pH Testing, and Alkalinity Determination using the Titrametric Method

Purpose:
Acidity levels in wastewater indicate its corrosive properties and can take a leading role in
regulating biological processes as well as in chemical reactions (such as chemical coagulation
and flocculation). Alkalinity, too, contributes to the properties of wastewater, many of which
also affect biological processes (such as nitrification) and chemical reactions.
While both acidity and alkalinity are related to pH, they should not be confused with pH, nor
should the terms be used interchangeably. Acidity is a measure of a solution’s capacity to react
with a strong base (usually sodium hydroxide, NaOH) to a predetermined pH value. This
measurement is based on the total acidic constituent of a solution (strong and weak acids,
hydrolyzing salts, etc.) It is possible to have highly acidic water but have moderate pH values.
Likewise, the pH of a sample can be very low but have a relatively low acidity. Acidity is similar
to a buffer in that the higher the acidity, the more neutralizers is needed to counteract it.
Alkalinity is the measure of a solution’s capacity to react with a strong acid (usually sulphuric
acid H2SO4) to a predetermined pH. The alkalinity of a solution is usually made up of carbonate,
bicarbonate, and hydroxides. Similar to acidity, the higher the alkalinity is, the more neutralizing
agent is needed to counteract it. In general, a treatment plant and its collection system operates
better with wastewater lower in acidity and higher in alkalinity.
Results:
Unknown Sample No. # 1
Unknown Sample volume 100 ml
Initial pH value of Unknown sample # 1is
Titrant used as HCL (Hydrochloric acid) Normality 0.02N
Initial volume of titrant 0.0 ml
Result Table
Titrant volume in ml pH of Unknown
(HCL) Sample
0.0 9.52

2.9 8.3

8.1 4.5

Calculation:
 Alkalinity ( as CaCO3) =
mg A * N * 50000
L SampleVolume(mL)

Where, A = mL titrant required for sample

N = normality of acid titrant solution

P-Alkalinity ( as CaCO3) =
mg 2.9 * 0.02 * 50000
L 100

P-Alkalinity ( as CaCO3) = 29
mg
L

M-Alkalinity ( as CaCO3) =
mg 8.1 * 0.02 * 50000
L 100

M-Alkalinity ( as CaCO3) = 81
mg
L

Conclusion:
Water has defined different type as per the water quality standard data.

Water type As mg/L CaCO3

Very soft water 0 – 25
Soft water 25 – 75
Moderately hard water 75 – 150
Hard water 150 – 300
Very hard water >300
Our calculated value of total alkalinity as CaCO3 is 81 mg/L so this value is middle as compared
with water quality standard. So our result shows that it is moderately hard water so this waters
doesn’t need to add any additional chemical

• Carbonate alkalinity is present when the phenolphthalein alkalinity is not zero, but less
than the total alkalinity
• Hydroxide alkalinity is present if the phenolphthalein alkalinity is more than half the total
alkalinity
• Bicarbonate alkalinity is present if the phenolphthalein alkalinity is less than half the total
alkalinity
• Bicarbonate and Hydroxide alkalinities cannot be present together

Question:
Ans. 1

Calcium Bicarbonate

Ca(HCO3)2 + H2SO4  CaSO4 + 2CO2 + 2H2O

Calcium carbonate

CaCO3 + H2SO4  CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O

Calcium hydroxide

Ca(OH)2 + H2SO4  CaSO4 + 2H2O

Ans. 2

• If the pH meter is not standardized then we can get the incorrect result. When we make
alkalinity titration with pH meter it should be calibrated with pH 7. Because by this
method we take two different end point at two different pH. At pH 8.3 consider as p-
alkalinity and at pH 4.5 consider as total alkalinity. If the pH meter shows the incorrect
pH, we will get incorrect amount of HCL titrant and as a result get the incorrect alkalinity
of water.
• Temperature is very important factor on pH. If temperature will increase pH will decrease
and if temperature will decrease pH will increase. So during this alkalinity titration it is
necessary to keep the solution at constant room temperature. For example, during the
titration if temperature will increase the pH will decrease and we won’t get accurate two
different reading for alkalinity. So in this situation we get very low alkalinity than the
actual alkalinity.