LAB REPORT

Determination of Chloride ions in sample of drinking water (using Mohr-

Nitrate Method)
 Abstract:
The purpose of this laboratory experiment was to determine the concentration
of chlorides in a water sample using the mercury nitrate method. The method
involved the addition of mercury nitrate solution to the water sample, resulting
in the formation of a white precipitate, mercury chloride. The amount of
mercury nitrate solution required to completely react with the chlorides in the
water sample was measured, allowing for the calculation of chloride
concentration. The experiment successfully determined the chloride
concentration in the water sample, providing valuable information about its
quality and demonstrating the efficacy of the mercury nitrate method for
chloride analysis in water samples.
 Scope and Application:
This method is applicable to ground water, drinking, surface, and saline waters,
and domestic and industrial wastes.
The method is suitable for all concentration ranges of chloride content;
however, in order to avoid large titration volume, a sample aliquot containing
not more than 10 to 20 mg Cl per 50 mL is used.
 Apparatus and Chemicals:
 Mercury-Nitrate Titrant (0.0141 N)
 Nitric Acid
 Diphenylcarbazone
 Xylene Cyanol
 Procedure:
1. Take 50ml sample of drinking water in titration flask. Then add 1-2ml
of Nitric Acid.
2. Then add 1-2 drops of mixed indicator. If the pH of solution is less than
2.3, green color is obtained. If pH is greater than 3.8, blue color is
obtained.
3. After this, titrate the sample again with Nitric Acid until purple
color appears which indicates that no Cl- remains.
4. Note down the volume of titrant.
5. Calculate the final concentration of Cl- using,
(𝑨 − 𝑩) × 𝑵 × 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒍− × 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝑪𝒍− =
𝟓𝟎
where
,
A = mL titrant for
sample B = mL titrant for
blank
N = 0.0141 (normality of mercuric nitrate titrant)
Equivalent weight of Cl-= 35.4g
 Calculations:
Sample Volume A Volume B Volume of Concentration
(mL) (mL) sample of Chlorides
(mL) (mg/L)
1 4 21.3 50 328
21.3 38.6