EXPERIMENT NO.

1 : pH VALUE
Structure
1.1 Introduction
Objective
1.2 Apparatus
1.3 Reagents
1.4 Procedure
1.4.1 Using a pH Meter
1.4.2 Using pH Papers
1.4.3 Field pH Kit

1.5 Result
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I 1.1 INTRODUCTION
pH value is defined as the reciprocal of logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration in moles
1
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per litre. It signifies the intensity of acidify or akalinity of a sample on the basis of
degree of ionization.
! Measurement of pH is one of the most important and frequently used test in water
chemistry. Practically every phase of water supply and waste water treatment e.g.
acid-base neutralization, water softening precipitation, coagulation, disinfection and
corrosion control is pH dependent. pH is used in alkalinity and carbon dioxide
measurements and many other acid-base equilibrium. At a given temperature the intensity
of the acidic or basic character of a solution is indicated by pH or hydrogen ion activity.
pH-7, indicates neutral water at 25'C. pH range from 0 to 7 indicates acidic whereas pH
range from 7 to 14 indicates alkaline.

Objective
To determine pH of the given sample of water.

1.2 APPARATUS
(1) pH meter
(2) pH paper
(7) pH field kit

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Figure 1.1 : pIl \leter
Laboratory - I1
1.3 REAGENTS
Buffer Solutions
Following buffer solutions are needed for the standardization of pH meter before
testing the water sample.
(i) Buffer Solution of pH 4
Dissolve 10.12 gm of Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate KHCs H404 (dried at
110°C) in freshly prepared distilled water to make 1.0 litre of solution (at 25OC).
(ii) Buffer Solution of pH 6.8
Dissolve 3.387 grams of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate KH2P04(dried at
1lo°C) + 3.533 grams of Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Na2HP04 (dried at
130°C) in freshly prepared distilled water to make 1 litre of solution.
(iii) Buffer Solution of pH 9.2
Dissolve 3.8 grams of Sodium Borate Decahydrate (Borax) (Na2B407. 10H20)
in the distilled water to make 1 litre of solution.
Alternatively, said buffer solutions are (i), (ii), and (iii) can also be prepared by
using commercially available buffer tablets (one tablet is sufficient for preparing
100 ml of buffer solution).
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Figure 1.2 :pH Paper ,

1.4 PROCEDURE
Any one of the following methods can be used for measurement of pH of a sample.

1.4.1 Using a pH Meter

(i) While using the pH meter, it is utmost important to follow the manufacturer's
operating instructions strictly and the standardization of instrument should be
done as specified therein. The period during which pH meter is not in use, its
electrodes should always be kept immersedin distilled water and before use,
they should be dried up completely by using soft tissue paper.
(ii) For standardization, it is important to use at least two buffer solutions which
could cover the expected pH value of water sample. When the pH value of
water sample is expected to be higher than 7, buffer solutions of pH 6.8 and 9.2
are used and for pH below 7, buffer solutions of pH 4 and 6.8 are used.
(iii) For standardization, first take the buffer solution (which is having pH value
more close to that of the expected value of water sample) in a beaker and after
immersing the electrodes, set the temperature control (to the temperature value
 of buffer solution) and put the selector switch in the desired pH range and adjust Environmental Engineering
the pointer at the pH value of buffer solution. Putting back the selector to zero,
agaln check that instrument is giving correct value for that buffer solution.
(iv) Take out the electrodes and after cleaning and drying them, test the pH value of
second buffer solution. The pH value so obtained should have a least variation
(well below 0.1 p~ unit).
(iv) To test the water sample, first clean the electrodes with distilled water and then
with sample water. Take sample in a clean beaker, agitate it thoroughly and
then immersing the electrodes, set the temperature control (to the temperature of
the sample) and the selector in the desired pH range and record the pH value of
water sample as indicated by the pointer.

1.4.2 Using pH Papers

(1) Dip the pH paper in the sample
(2) Compare the colour with that of the colour given on the wrapper of the pH
paper book.

1.4.3 Field pH Kit

(1) Fill up the tubes with sample upto the mark.
(2) Find out the pH of the sample with pH paper forrough estimation.
(3) Put few drops of the indicator in the sample tube, place this tube on the right
hand side of the comparator and match the colour.

1.5 RESULT
Based on the observations of any of the,above methods, report the pH value of the given
sample of water with temperature.