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TTKIT-SULF
ANALYTICAL TEST METHODS

SULFITE TEST
TITRATION METHOD
An acidified sample is titrated with SULFITE TITRANT to the blue starch endpoint.
Any reducing ions such as sulfide or ferrous iron in the sample will yield high values. Copper, ferric iron, cobalt and like
materials will catalyze the air oxidation of the sulfite and produce low results. Therefore, determination of sulfite should
be made as soon as possible on freshly drawn, cooled sample (70o F or lower). To minimize loss of sulfite by air
oxidation, do not filter the sample.
PROCEDURE:
1. Measure 50 ml of the water to be tested in the graduated cylinder.
2. Pour into the casserole.
3. Add 3 to 4 drops of PHENOLPHTHALEIN INDICATOR SOLUTION to the casserole. The sample will turn
pink if the pH is 8.3 or higher.
4. Add 2 scoops (2 gm scoop) of STARCH ACID INDICATOR POWDER to the sample in the casserole and stir
slowly until the pink color disappears. Then add one more scoop of STARCH ACID INDICATOR POWDER.
This will assure that the sample has an acidic pH where the Iodometric reaction can be completed.
5. By squeezing the plastic bottle, force the SULFITE TITRANT to fill the burette to just above the zero mark; then
allow the excess to drain automatically back into the plastic bottle reservoir.
6. While stirring the sample constantly and gently, add the sulfite titrant slowly from the burette to the casserole
until a faint permanent blue color appears. This is the endpoint. Read the burette and record the milliliters of
titrant used.
RESULTS:
When testing a 50 ml sample: (Burette reading in ml x 10 = ppm Sulfite as “SO3”)
Example: 1.8 ml x 10 = 18.00 ppm Sulfite as “SO3”
Note A: To insure accurate test results, water sample should be collected using a sample cooler or cold
running water with minimum exposure to air. If a sample cooler is not available, fill a sample bottle to the top of
the bottle, tightly cap the bottle and place it under running water to cool.
Note B: The titration endpoint is the first appearance of a faint, permanent blue color and not the deep blue
color that develops if SULFITE TITRANT is added past the endpoint.
NOTES:
1. Sulfite will air-oxidize rapidly. The sample should be cooled as quickly as possible and carried in a stoppered
container with little or no agitation.
2. The blank for this titration should be less than 0.1 mg/liter and thus can generally be neglected. However, each
analyst should check this for himself by titrating a sample of distilled water in the above described manner. The
amount of iodide-iodate used is the blank.

REAGENTS AND APPARATUS FOR SULFITE TEST:

Watertech Replacement Description
8050-Q Sulfite Titrant, (ml = 10 PPM SO 3/50ml), Quart
1605-B Phenolphthalein Indicator, 2 oz
5205-J Starch Acid Powder, 100 gm
8010-PC Burette Assembly/Complete/10 ml
37940 Graduated Cylinder, 50 ml plastic
9005 Casserole Dish, 140 ml
SC-1000P Scoop, 2 gm
(different sizes available upon request)

We cannot anticipate all conditions under which this information and our products, or the products of other manufacturers in combination with our products, may be used. We accept no responsibility for
results obtained by the application of this information or the safety and suitability of our products, either alone or in combination with other products. Users are advised to make their own tests to determine the
safety and suitability of each such product or product combination for their own purposes. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, we sell the products without warranty, and buyers and users assume all
responsibility and liability for loss or damage arising from the handling and use of our products, whether used along or in combination with other products.

WATERTECH of America, Inc.
5000 South 110th Street Greenfield, Wisconsin 53228 T: 414.425.3339 F: 414.425.3362 watertechusa.com