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    PH MV White Paper

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    Dip
    Ph of solution

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    PH MV White Paper

    Uploaded by

    Dip
    4 views2 pages
    Ph of solution

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    pH_mV_White_Paper

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Ph of solution

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    4 views2 pages

    PH MV White Paper

    Uploaded by

    Dip
    Ph of solution

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    pH mV Readings

    pH measurement in natural aquatic environments is commonly done electrochemically by


    measuring the voltage between a pH-sensitive glass electrode and a reference electrode.
    Commercial pH meters convert voltage readings into pH units using calculations based on the
    Nernst equation and sometimes other assumptions about the environment and measurement
    system. Because of unavoidable differences between theoretical pH measurement systems
    and real-world pH measurements systems, pH is often said to be defined “operationally” based
    on an accepted electrochemical method such as Standard Method 4500-H+ or similar methods
    from other standards organizations. Despite pH sensor imperfections, most water resource
    professionals accept measurements derived from glass electrode measurement systems as the
    “operational definition” of pH and use them for meaningful and defensible scientific endeavors.

    The millivolt reading from a theoretically perfect pH sensor in a pH 7 solution is zero. In nominal
    pH 4 and pH 10 buffers at 25 °C, millivolt readings are 177.48 and -177.48, respectively. In
    practice, millivolt readings will differ in an amount referred to as the asymmetry potential of the
    electrode. As the electrodes age and degrade with use, mV readings during calibration will
    change – decreasing in acidic solutions and increasing in basic solutions.

    Changes in mV readings observed during calibration procedures over time can be used as an
    indicator of electrode condition and the quality of the calibration procedure. Small deviations
    from theoretical mV readings or historic readings are not a concern because they are corrected
    during the calibration process and are generally stable between calibration events. Additional
    confidence in the calibration can be built by performing a linearity check. This is done by
    placing the sensor in a third reference standard (different from the two used in calibration) and
    comparing the reading to the expected reading.

    Reading mV directly could allow the user to derive a unique mathematical equation relating
    voltage to pH that is different from the one used in the pH meter. Deriving a unique equation
    has little purpose for most water monitoring plans.

    Hach Hydromet, 5600 Lindbergh Dr. Loveland CO 80539, [email protected], www.hachhydromet.com


    To incorporate pH mV output into a quality assurance program:

    Follow best practices for pH calibration procedures, considering the goals and
    constraints of a water quality monitoring program
    Record the mV reading during calibrations in a calibration log or laboratory notebook
    Watch for sudden changes from prior calibrations to indicate there was an error or
    change in the calibration procedure, incomplete maintenance, or sensor damage
    Use large deviations that develop with time along with slow response times or erratic
    readings as an indicator that measuring electrode or reference electrode needs to be
    regenerated or replaced.

    Published guidelines on acceptable mV readings or slope percents vary. Rather than relying on
    absolute values of mV or slope to determine sensor quality, it is best to incorporate the data to a
    comprehensive QA/QC program where it can be used to assess overall sensor, calibration, and
    data quality.

    For more information, please contact [email protected].

    References

    What is pH and How is it Measured: A Technical Handbook for Industry by Frederick J.


    Kohlman. Hach Company 2003

    The Sometimes Maddening Science of pH Measurement by Richard Presley. American


    Laboratory News June 1999.

    Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater

    Hach Hydromet, 5600 Lindbergh Dr. Loveland CO 80539, [email protected], www.hachhydromet.com

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