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Department of Environmental Engineering Instrumentation Techniques For Env Monitoring

The document outlines a practical study on pH and conductivity measurement techniques in environmental monitoring. It details the theory behind pH determination, its importance in water treatment, and the use of conductivity meters for assessing water quality. The procedure for measuring both pH and conductivity is also provided, including calibration and testing steps.

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sarthak sharma
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15 views5 pages

Department of Environmental Engineering Instrumentation Techniques For Env Monitoring

The document outlines a practical study on pH and conductivity measurement techniques in environmental monitoring. It details the theory behind pH determination, its importance in water treatment, and the use of conductivity meters for assessing water quality. The procedure for measuring both pH and conductivity is also provided, including calibration and testing steps.

Uploaded by

sarthak sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

INSTRUMENTATION TECHNIQUES FOR ENV


MONITORING

EN-303
PRACTICAL-4

SUBMITTED TO: MR ANUNAY GOUR SUBMITTED BY: Siddhant Singh


(23/EN/112)
Practical-4
Aim-
Study of pH, Conductivity Meter

Theory

Determination of pH:

The pH of water is an indicator of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the water. It
helps determine whether the water is acidic or alkaline. pH stands for "potential of
hydrogen." According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the acceptable pH range
for drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5. Mathematically, pH is expressed as:

pH = -log [H+]

This concept was introduced by the scientist Sorenson in 1909. The equation below
indicates that in pure water, the concentrations of H+ and OH- ions are equal. It has been
established that the product of these ion concentrations equals a constant, 'K', whose
value lies between 10 and 14.

H2O → H+ + OH-

For acidic solutions, the pH ranges from 1 to 7, whereas alkaline solutions have pH values
between 7 and 14. Two primary methods are used to determine the pH of water:

1. Colorimetric Method

2. Electrometric Method

Measuring pH is crucial in the biological treatment of wastewater. In anaerobic processes,


if the pH drops below 5 due to excessive acid accumulation, the treatment process is
negatively impacted. A pH shift outside the 5 to 10 range can disrupt aerobic wastewater
treatment. To maintain optimal treatment conditions, pH is often regulated by adding acids
or alkalis.
pH plays a vital role in various chemical processes. Many chemicals are most effective
within a specific pH range. For instance, chemical coagulation, disinfection, water
softening, and corrosion control all rely on precise pH adjustments. Water with a pH below
4 can have a sour taste, while water with a pH above 8.5 may taste bitter. Higher pH
values can also accelerate scale formation in water heaters and reduce chlorine's
effectiveness as a disinfectant.

The extremes of the pH scale are defined by hydrogen ion concentration. At one end, with
1M hydrogen ions, the pH is around 0. At the other end, with 1M hydroxide ions, the pH is
close to 14. In cases where the solution’s concentration exceeds 1M, the pH can extend
beyond the typical 0-14 range.

Indian Standard for pH Testing:

IS 3025 (Part 11)-1983: Method of Sampling and Test (Physical and Chemical) for Water
and Wastewater: pH Value (First Revision).

Conductivity Meter:

Conductivity refers to a solution's ability to conduct electricity, which depends on the


concentration of ions. The more ions present in a solution, the higher its conductivity. A
conductivity meter measures this by applying a voltage across two electrodes immersed
in the solution and detecting the resulting current.

● Measurement Unit: Conductivity is typically expressed in Siemens per meter


(S/m), and is directly affected by ion concentration, temperature, and the type of
ions present in the solution.
● Applications: It is widely used to assess water quality, control salinity in
agricultural water, and monitor industrial processes.
Materials Required

● pH meter
● Conductivity meter
● Calibration buffers (pH 4, pH 7, pH 10)
● Distilled water
● Test solutions
● Clean beakers

Procedure

For pH Measurement:

Start with Calibration:

● Turn on the pH meter.


● Dip the pH electrode into a buffer solution. Adjust the meter to read correctly.

Rinse the Electrode:

● After calibration, clean the electrode with distilled water to avoid any contamination.

Test the Solution:

● Place the pH electrode into the sample.


● Wait for the reading to stabilize, then record the pH value.
For Conductivity Measurement:

Calibrate the Meter:

● Turn on the conductivity meter.


● Immerse the electrodes in a standard solution with known conductivity.
● Adjust the meter accordingly.

Clean the Electrodes:

● Rinse the electrodes with distilled water before proceeding to sample


measurement.

Test the Solution:

● Insert the electrodes into the test sample.


● Record the conductivity reading once it stabilizes.

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