Ph and Conductivity

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Date:

Experiment 6

Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics Lab

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Department of Civil Engineering

Texas A&M University–Kingsville

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 Introduction
The pH of a solution describes the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution as shown in the
equation below
𝐻2 𝑂 <=> 𝐻 + + 𝑂𝐻 − … . . 𝑒𝑞𝑛 1
Mathematically, pH is represented as;
𝑝𝐻 = −𝑙𝑜𝑔[𝐻 + ] … … 𝑒𝑞𝑛 2
The pH of pure water is pH 7. Adding acids raises the [H+] ions and lowers the value of the pH.
Most living organisms including fish and man require a neutral pH of about 7 so as to function
efficiently. Likewise, plants require specific pH form the soil so as to support quality growth and
reproduction. Lower pH can cause corrosion of metal pipes transmitting water aas well as
treatment processes such as coagulation.
Conductivity is a measure the ability of water to transmit electricity. Chemicals (impurities) in
water increase ion content which the move to oppositely charged electrodes. This phenomenon is
what leads to increased conductivity.
This experiment was designed to:
 Enable the learner use a pH and conductivity meter
 Calibrate a pH meter using a proper buffer solution
 Determine the pH of a solution
 Measure the conductance of a solution
Materials and method
 pH meter
 glass electrode
 beakers
 Buffer solution of Ph 4.0, Ph 7.0, and pH 10.0.
Results
Tap water had the highest average pH of 9.0837 while DI contained the lowest average pH of 7.5437 as
seen from table 2.
Well water had the highest conductivity of 2227.000 μS/cm on average while DI had an average
conductivity value of 14.523 μS/cm as seen in table 3.
Table 1 shows an increase in concentration with increased conductivity.
Table 1 Conductivity data
Concentration 0M 0.005 M 0.010 M 0.015 M 0.020 M
(M)
Reading 159 617 1347 1822 2705
(μS/cm)
Table 2 pH data
Sample 1 2 3 Average
Type
D1 7.739 7.557 7.335 7.5437
Tap Water 8.986 9.181 9.084 9.0837
Well Water 8.155 8.122 8.115 8.1307

Table 3 Conductivity (μS/cm) readings

Sample 1 2 3 Average
Type
D1 14.25 14.57 14.75 14.523
Tap Water 1840 1854 1845 1846.333
Well Water 2226 2225 2230 2227.000

Conductivity vs concentration
0.025
y = 8E-06x - 0.0004
0.02 R² = 0.9882
Cnductivity (μS/cm)

0.015

0.01

0.005

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Concentration (M)

Fig. 1 Calibration curve for conductivity versus concentration

Discussion
All three samples indicate a pH that is within acceptable limits for potable water. However, when
it comes to conductivity, the DI solution can be rendered the safest to drink followed by tap
water.
The variation in pH and conductivity is a function of the water content. The more pH and
conductivity in the water indicate more impurities
Conclusion
This laboratory practical illuminated on hoe to calibrate the pH and conductivity meters so that
one can use them to evaluate the purity of water.
References
Bates, R. G., 1973, Determination of pH, theory and practice (2d ed.) : New York, John Wiley,
479 p.
Suarez, D. L., Rhoades, J. D., Lavado, R., & Grieve, C. M. (1984). Effect of pH on Saturated
Hydraulic Conductivity and Soil Dispersion 1. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 48(1),
50-55.