, particularly high in arid and semi arid
regions where natural waters in general have high salt content. Sulfate salts are mostly soluble in
water and impart hardness. Water with high concentrations has a bitter test. Sulfate may cause
intestinal disorders. These ions can produce hydrogen sulfides as per following equation (1):

SO42-+organic matter S2-+H2O+CO2 (1a) (in the presence of anaerobic bacteria)

S2-+ H+ HS- (1b)

HS-+ H+ H2S (1c)

The sulfate data is used in determining applicability of different water types for their public and
industrial applications. It indirectly indicates extent of problems that can arise due to reduction
of sulfates to hydrogen sulfides. In addition, sulfate content of organic matter fed to anaerobic digester
is important information as it gives idea of generation of hydrogen sulfides, which needs to be removed.

Procedure:
The turbidimetric method depends on the fact that barium sulfate formed following barium
chloride addition to a sample (Equation 2) tends to precipitate in a colloidal form and this tendency
is enhanced in the presence of an acidic buffer (consists of magnesium chloride, potassium nitrate,
sodium acetate, and acetic acid). These precipitates need to be separated through filtration (using
a filter) before sample is analyzed for sulfate concentration. This is a very rapid method and can be
used for samples with sulfate concentration greater than 10 mg/L (samples can be diluted and then it
can be analyzed).

Ba2+ + SO42- BaSO4 (precipitate; poorly soluble) (2)

Reagents:
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1. Buffer Solution A: Dissolve 30 g magnesium chloride (MgCl2.6H2O), 5 g sodium acetate

(CH3COONa.3H2O), 1.0 g potassium nitrate (KNO3), and 20 mL acetic acid (CH3COOH;

99%) in 500 mL distilled water and make up to 1000 mL.

2. Buffer Solution B(required when the sample SO42- <10 mg/L): Dissolve 30 g

magnesium chloride, 5 g sodium acetate, 0.111 g sodium sulfate, and 20 mL acetic acid
(99%) in 500 mL distilled water and make up to 1000 mL.
3. Dry Barium Chloride (BaCl2) crystals

4. Standard Sulfate Solution: Dissolve 0.1479 g of anhydrous sodium sulfate in distilled water
to make the volume 1 L. This solution contains 100 mg sulfate/L (i.e., 1 mL=100µg SO4)

18
 5. Prepare standards of various strengths (preferably from 0.0 to 40.0mg/L at the
intervals of 5 mg/L by diluting this stock solution). Above 40 mg/L accuracy
decreases and BaSO4 suspensions lose stability.

Apparatus: Whatman No. 1 filter paper; Spectrophotometer; Magnetic stirrer

Steps:
1. Filter the sample though filter paper (Whatman No. 1) and take 50 mL of filtrate in an
Erlenmeyer flask.
2. Add 20 mL buffer solution and mix in stirring apparatus. While stirring, add 0.15 g of
barium chloride to the sample and stir the sample with the help of magnetic stirrer for
about an hour.

3. Measure the absorbance against a distilled water blank (DO NOT ADD BARIUM
CHLORIDE TO IT.) at 420 nm using spectrophotometer. Absorbance for the blank
sample is taken to correct for sample color and turbidity.
Sample Name Turbidity Sample Name Turbidity
(NTU) (NTU)
Distilled water blank Standard 1 (5ppm) 30

Sample 1 10ppm 60

Sample 2 15 89

20 101

25 129

30 157

35 191

40 205

4. Process the standard solution of different strengths in similar way and record the
absorbance for each solution. Plot a standard sulfate calibration curve on a graph
paper from these absorbance values putting strengths (mg/L) on X-axis and absorbance
@ 420 nm on Y-axis. Fit a best-fit linear model to the data. Express equation as:
Absorbance value= A+B× Sulfate concentration (in mg/L) (3)

19
5. Using the standard sulfate calibration curve (a linear-model; Equation 3), find out
sulfate concentration in the given unknown sample in mg/L.
Sulfate concentration (mg SO42-/L) = (1000×mg SO42-)/(mL sample) (4)

20
Experiment 5b
Determination of chloride concentration in a sample of water

Background:
Chloride in the form of chloride (Cl-) ion is one of the major inorganic anions in
water and wastewater. The chloride concentration is higher in wastewater than in raw water
because sodium chloride is a common article of diet and passes unchanged through the
digestive system (Average estimate of excretion: 6 g of chlorides/person/day; additional
chloride burden due to human consumption on wastewater: 15 mg/L). Along the sea coast
chloride may be present in high concentration because of leakage of salt water into the
sewage system. It also may be increased by industrial process. In potable water, the salty
taste produced by chloride concentration is variable and depends on the chemical
composition of water. Some waters containing 250 mg/L Cl- may have a detectable salty
taste if sodium cation is present. On the other hand, the typical salty taste may be absent
in waters containing as much as 1000 mg/L when the predominant cations are calcium and
magnesium. In addition, a high chloride contents may harm metallic pipes and structures as
well as growing plants.

The measured chloride ions can be used to know salinity of different water sources.
For brackish water (or sea water or industrial brine solution), it is an important parameter
and indicates the extent of desalting of apparatus required. It also interferes with COD
determination and thus it requires a correction to be made on the basis of amount present or
else a complexing agent, such as HgSO4 can be added. Further, chloride ions are used as
tracer ions in column studies to model fate of different contaminants in soil and liquid media.

Lab Procedure

The Mohr Method uses silver nitrate for titration (normality: 0.0141) This corresponds
to 1 mL of 0.0141 equals to 1 mg chloride in solution. The silver nitrate solution is
standardized against standard chloride solution, prepared from sodium chloride (NaCl).
During the titration, chloride ion is precipitated.
Ag++Cl- <=> AgCl (Solubility product constant, Ksp=3×10-10)

The indicator (potassium chromate) is added to visualize the endpoint, demonstrating

presence of excess silver ions. In the presence of excess silver ions, solubility product of
silver chromate

21
 exceeded and it forms a reddish-brown precipitate This stage is taken as evidence that all
chloride ions have been consumed and only excess silver ions have reacted with chromate
ions:
2Ag++CrO42- <=> Ag2CrO4

The silver chromate produced is responsible for imparting brick red color to the solution

Apparatus: Burette, conical flask, pipette, measuring cylinder

Reagents: Potassium chromate indicator solution, standard silver nitrate as a titration agent..

Steps:
1. Take 50 ml of sample in a conical flask.
2. Add 1.0 ml indicator solution,( Potassium chromate )
3. The initial color of the mixture is slight yellow
4. Titrate with standard silver nitrate solution to brick red end point and note down
volume of titrant used.
5. Calculate chloride ion concentration using the equation :-:

Chloride Ion Concentration (mg/L) =( Ml of AgNO3 used-0.2) X500 / ML of

sample used

Precautions:

1. A uniform sample size must be used, preferably 50 ML, so that ionic

concentrations needed to indicate the end point will be constant.

2. The pH must be in the range of 7 to 8 as silver ions are precipitated as AgOH at high
pH levels and the chromate ions are converted to Cr2O72- at low pH values.

3. A definite amount of indicator must be used to provide a certain

concentration of chromate ions, otherwise silver chromate may form too soon
or not soon enough.

4. Caution should be made to notice indicator color change as it can varies

person-to- person. The titrant should be added drop wise and the sample
shaken constantly.

5. Take at least three readings for each sample.

Answer the questions also (for Submission with Lab report):

1. Does the measured chloride ion concentration exceed the maximum concentration
criteria? Compare your values with IS:- 10050 to determine whether the determined
chloride content is within permissible limits.
2. What is the permissible value of Chlorides for drinking water ?
3. What does excess of Chloride content in drinking water indicate ?

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EXPERIMENT NO:-6
DETERMINATION OF ACIDITY

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Burette 2. Measuring cylinder 3. Beaker 4. Dropper 5. Stirrer
REAGENTS REQUIRED:

1. Sodium hydroxide titrant (0.02 N); 2. Phenolphthalein Indicator; 3

.Methyl Orange Indicator
PROCEDURE:

1. Take 50 ml sample in a conical flask and add 2-3 drops of methyl orange indicator
solution.
2. Fill the burette with 0.02 N NaOH solution and titrate till the colour of solution
just changes to faint orange colour, indicating the end point. Record the volume of
titrant consumed as V1 in ml.
3. Calculate the methyl orange acidity using Equation: Methyl orange acidity (or
Mineral Acidity) = (V1×1000) / (Sample volume)

When the 0.02 N NaOH solution, used in titration is not standardized, mineral acidity is
calculated using following Equation:-
Methyl orange acidity= (V1×N×50×1000) / (Sample vol.) Where N is
the normality of NaOH

For phenolphthalein acidity test.

Add 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator solution to water sample and continue the titration
till the faint pink colour develops in the solution (i.e., the end point of titration). Record the
volume of titration consumed as V2 (mL) and calculate total acidity or phenolphthalein acidity
using equation:-
Total acidity (or Phenolphthalein Acidity)= (V2×N×50×1000) / (Sample vol.)

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Record your observations in a tabular form as under:-

Sample No. Initial Final Volume of Indicator Acidity(mg/l)

Reading-ml Reading-ml 0.02N NaOH Used
(Mineral)
used (ml)
Methyl
Orange
Methyl
Orange
Methyl
Orange

Sample No. Initial Final Volume of Indicator Used Acidity(mg/l)

Reading-ml Reading-ml 0.02N
(Total)
NaOH used
(ml)

phenolphthalein

phenolphthalein

phenolphthalein

NOTE:- To be adopted for all titrations

1. Add all titrant very slowly, drop by drop

2. Shake the flask containing the sample thoroughly
3. Note all readings accurately on the burette.
4. Titrate against a white background to note the colour change.

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EXPERIMENT NO-7
Determination of Hardness in a sample of water:-

Background: Hard Water: Hard waters are generally considered to be those waters that
require considerable amounts of soap to produce foam and that also produce scale in water
pipes, heaters, boilers and other units in which the temperature of water is increased. Hard
water are appropriate for human consumption similar to that as soft waters, however it
produces adverse actions with soap and thus their use for cleaning purposes is unsatisfactory
and thus their removal from water is required. Hardness of waters varies from place to place.
In general, surface waters are softer than ground waters. Waters are commonly classified
based on degree of hardness

Classification of hardness types

Hardness (mg/L) Degree of hardness

0-75 Soft

75-100 Moderately hard

150-300 Hard

>300 Very hard

Hardness is most commonly measured by titration with an EDTA solution. A titration

involves adding small amounts of a solution to a water sample until the sample changes
color. You can titrate a sample for total hardness using a burette .

Total hardness is defined as the sum of the calcium and magnesium concentrations, both
expressed as calcium carbonate in mg/L. When hardness (numerically) is greater than the
sum of carbonate and bicarbonate alkalinity, amount of hardness equivalent to the total
alkalinity is called “Carbonate hardness”. . When the hardness is numerically equal to or
less than the sum of carbonate and bicarbonate alkalinity all of the hardness is carbonate
hardness and there is no non carbonate hardness. The hardness may range from zero to
hundreds of milligrams per litre in terms of calcium carbonate, depending on the source and
treatment to which the water has been subjected.

Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid and its sodium salts (EDTA) form a chelated soluble
complex when added to a solution of certain metal cations. If a small amount of a dye such
as Eriochrome black T is added to an aqueous solution containing calcium and magnesium
ions at a pH of 10 ± 0.1, the solution will become wine red. If EDTA is then added as a
titrant, the calcium and magnesium will be complexed. After sufficient EDTA has been
added to complex all the
25
magnesium and calcium, the solution will turn from wine red to blue. This is the end point of
the titration.

Apparatus
1. Burette
2. Pipette
3. Erlenmeyer flask
4. Bottle etc.

Reagents
1. Standard EDTA titrant (0.01 M)
2. Eriochrome black T indicator
3. Ammonia buffer solution

Procedure
1. Dilute 25 mL of sample (V) to about 50 mL with distilled water in an Erlenmeyer flask.
2. Add 1 mL of buffer solution.
3. Add two drops of indicator solution. The solution turns wine red in colour.
4. Add the standard EDTA titrant slowly with continuous stirring until the last reddish
tinge disappears from the solution. The colour of the solution at the end point is blue
under normal conditions.
5. Note down the volume of EDTA added (V1).
Hardness as CaCO3= 1000 V1 = ..........mg / L

26
EXPERIMENT-8
TO DETERMINE ODOUR AND TASTE IN A WATER SAMPLE

CAUSES AND SIGNIFICANCE

Taste and odour can originate from natural inorganic and organic chemical contaminants and
biological sources or processes (e.g. aquatic microorganisms), from contamination by
synthetic chemicals, from corrosion or as a result of problems with water treatment (e.g.
chlorination). Taste and odour may also develop during storage and distribution as a result of
microbial activity.

Taste and odour in drinking-water may be indicative of some form of pollution or of a

malfunction during water treatment or distribution. It may therefore be an indication of the
presence of potentially harmful substances. The cause should be investigated and the
appropriate health authorities should be consulted, particularly if there is a sudden or
substantial change.

There are a number of diverse organisms that often have no public health significance but
which are undesirable because they produce taste and odour. As well as affecting the
acceptability of the water, they indicate that water treatment and/or the state of maintenance
and repair of the distribution system are insufficient.

Actinomycetes and fungi can be abundant in surface water sources, including reservoirs, and
they can also grow on unsuitable materials in the water supply distribution systems, such as
rubber. They can produce geosmin, 2-methyl isoborneol and other substances, resulting in
objectionable tastes and odours in the drinking-water.

Blooms of cyano bacteria and other algae in reservoirs and in river waters may cause
odour and taste.

High concentrations of chloride give a salty taste to water. Concentrations in excess of

250 mg/l are increasingly likely to be detected by taste, but some consumers may
become accustomed to low levels of chloride-induced taste.

27
Most individuals are able to taste or smell chlorine in drinking-water at concentrations well
below 5 mg/l, and some at levels as low as 0.3 mg/l. Hence in the chlorination process, the
residual chlorine at the consumer end is not to exceed 0.2 mg/l

CLASSIFICATION OF ODOURS

(a) No odour (b)Ammoniacal bad eggs (sulphide) (c) chlorine (bleach)

(d) earthy (e) fruity (f) fuel
(g) milky (h) oily (i) soapy (j) Fishy and some other (this should be specified)

TASTE

(a) No Taste (b) Sweet (c) Salty (d) Sour (e) Bitter

Apparatus Required:-

1. 500 ML clear flasks

2. Watch glasses or stopper
3. Heating device with temperature readout
Procedure :- For Cold Odour:-

Fill the 500 ML flask with around 200 ML of sample. Close the stopper. Shake the flask
well at room temperature. Open the flask and smell at the mouth of the flask. Report the
odour in terms of the classifications mentioned above

Procedure for Hot Odour:-

The intensity of the cold odour may be very low and cannot be detected. For this purpose,
heat the flask to around 58-60 degrees C. Remove the stopper and smell at the mouth of the
flask.
The odours can be detected by a group of observers as single observation may not be
correct. See how many agree to a common odour.

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Odour Intensity:-

The intensity of the odour can be determined on its strength. Numbers are assigned as
follows:-
0--No odour
1--Very
Faint 2--
Faint
3--
Distinct
4--
Decided
5--Very Strong
Add your results in a tabular form as indicated below.

Sample Date Source Odour Cold Odour Hot Odour Remarks

Number Name Classification intensity intensity

As far as taste is concerned, it should be noted only when the full potability of water is
ascertained, i.e. it should be free from all impurities ( Physical, Chemical and Biological)
Sample Number Date Source Name Classification of Taste Remarks

NOTE:- Potable water should be colorless, tasteless and odourless. Refer :- IS:-
10050:- Specifications for Drinking Water

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 Experiment 10

AIM To determine the Na, Ca, K in a sample of water

INTRODUCTION

Atomic spectroscopy is based on the absorption, emission or fluorescence process of light by

atoms or elementary ions. Information for atomic scale is obtained in two regions of the
electromagnetic radiation (EMR) spectrum. These regions are UV/VIS and the X-ray.

Electromagnetic Spectrum:

When sample interacts with light, absorption process occurs. Ground state electrons of the
sample atom tend to move to the excited states with the energy of absorbed light. This process
can also be called excitation. Apart from light, heat can cause excitation. Since excited state
is unstable, electrons want to return back to the ground state. When an excited electron turns
back to its ground state a radiation is emitted that is equal to the energy difference between
excited and ground states. The emitted light is monochromatic and it has the same wavelength
as the light absorbed in the excitation process. Depending on the excitation technique,
absorbed or emitted light is measured. If excitation source is flame, emitted radiation is
measured. On the other hand, absorption is measured when lamp is used for excitation. Both
are directly proportional with the number of atoms in the sample.

30
Flame photometry or flame emission spectroscopy is an atomic emission technique. There is no
need for light source. Flame serves both as an as an atomizer and excitation source. It is
suitable for qualitative and quantitative determination of several cations, especially for metals
that are easily excited to higher energy levels at flame temperature. These metals are Na, K, Ca,
In this technique, first aerosols are formed from sample solution by a jet of compressed gas.
This process is called nebulization. The design of the nebulizer is shown in Figure 1. Then
the flow of the gas carries the aerosols into a flame where atomization takes place.
Atomization is the conversion of sample aerosols into an atomic vapor by flame. When a sample
is atomized, a substantial fraction of the metallic constituents are reduced to gaseous atoms
and also depending on the temperature of the flame a certain fraction of these atoms are
ionized. Then, electrons of the formed atoms are excited to upper state. Light is emitted
at characteristic wavelengths for each metal as the electron returns to the ground state.

Figure 1. Design of a nebulizer

Flame is formed by two components: fuel and oxidant. Temperature of the flame changes
depending on the fuel and oxidant types and their proportions. In flame photometer
generally natural gas is used as a fuel and air is the oxidant. Table 1 lists the different
types of fuel, oxidant and the temperature of the flame.

Table 1. Flame components and temperatures

FUEL OXIDANT TEMPERATURE, 0C

Natural Gas Air 1700-1900

Natural Gas Oxygen 2700-2800
Hydrogen Air 2000-2100
Hydrogen Oxygen 2550-2700
Acetylene Air 2100-2400
Acetylene Oxygen 3050-3150
Acetylene Nitrous Oxide 2600-2800

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Flame consists of three important regions. These are the primary combustion zone, interconal
region and outer cone (secondary combustion zone). The appearance and the relative sizes of
these regions can be changed with the fuel-oxidant ratio. Regions of the flame are shown
in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Schematic appearance of flame

The primary combustion zone of the flame is blue in color. In this region, there is no thermal
equilibrium. Therefore, it is not used in flame spectroscopy. The interconal region is rich in
free atoms and is the most widely used region for the spectroscopy. In The outer cone the
products of the inner core are converted to stable molecular oxides.
In flame photometer there are three fundamental systems which are emission, λ-selection and
recording. The general flow diagram is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. A general scheme of a Flame Photometer

Emission System: This consists of the flame, which is the source of emission.
λ-Selection System: This includes the whole optical system of wavelength selection. In flame
photometer the wavelength selector is filter. The radiation emitted by the excited atoms
is selected by using a filter which transmits an emission line of one of the elements while
absorbing the others. There are two types of filters. These are absorption and interference
filters. Absorption filters are restricted to visible region of the spectrum but interference filters
are used in UV, VIS and IR regions of the spectrum.
Absorption filters are less expensive than the interference filters and they have been widely used
for band selection in the visible region. These filters function by absorbing certain portions of
the

32
 spectrum and transmitting the band of wavelengths belonging to the analyte element. The most
common type consists of colored glasses.
Interference filters rely on optical interference to provide relatively narrow bands of radiation.
They consist of a transparent dielectric layer (CaF2 or MgF2) that occupies the space between
two semi-transparent metallic films. This array is sandwiched between two plates of glass.
Recording System: This part consists of all the means of detection (phototubes or
photomultiplier tubes), the electronic devices of amplifying and electrical apparatus for
measuring and direct recording.

The instrument that is used in this experiment is a JENWAY PFP7 model which is a
low temperature, single channel emission Flame Photometer designed for the routine
determinations of Na, K, Ca, . It is a direct reading digital instrument designed for use in
clinical, industrial and educational applications.

Figure 4. Front Panel Controls for the instrument

Calibration Curve:
In flame photometry emitted light intensity from the flame is directly proportional to the
concentration of the species being aspirated. The graph below shows that the direct relationship
between the emission and concentration is true only at relatively low concentrations of mg/L
level (up to 50 mg/L).

Figure 5.Calibration curve 33

If the samples being analyzed lie on the linear part of the curve then user can take direct
concentration readings from the digital display. However, if the concentration of sample is above
the linear part, then user has to dilute sample so that it lies on the linear part of the curve.
A calibration curve is obtained by using standard solutions containing known concentrations
of the elements to be determined. The concentration range covered by the calibration curve
depends on the expected concentration so that the sample readings fall somewhere inside the
calibration curve. Once the calibration curve has been plotted, the scale reading for the sample
solution is compared with the curve to find the concentration.
It is important to emphasize that each element has its own characteristic curve and separate
curves must be constructed.

REAGENTS AND APPARATUS

● Calcium Carbonate, Ca(NO3)2

● Sodium Chloride, NaCl (in the balance room)
● 100 mL volumetric flask
● 5 mL pipette

PROCEDURE

A. Flame Photometric Determination of Calcium in tap water

1) Prepare 100.0 mL of 1000 mg/L Ca stock solution from Ca(NO3)2.

2) Prepare 100.0 mL of 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40.0 and 50.0 mg/L standard Ca solutions from
1000 mg/L Ca stock solution.
3) Select Ca as analyte from the instrument.
4) Adjust the fuel/oxidant ratio and burner position by aspirating 30.0 mg/L standard Ca
solution.
5) Measure the emission intensities of all standard Ca solutions (including the blank
solution) and sample solution after necessary dilutions.
6) Make 10 replicate measurements of 10.0 mg/L Ca standard solution to calculate Limit
of detection (LOD).
7) Draw the calibration plot and find the concentration (in mg/L) of Ca in beverages and
tap water.
● After finishing measurements, draw calibration curve and discuss the applicability of it
to the unknown samples by looking at correlation coefficient and dynamic range
and if necessary, prepare more solutions.

B. Flame Photometric Determination of Sodium in tap water

1) Prepare 100.0 mL of 1000 mg/L Na stock solution from NaCl.

34
2) Prepare 100.0 mL of 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40.0 and 50.0 mg/L standard Na
solutions from 1000 mg/L Na stock solution.
3) Select Na as analyte from the instrument.
4) Adjust the fuel/oxidant ratio and burner position by aspirating 30.0 mg/L standard
Na solution.
5) Measure the emission intensities of all standard Na solutions (including the
blank solution) and sample solution after necessary dilutions.
6) Make 10 replicate measurements of 10.0 mg/L Na standard solution to
calculate Limit of detection (LOD).
7) Draw the calibration plot and find the concentration (in mg/L) of Na in
beverages and tap water.
● After finishing measurements, draw calibration curve and discuss the
applicability of it to the unknown samples by looking at correlation
coefficient and dynamic range and if necessary, prepare more solutions.
 Enroll No:- Section:
Date:

REPORT SHEET FLAME PHOTOMETRY

Part A: Determination of Calcium Sodium

Sample Emission Sample Emission
blank blank
10 ppm 10 ppm
20 ppm 20 ppm
30 ppm 30 ppm
40 ppm 40 ppm
50 ppm 50 ppm
Tap water Tap water
Sour cherry juice Sour cherry juice

Part A: Determination of Calcium

Line Equation (y=mx+n)

R2
Limit of Detection
CCa in tap water (ppm)
CCa in sour cherry juice

Part B: Determination of Sodium

Line Equation (y=mx+n)

R2
Limit of Detection
CNa in tap water (ppm)
CNa in sour cherry juice

2
Experiment 11
Determination of percentage of ammonia nitrogen present in a given sample of
water.

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1. This method covers the determination of ammonia in drinking, ground, surface,
and saline waters, domestic and industrial wastes.
2. The applicable range is 0.01-2.0 mg/L NH3 as N.
3. Higher concentrations can be determined by sample dilution.

PROCEDURE
1. Take 5 ml filtered sample and make up to 50 ml in nessler’s tube.
2. Add 1 drop of EDTA.
3. Add 2 ml of Nessler’s reagent.
4. Take reading in Spectrophotometer.
5. Multiply by 10 to get actual concentration in mg/L.

DATA ANALYSIS AND CALCULATIONS

1. Prepare a calibration curve by plotting instrument response against standard
concentration. Compute sample concentration by comparing sample response
with the standard curve.
2. Report results in mg NH3 -N/L.