1.

0 INTRODUCTION

Alkalinity is primarily a way of measuring the acid neutralizing capacity of water. In other
words, its ability to maintain a relatively constant pH. The possibility to maintain constant pH
is due to the hydroxyl, carbonate and bicarbonate ions present in water. The ability of natural
water to act as a buffer is controlled in part by the amount of calcium and carbonate ions in
solution. Carbonate iron and calcium ion both come from calcium carbonate or limestone. So,
water that comes in contact with limestone will contain high levels of both Ca++ and CO32- ions
and have elevated hardness and alkalinity. Alkalinity is important for fish and aquatic life
because it protects or buffers against rapid pH changes. Higher alkalinity levels in surface waters
will buffer acid rain and other acid wastes and prevent pH changes that are harmful to aquatic
life. Large amount of alkalinity imparts bitter taste in water. The principal objection of alkaline
water is the reactions that can occur between alkalinity and certain actions in waters. The
resultant precipitate can corrode pipes and other accessories of water distribution systems.

1.1 OBJECTIVES
To be familiar with the concepts of Alkanity and the measurement of alkanity of water.

2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

2.1 MATERIALS

 Beaker (2 pcs.)
 Measuring cylinder (1pc.)
 Dropper(1pc.)
 Stirrer (Magnetic) (1pc.)
 HACH Auto-titration device.
REAGENTS
 Standard 0.02Nsulphuric acid
 Phenolphthalein indicator
 Methyl orange indicator
2.2 METHODOLOGY

i. 100 ml. of the sample was taken into one beaker and the same amount of
distilled water into another beaker.
ii. pH of the sample was measured with a pH meter.
iii. 3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator was added to each. If the sample
becomes pink, go to step (iv). Otherwise, go to step (v).
iv. Add 0.02N H2SO4 acid from a burette until the pink color just disappears.
Record the ml of the acid used.
v. Add 3 drops of methyl orange indicator to each beaker. If the sample
becomes yellow, add 0.02N H2SO4 acid (3) until the first change in color is
noted. The end point is a slight orange tinge. Record the ml of acid used

3.0 DARTA AND CALCULATION

3.1 DATA

Volume of sample 100ml.

0.02N H2
milliliter of 0.02N H2SO4(added up to pH 8.3) = 15ml
milliliter of 0.02N H2SO4(added up to pH 4.5) = 17 ml
3.2 CALCULATION

0.02× 50× 1000

=
100
= 10

Phenolphthalein Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3)

= Multiplying Factor (MF) x milliliter of 0.02N H2SO4(added up to pH 8.3)
= 10 * 15 =150mg/lit as CaCO3

Total Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3) =Multiplying Factor (MF) x milliliter of 0.02N H2SO4(added up to
pH approx. 4.5)
= 10 * 17
=170 mg/lit as CaCO3

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 RESULTS
The Total Alkanity of water is 170mg/litre as CaCO3.

4.2 DISUSSION
This experiment is carrying out to determine the total alkanity value of water by using titration
method. After performing this test, alkanity value of water was found and it was 170mg/litre.
According to Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules (1997), drinking water standard for
pH is 6.5 -8.5. From this test it can be seen that sample was not prefer for drinking water.
4.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The alkalinity of waters is due principally to salts of weak acids and strong bases, and such
substances act as buffer to resist a drop in pH resulting from acid additions. Alkalinity is thus a
measure of the buffer capacity and in this sense is used to a great extent in wastewater
treatment practice. Alkalinity is very important in iron removal from water by oxidation
precipitation process.