OBJECTIVE:

This experiment is conducted in order to determine the Alkanity of the water

Standard: as per IS: 3025 (part 23)- Reaffirmed 2003

INTRODUCTION:
The alkalinity of water is a measure of how much acid it can neutralize. If any
changes are made to the water that could raise or lower the pH value, alkalinity acts as a
buffer, protecting the water and its life forms from sudden shifts in pH. The ability to
maintain constant pH is due to Hydroxyl ions, Carbonate ions, Bicarbonate
ions. Alkalinity is a measure of how much acid can be added to a liquid without causing a
large change in pH.

IMPORTANCE:
 High pH and High Alkalinity Effects on Plant Nutrition
 Potential adverse effects. In most cases irrigating with water having a high pH
causes no problems as long as the alkalinity is low.
 Alkalinity is important for fish and aquatic life because it protects or buffers against
rapid pH changes.
 If any changes are made to the water that could raise or lower the pH value,
alkalinity acts as a buffer, protecting the water and its life forms from sudden shifts
in pH.
 Alkaline water is said to have various minerals like magnesium and calcium, both of
which are important for maintaining healthy bones.
 Lakes and streams in areas with little soil, such as in mountainous areas, are often
low in alkalinity.

PRINCIPLE:
 For pH above 8.3, phenolphthalein indicator is added and then titrated against
sulphuric acid until the pH is 8.3, the point at which it turns from pink to colorless.
At this point, all the Hydroxyl ions are neutralized.
 Then add Methyl Orange indicator and titrate against sulphuric acid till the pH
drops to 4.5 and solution color changes from Yellow to yellowish Orange. At this
point, all the bicarbonate and carbonate ions are neutralized.

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CHEMICALS AND EQUIPMENT:.
 Burette
 Pipette
 Beakers
 Conical Flasks
 H2SO4
 Phenolphthalein
 Methyl Orange

PROCEDURE:
Firstly pipette out 30ml of test solution in conical flask than add two to three drops of
phenolphthalein indicator in it. If the PH of solution is greater than 8.3 the solution turns
pink. Next step is to add Sulphuric acid in burette. Titrate the test solution against the acid
until the pink color disappears. And note the reading at which solution becomes colorless.
Next add two drops of methyl orange in the sample till he solution turns yellow and again
titrate the solution until it becomes orange. Again note down the final burette reading.
And calculate phenolphthalein and total alkanity of solution.

RESULTS:

Tap Water Basic Solution

 Sample Volume (ml) 30 30
 Initial reading . 0.7 11.3
 Phenolphthalein reading. 0.7 22
 Volume of Acid V1 0 10.7
 Final Reading. 11.3 29.3
 Total Volume. 10.6 18.3
 Phenolphthalein Alkanity 0 356.66
 Total Alkanity 353.33 610

FORMULA:
Phenolphthalein Alkanity. (mg/liter) = (Volume of acid V1 x N x 50000)/Volume of
sample
Total Alkanity. (mg/liter) =(Volume of acid V2 x Nx 50000)/Volume of sample

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CONCLUSIONS:
By analyzing the results of the experimentations performed it can be concluded that
Alkalinity is expressed as phenolphthalein alkalinity or total alkalinity. Both types can be
determined by a titration with standard sulfuric acid to an endpoint pH. As per the
standards the alkanity is within the range for tap water which means that it can be used
for drinking purposes.

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Use of proper safety equipment. (Lab coat, Gloves and glasses).
2. Handle the Instruments with care
3. Do not inhale the chemicals if using pipette.
4. Avoid human error while taking readings.
5. Don’t perform with or use very old reagents.
6. Always perform experiments following the standards.
7. Avoid contact of chemicals with body.

REFERENCES:
Material and lectures provided by lab.

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