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ALKALINITY

INTRODUCTION

The alkalinity of water is a measure of its capacity to neutralise acids. The alkalinity of natural waters is due primarily to the salts of weak acids, although weak or strong bases may also contribute.

Bicarbonates represent the major form of alkalinity, since they are formed in considerable amounts from the action of carbon dioxide upon basic materials in the soil. Under certain conditions, natural waters may contain appreciable amounts of carbonate and hydroxide alkalinity. This condition is particularly true in surface waters where algae are flourishing. The algae remove free and combined carbon dioxide from the water to such extent that pH values of 9 to 10 are often obtained. Boiler waters always contain carbonate and hydroxide alkalinity. Chemically treated waters, particularly those

produced in lime or lime-soda ash softening of water, contain carbonate and excess hydroxide and have rather high pH values. These raise some objections from the

consumers. For these reasons, standards are sometimes established on chemically treated waters.

OBJECTIVES

1. 2. 3.

To gain a knowledge of the methods used to measure pH and alkalinity To be able to calibrate pH meter To determine the alkalinity of a water sample and express it in terms of ppm of CaCO3.

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APPARATUS

Figure : E1-1

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

pH meter Burette Measuring cylinder Beaker Magnetic stirrer Hotplate stirrer

The arrangement of apparatus is shown in Figure E1-1. REAGENTS 1. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) (0.02 M) 2. Distilled Water

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PROCEDURES

Alkalinity Test

1. 2. 3. 4.

Rinse pH electrode and 150 mL beaker with distilled water. Transfer 100 mL of water sample into the beaker. Dip pH electrode into the sample. Stir the sample with a magnetic stirrer. Be sure that the pH electrode tip near the beaker bottom without touching the rotating magnetic stirrer.

5. 6. 7.

Record pH when constant reading is obtained. Add HCl (0.02 M) using burette in increments of 0.2 to 0.5 mL into the beaker. After each addition, mix the solution thoroughly but gently with the magnetic stirrer. Avoid splashing.

8. 9.

Record pH when a constant reading is observed. Continue adding titrant and measure pH until pH 4.0 is reached.

10. Data obtained should be recorded in a suitable table. 11. Construct a titration curve by plotting observed pH values versus cumulative millilitres titrant added. 12. From the curve, obtain the volumes of HCl added when: a. pH = 8.3 b. pH = 4.5 13. Compute the alkalinity values for both volumes of HCl from step12 in ppm of CaCO3.

CALCULATIONS

A.

Converting HCl Molarity (M) to Normality (N) HCl(aq) H+(aq) Cl-(aq)

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Where: N Z = = Normality of HCl number of moles of Hydrogen ion (H+) obtainable from one mole of acid M = Molarity of HCl

B.

Alkalinity

ppm CaCO 3

A N 50000 mL sample

Where: A = mL HCl used

REFERENCES

1.

Sawyer, C.N. , McCarty P.L. and Parkin G.F.(1994) Chemistry For Environmental Engineering. McGraw-Hill, New York.

2.

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, Water Pollution Control Federation., 17th Edition.

3.

Benchtop pH and pH/ISE Meters Instruction Manual (2001), Orion Research Inc.

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