UNIVERSITITEKNOLOGIPETRONAS

GEOCHEMISTRY
LABORATORYSESSION3:pHDETERMINATION
ESWARANPADMANABHAN

2011SEM2

pH Determination
Theory
The 1:1 water pH determination is a commonly performed sediment sample pH measurement.
A suitable amount of sample say 5-20g is mixed with 5-20mL of DD water (1:1 w:v) with
occasional stirring. The sample is allowed to stand 1 h with occasional stirring. The sample is
Stirred for 30s, and the 1:1 water pH is measured.
Equipment
1. Measuring scoop, handmade, 20-g capability
2. Dispenser, 0 to 30 mL, Repipet or equivalent
3. Beverage stirring sticks, polyethylene, 250 mL
Reagents
1. Borax pH buffers, pH 4.00, pH 7.00, and pH 9.18, for electrode calibration, Beckman,

Exercise

MeasurethepHoftheliquidsamplethatyouhavesampledfromthefield.Takethreemeasurements
andaveragetheresults.DoyounoticeanyproblemsinmeasuringthecorrectpHoftheliquid?