Tests :

Ca2+ : 1 mole dm-3 NH4OH was added to about 4cm3 of water sample until blue to
litmus. If dark precipitate forms, filter it off, a little NH4Cl and (NH4)2C2O4 was
added then. It was placed in water bath and warm for a minute. A white precipitate
indicates calcium in the form of calcium oxalate.
Mg2+ : The calcium oxalate was filtered off from the above sample and a little
NH4OH and NH4Cl were added to the filtrate and then a few grains of Na2HPO4 was
added. White crystalline precipitate, ammonium magnesium phosphate formed upon
shaking indicates magnesium.
Fe3+ : A few drops of 1 mole dm-3 HCl and a little potassium hexacyanoferrate (II)
(K4Fe(CN)6) was added to a fresh sample of water. A dark blue precipitate(Prussian
blue) shows presence of Fe3+.
Fe2+ : HCl and potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) (K3Fe(CN)6) was added and a
similar dark blue precipitate signifies Fe2+.
Cl- : 0.2 mole dm-3 of AgNO3 solutions was added.a cloudy white turbidity was
looked for to develop which will turn purplish in sunlight. (A yellow precipitate here
could indicate the presence of PO43- . This will dissolve in a drop of conc. H2SO4 ,
the AgCl will not )
PO43- : A litmus paper was used as an indicator to check if is either strongly basic or
acidic. Neutralize with 1 mole dm-3 if acidic , or 1 mole dm-3 HNO3 if basic, then
about 1 -2 cm3 of 0.25 mole dm-3 (NH4)2MoO4 solution was added warm in water
bath and look for the formation of bright yellow precipitate.
NH4+ : 3 cm3 sample of water was placed into a boiling tube. 10 drops 20% of
sodium hydroxide solution and an anti- bumping chips were added then boiled.
NO3- : emission of ammonia indicated an ammonium salt. 5mg Devardas alloy was
added after boiled off all the ammonia and then was boiled again. Emission of
ammonia at this stage indicates nitrate.