CONTENTS:
I. INTRODUCTION
II. DEFINITION OF TERMS
III. OBJECTIVES
IV. PRINCIPLE / THEORY
V. METHOD
VI. CHEMICALS AND MATERIALS
VII. PROCEDURES
VIII. PRECAUTIONS
I. WHAT IS ALKALINITY
Alkalinity is a measure of water’s ability
to resist pH changes that lead to
acidity, or to neutralize acids, and
maintain a fairly stable pH. This ability
is usually referred to as water’s
“buffering capacity”.
II. DEFINITION OF TERMS
Buffer Capacity- it is a measure of a solution's resistance to pH change when a solution like acid or base is added.
Hydroxide- it is consisting of hydrogen and oxygen which is held together by a covalent bond.
Bicarbonate ions- it plays a very crucial role in neutralizing the acids in water to help balance the pH level.
Carbonate ions- it helps to maintain the stability of the pH.
Phenolphthalein- this is a chemical compound that can be used in the titration of acids and bases as a pH indicator.
Methyl orange- it is an indicator for pH, showing changes in color with varying levels of acidity and basicity of a
solution. This makes it maintain pH stability.
Neutralization- it's a chemical reaction where acid and bases react with an equivalent quantity or produces a more neutral solut
Volumetric analysis- this is the method of quantitative chemical analysis in which the amount of a substance is determined by m
volume.
Analyte- it is the substance being analyzed.
Titrant- it is a solution of known concentration that is added to another solution during the titration process to determine the con
second chemical.
Sulfuric Acid 0.02n- it is the standardized solution that is used for volumetric analysis.
DETERMINATION OF
ALKALINITY IN WATER
SAMPLES USING
TITRATION METHOD
III. OBJECTIVES
Determine the total alkalinity of the water sample.
To quantify the concentration of hydroxide, carbonate, and
bicarbonate ions present in the water sample.
To evaluate the effectiveness of phenolphtalein and methyl
orange indicators in different alkalinity endpoint.
Compare alkalinity levels across multiple water samples.
IV. PRINCIPLES / THEORY
This experiment measures the alkalinity of a water
sample by titrating it with sulfuric acid. Phenolphthalein
is used to detect and neutralize hydroxide and carbonate
ions, as indicated by the fading of the pink color. The
total amount of sulfuric acid used during the titration
process reflects the concentration of alkaline
substances in the water. The results provide an
understanding of the water's buffering capacity and its
ability to neutralize acids, which is essential for
evaluating water quality.
PRINCIPLES / THEORY
Methyl orange is used in the second stage of alkalinity
titration to detect the neutralization of remaining
carbonate and bicarbonate ions. After the
phenolphthalein endpoint, the solution turns yellow
with methyl orange. As sulfuric acid is added, the color
changes from yellow to red, indicating the full
neutralization of all alkaline substances. This step
ensures accurate measurement of the total alkalinity in
the water sample.
V. METHOD
TITRATION, also called VOLUMETRIC ANALYSIS, is a method of
concentration analysis on a sample called an analyte. An indicator,
usually phenolphthalein, is added to the analyte before slowly
adding a standard solution of known concentration referred to as a
titrant. This is done continuously until an endpoint or neutralization
point is reached. An indicator for when the endpoint or
neutralization point has been reached is if the color of the indicator
added to the analyte had changed colors or had turned colorless.
The amount of titrant used to reach neutralization is recorded and
used to draw information about the analyte.
METHOD
In the concept of alkalinity, the titration method works
to determine how much acid (titrant) is needed to
neutralize an alkaline sample (analyte). As mentioned,
an indicator is initially added and the changes of its
color signifies the endpoint. The amount of acid used
to reach the neutralization point is used to calculate
the total alkalinity of the sample.
VI. CHEMICALS
AND
MATERIALS
CHEMICALS REQUIRED
SULPHURIC ACID
METHYL ORANGE TAP WATER
0.02N
PHENOLPHTALEIN
DISTILLED WATER
INDICATOR
EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED
GRADUATED BEAKER
BURETTE STAND
CYLINDER
ERLENMEYER WASH BOTTLE
PIPPETTE / DROPPER
FLASK
VII. PROCEDURES
Preparing the Workspace
Preparing Materials and Reagents
Conducting the Testing
Observing and Recording
Determining the Alkalinity
Cleaning the Workspace
PREPARATION OF 0.02 N OF SULFURIC ACID
1. Fill 50 mL of tap water sample into an erlenmeyer flask.
2. Add 2 drops of phenolphthalein indicator.
3. Fill the burette with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).
4. Titrate the water sample with sulfuric acid. The acid neutralizes the
alkali in the sample, and the pink color will fade to colorless once all
the hydroxide and carbonate ions reacting with phenolphthalein have
been neutralized.
5. Add 2 drops of methyl orange after the phenolphthalein end point is
reached. The solution will initially turn yellow because of the methyl
orange indicator.
6. Titrate until the solution changes from yellow to red, which indicates
that all carbonate and bicarbonate ions have been neutralized.
7. After the titration is complete, calculate the alkalinity based on the
amount of sulfuric acid used in both stages of the titration.
WHEREIN:
V1 = VOLUME OF ACID USED TO NEUTRALIZE BY
HYDROXIDE AND CARBONATE IONS.
N = NORMALITY (0.002 N).
17,000 = EQUIVALENT WEIGHTOF HYDROXIDE ION.
WHEREIN:
N = NORMALITY
30,000 = EQUIVALENT WEIGHT OF CARBONATE ION.
(2 X V1) = CARBONATE IONS REACT IN TWO STEPS
(FIRST IS TO BICARBONATE, THEN TO CARBONIC ACID).
WHEREIN:
V2 = VOLUME OF ACID USED TO NEUTRALIZE BY
BICARBONATE IONS.
N = NORMALITY.
61,000 = EQUIVALENT WEIGHT OF BICARBONATE ION.
VIII. PRECAUTIONS
DOS
1. USE PERSONAL PTOTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Always wear gloves,
goggles, and protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
2. LABEL AND STORE PROPERLY: Clearly label all containers and store alkaline
chemicals in a cool, dry place, away from other reactive chemicals.
3. WORK IN A VENTILATED AREA: Ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling
fumes, ideally in a well-ventilated room or with a fume hood.
4. USE SPILL KITS AND NEUTRALIZING AGENTS: Have spill kits or neutralizers
nearby for quick response to any accidental spills.
5. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY: Always read and follow the
instructions on the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safe use and
handling.
6. DO USE APPROPRIATE ACIDS: Select acids like sulfuric acid for effective
neutralization of alkaline substances.
7. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY: Neutralized solutions and waste should be
disposed of according to local hazardous waste disposal regulations. Do not
pour neutralized or unused acid/base into the drain.
DON’TS
1. DO NOT TOUCH DIRECTLY: Never touch alkaline chemicals directly
with bare skin, as they can cause burns and irritation.
2. DO NOT MIX WITH ACIDS: Avoid mixing alkaline chemicals with acids
or other reactive substances, which could cause dangerous reactions.
3. DO NOT POUR DOWN DRAINS: Don’t dispose of alkaline chemicals in
regular drains; instead, follow safe disposal guidelines.
4. DO NOT USE IMPROPER CONTAINERS: Don’t use containers that aren’t
suitable for alkaline chemicals, as this could lead to leaks or reactions.
5. DO NOT IGNORE SPILLS: Never ignore a spill. Even a small spill should
be cleaned up immediately with proper neutralization and protective
gear.
6. NEVER MIX STRONG ACID/BASE SOLUTIONS WITHOUT AWARENESS
of the OUTCOME: Be aware of the chemical reactions involved. Do not
mix strong acids and bases without knowing the products or
understanding potential risks like heat generation or gas release.
THANK YOU!