Experiment 2

Aim: Determination of pH of ground water using pH meter.

Theory: pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration of the water as ranked on a scale
of 1.0 to 14.0. The lower the pH of water, the more acidic it is. The higher the pH of water, the
more basic, or alkaline, it is. pH affects many chemical and biological processes in the water
and different organisms have different ranges of pH within which they flourish. The largest
variety of aquatic animals prefer a pH range of 6.5 - 8.0. pH outside of this range reduces the
diversity in the stream because it stresses the physiological systems of most organisms and can
reduce reproduction. Low pH can also allow toxic elements and compounds such as heavy
metals to become mobile and "available" for uptake by aquatic plants and animals. Again, this
can produce conditions that are toxic to aquatic life, particularly to sensitive species like trout.
Changes in acidity can be caused by atmospheric deposition (acid rain or acid shock from
snowmelt), surrounding rock, and wastewater discharges. Technically, the pH scale measures
the logarithmic concentration of hydrogen (H+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions, which make up
water (H+ + OH- = H20). When both types of ions are in equal concentration, the pH is 7.0 or
neutral. Below 7.0, the water is acidic (there are more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions).
When the pH is above 7.0, the water is alkaline, or basic (there are more hydroxide ions than
hydrogen ions). Since the scale is logarithmic, a drop in the pH by 1.0 unit is a 10-fold increase
in acidity. So, a water sample with a pH of 5.0 is ten times as acidic as one with a pH of 6.0.
pH 4.0 is 100 times as acidic as pH 6.0.
The pH of a body of water is affected by several factors. One of the most important factors is
the bedrock and soil composition through which the water moves, both in its bed and as
groundwater. Some rock types such as limestone can, to an extent, neutralize the acid while
others, such as granite, have virtually no effect on pH.
Another factor which affects the pH is the amount of plant growth and organic material within
a body of water. When this material decomposes carbon dioxide is released. The carbon dioxide
combines with water to form carbonic acid. Although this is a weak acid, large amounts of it
will lower the pH.
A third factor which determines the pH of a body of water is the dumping of chemicals into the
water by individuals, industries, and communities. Remember - something as "harmless" as
shampoo rinse water is actually a chemical brew and can affect the pH along with other
chemical parameters of water. Many industrial processes require water of exact pH readings
and thus add chemicals to change the pH to meet their needs. After use, this altered pH water
is discharged as an effluent, either directly into a body of water or through the local sewage
treatment plant.
A fourth factor which affects pH is the amount of acid precipitation that falls in the watershed.
Acid rain is caused by nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the air combining
with water vapor. These pollutants are primarily from automobile and coal-fired power plant
emissions. Acid rain is responsible for many of our first order streams becoming acidic. Serious
problems can occur in spring when streams receive a massive acid dose as acidic snows melt.
A fifth factor stems from coal mine drainage. Iron sulfide, a mineral found in and around coal
seams, combines with water to form sulfuric acid. This acid, ferrous oxide (known as "yellow
boy"), and huge quantities of silt are the major pollutants from coal mining. Combined with
the problem of acid rain, the pH of some stream waters can be drastically lowered.
Apparatus: Equipment required is as follows:

1. pH-Meter
2. Buffers (4.01 and 7.00)
3. Deionized or distilled water
4. 150ml Glass Beaker
5. Magnetic Stirrer
6. Stir Bar
7. 100ml Graduated Cylinder (optional for pH measurement)

Procedure: The following steps are involved in finding pH of ground water:

1. Stir the water sample vigorously using a clean glass stirring rod.
2. Pour a 40 mL ± 5 mL sample into the glass beaker using the watch glass for a cover.
3. Let the sample stand for a minimum of one hour to allow the temperature to stabilize, stirring
it occasionally while waiting. Measure the temperature of the sample and adjust the
temperature controller of the pH meter to that of the sample temperature. This adjustment
should be done just prior to testing. On meters with an automatic temperature control, follow
the manufacturer's
instructions.
4. Standardize the pH meter by means of the standard solutions provided. Temperature and
adjustments must be performed as stated under 3. (See Note 1).
5. Immerse the electrode(s) of the pH meter into the water sample and turn the beaker slightly
to obtain good contact between the water and the electrode(s). (See Note 2).
6. The electrode(s) require immersion 30 seconds or longer in the sample before reading to
allow the meter to stabilize. If the meter has an auto read system, it will automatically signal
when stabilized.
7. Read and record the pH value to the nearest tenth of a whole number. If the pH meter reads
to the hundredth place, a round off rule will apply as follows: If the hundredth place digit is
less than 5, leave the tenth place digit as is. If it is greater than 5, round the tenth place digit up
one unit. If the hundredth place digit equals 5, round the tenth place digit to the nearest even
number.
8. Rinse the electrode(s) well with distilled water, then dab lightly with tissues to remove any
film formed on the electrode(s). Caution: Do not wipe the electrodes, as this may result in
polarization of the electrode and consequent slow response. (See Note 3).

Note 1 - To standardize the pH meter, use the 7.0 pH buffer standard solution plus the other
standard solution which is nearest the estimated pH value of the sample to be tested. If the
manufacturer's instructions indicate a method other than that noted above, then those
instructions must be followed.
Note 2 - When immersing electrode(s) into the glass beaker, care should be taken not to hit
the bottom or side, causing damage to electrode(s).
Note 3 - If polarization does occur, as indicated by a slow response, rinse the electrode(s) and
dab lightly again.

Precautions:
1. Periodically check for damage to electrode(s).
2. Electrode tips should be kept moist during storage.
3. Follow manufacturer's instructions.

Results: Correlate the results with the chart given below.

pH of the sample =