[DETERMINATION OF PH]

pH:
pH is a numeric scale used to specify the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of
an aqueous solution. It is roughly the negative of the logarithm to base 10 of
the concentration, measured in units of moles per liter, of hydrogen ions.
OR
pH is defined as the decimal logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen
ion activity, aH+, in a solution.

Example:
The H+ concentration is very low, lets say about 0.0001M, then the pH is
pH= -log [0.0001] which is same as -log [1 X 10-4]
The term log [1 X 10-4] = -4
- (-4) = 4

pH of pure water:

At 100C, the pH of pure water is 6.14, which is "neutral" on the pH

scale at this higher temperature.
At 0C, the pH of pure water is 7.47.

Significance of measurement of pH of water:

It is important to test the pH--the level of acidity or alkalinity--of water. Water
is consumed by the plants and animals we depend on, and we directly
consume it every day. The pH level of water can provide information on
potential contamination. Consequently, testing the pH of water can be an
important public health precaution.
How to measure the pH?
We use to measure the pH with the help of pH meter.
pH meter:

Department of Environmental Engineering, UET TAXILA

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[DETERMINATION OF PH]
A pH Meter is a scientific instrument that measures the hydrogen-ion
concentration in a solution, indicating its acidity or alkalinity. The pH meter
measures the difference in electrical potential between a pH electrode and a
reference electrode. It usually has a glass electrode plus a calomel reference
electrode, or a combination electrode. In addition to measuring the pH of
liquids, a special probe is sometimes used to measure the pH of semi-solid
substances.

Fig.02.pH meter.

Steps to measure the pH:

1-Calibrate

the

probe

and

meter

following

the

manufacturer

specifications:
You may need to calibrate the meter by testing it in a substance with a
known pH rating. You can then adjust the meter accordingly. If you will be
testing water away from a lab, you may want to perform this calibration
several hours before you take the meter to the field.

Rinse the probe with clean water before using it. Dry it off with a clean
tissue.
Department of Environmental Engineering, UET TAXILA

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[DETERMINATION OF PH]

2-Collect a sample of the water in a clean container:

The water sample must be deep enough to cover the tip of the electrode.

Let the sample sit for a moment so the temperature can stabilize

Measure the temperature of the sample using a thermometer.

3-Adjust the meter to match the sample temperature:
The probe's sensitivity is affected by the temperature of the water, and so
the reading of the meter cannot be accurate if you do not input the
temperature data.[2]
4-Put the probe into the sample:

Wait for the meter to come to equilibrium. The meter has reached
equilibrium when the measurement becomes steady.

5-Read the pH measurement of the sample:

Your pH meter should provide a reading on the scale of 0-14. If the water is
pure it should read close to 7. Record your findings.
Apparatus:

pH meter
beakers
distilled water bottle

Procedure:

First calibrate the pH meter.

Then wash the beakers with distilled water.
After that, then take the samples in the beaker.
Then .lw09ash the meter with distilled water.
Put the meter in the sample.

Department of Environmental Engineering, UET TAXILA

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[DETERMINATION OF PH]

It will gives the reading of pH of the sample.

Now set the apparatus on temperature mode.
Put the meter in the beaker.
Now it will give the temperature of the sample.

Results:
Samples
Tank water
Rain water
Hostel
Home

pH
7.7
8.20
7.56
7.27

Temperature
21.9 C
22 C
22.7 C
23C

Precautions:

Must calibrate the pH meter before measuring the pH.

Meter should not touch the wall of beaker.

Meter should be wash with distilled water before measurement

Comments:
pH gives the nature of any solution. If its value is less than 7, the solution is
acidic. If its value is greater than 7, the nature of solution is alkaline (basic).

Department of Environmental Engineering, UET TAXILA

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