Experiment 6: Dissolved Oxygen Levels in Natural Waters

[NAME]
CM11L, A18
Date of Experiment: 10/11/19

Sample Analysis

Sample 1 Sample 2
1. Sample volume (mL) 200 mL 200 mL
2. Buret reading, initial (mL) 0 mL 0 mL
3. Buret reading, final (mL) 5.6 mL 3.1 mL
4. Volume 𝑁𝑎2 𝑆2 𝑂3 dispensed (mL) 3.1 mL 3.1 mL
5. Molar concentrations of 𝑁𝑎2 𝑆2 𝑂3 (mol/L), 0.02573 M
Part A
6. Moles of 𝑁𝑎2 𝑆2 𝑂3 dispensed (mol) 1.4 × 10−4 8.0 × 10−5
7. Moles of 𝐼3 − reduced by 𝑆2 𝑂3 2− (mol) 7.2 × 10−5 4.0 × 10−5
8. Moles of 𝑂2 (mol) 1.8 × 10−5 10.0 × 10−6
9. Mass of 𝑂2 (mg) 0.576 mg 0.319 mg
10. Dissolved oxygen, ppm 𝑂2 (mg/L) 2.88 mg/L 1.60 mg/L
11. Average dissolved oxygen, ppm 𝑂2 2.24 ppm Data Analysis, B
12. Standard deviation 0.905 Data Analysis, C
13. Relative standard deviation (%RSD) 40.41% Data Analysis, D

Write a short summary based on an interpretation of your analytical data.

It is observed in the data from both trials, 1 and 2, that the computed average in dissolved oxygen
is 2.24 ppm 𝑂2 while the calculations for the standard deviation is 0.905 and relative standard deviation is
40.41%. It can be concluded that the concentration of the dissolved oxygen in water is within the range of
1𝑚𝑔 20𝑚𝑔
normal oxygen level in a natural water sample ranging from 𝐿 to 𝐿 , as data showed that the
experimented yielded a result of 2.24 ppm.

Laboratory questions

1. Part B. The water chemist waits until returning to the laboratory to fix the water sample for the
dissolved oxygen analysis. Will the reported dissolved oxygen concentration be reported as too
high, too low, or remain unchanged? Explain.

2. Part B.3. A solution of 𝑀𝑛𝑆𝑂4 is added to fix the dissolved oxygen in the collected sample.

a. What is the meaning of the expression “fix the dissolved oxygen,” and why is it important
for the analysis of dissolved oxygen in a water sample?
 b. Only an approximate volume (~1 mL) of 𝑀𝑛𝑆𝑂4 is required for fixing the dissolved oxygen
in the sample. Explain why an exact volume is not critical.

3. Part B.4. No precipitate forms! Assuming the reagents were properly prepared and dispensed into
the sample, what might be predicted about its dissolved oxygen concentration? Explain.

4. Part B.5. A water chemist measured and recorded the air temperature at 27°C when he should have
measured the water temperature, which was only 21°C. As a result of this error, will the dissolved
oxygen concentration be reported as being higher or lower than it should be? Explain.

5. Part C.3. The color of the analyte did not fade to form the light-yellow brown color but remained
intense even after the addition of a full buret of 𝑆2 𝑂3 2− titrant, even though a precipitate formed in
Part B.4. What can be stated about the dissolved oxygen concentration of the sample? Explain.

6. Assuming a dissolved oxygen concentration of 7.0 ppm (mg/L) in a 200-mL water sample,

a. How many moles of 𝑀𝑛(𝑂𝐻)3 will be produced with the addition of the 𝑀𝑛𝑆𝑂4 solution?
b. How many moles of 𝐼3 − will be produced when the 𝐾𝑙 − 𝑁𝑎𝑁3 solution is added to the
above solution?
c. How many moles of 𝑆2 𝑂3 2− will be needed to react with the 𝐼3 − that is generated?
d. And also assuming the concentration of the 𝑆2 𝑂3 2− titrant to be 0.025 M, how many
milliliters of titrant will be predictably used for the analysis.

7. A nonscientist brings a water sample to your laboratory and asks you to determine why there was
a fish kill in the nearby lake. Having recently finished this experiment, what might you tell that
person about the legitimacy of a test for dissolved oxygen? What reasoning would you use to
maintain the integrity of your laboratory?

8. A. Fish kills are often found near the discharge point of water from cooling waters at electrical
generating power plants. Explain why this occurrence may occur.

B. Fish kills are often found in streams following heavy rainfall in a watershed dominated by
farmland or denuded forestland. Explain why this occurrence may occur.

9. Explain how the dissolved oxygen concentrations may change starting at the headwaters of a river
and ending at the ocean. Account for the charges.
10. Salt (ocean) water generally has a lower dissolved oxygen concentration than freshwater at a
given temperature. Explain why this is generally observed.

Conclusion
Group No. 3 Experiment No. 6 Date: 10/17/2019

Description Member’s Name and Rating

QUALITY AND VOLUME OF WORK. Quality and

thoroughness generally above requirements; works
exceptionally accurate, neat, and complete
1–3 Rare 4–5 Sometimes
6–8 Oftentimes 9 – 10 Always
INITIATIVE. Consistently searches for ideas; prompt in
taking actions; not easily put off by obstacles.
1–3 Rare 4–5 Sometimes
6–8 Oftentimes 9 – 10 Always
ATTITUDE TOWARDS OTHERS. Definitely friendly,
cooperative, considerate and understanding.
1–3 Rare 4–5 Sometimes
6 – 8 Oftentimes 9 – 10 Always
DEPENDABILITY AND RESPONSIVENESS. Always
reliable, dependable, and complete works as requested
without confusion.
1 – 3 Rare 4–5 Sometimes
6 – 8 Oftentimes 9 – 10 Always
PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE. Exceptionally
punctual; always the first to come to class in your group.
1 – 3 Rare 4–5 Sometimes
6 – 8 Oftentimes 9 – 10 Always
Total