Alkalinity in water represents its capacity to neutralize acids and can be measured through titration methods. The document outlines procedures for collecting and analyzing water samples to determine total alkalinity concentration. Samples are titrated with strong acid to an electrometrically determined pH endpoint using automated or manual methods. Calculations are provided to express results in mg/L of calcium carbonate from titration data. Alternative indicator-based titration with sulfuric acid is also described.
Alkalinity in water represents its capacity to neutralize acids and can be measured through titration methods. The document outlines procedures for collecting and analyzing water samples to determine total alkalinity concentration. Samples are titrated with strong acid to an electrometrically determined pH endpoint using automated or manual methods. Calculations are provided to express results in mg/L of calcium carbonate from titration data. Alternative indicator-based titration with sulfuric acid is also described.
Alkalinity in water represents its capacity to neutralize acids and can be measured through titration methods. The document outlines procedures for collecting and analyzing water samples to determine total alkalinity concentration. Samples are titrated with strong acid to an electrometrically determined pH endpoint using automated or manual methods. Calculations are provided to express results in mg/L of calcium carbonate from titration data. Alternative indicator-based titration with sulfuric acid is also described.
Alkalinity in water represents its capacity to neutralize acids and can be measured through titration methods. The document outlines procedures for collecting and analyzing water samples to determine total alkalinity concentration. Samples are titrated with strong acid to an electrometrically determined pH endpoint using automated or manual methods. Calculations are provided to express results in mg/L of calcium carbonate from titration data. Alternative indicator-based titration with sulfuric acid is also described.
Purpose Alkalinity represents the capacity of the solution to neutralize an acid and are a measure of an aggregate property of water. These methods are used for analyzing water with any amount of alkalinity by titration of the sample with a strong acid. Alkalinity can be measured using burette, titrator or digital titrator. This standard method applies to manufacturing facilities.
Procedure
Sample Collection and Preservation
• This procedure is not applicable to carbonated water. • The sample of analyzed water must not be filtered, diluted, concentrated, or altered in any way. Collect samples in clean plastic or glass bottles. Fill completely and cap tightly. Avoid excessive agitation or prolonged exposure to air. Samples should be analyzed as soon as possible after collection but can be stored for 24 hours to 14 days by cooling to 4°C (39.2°F). Do not open the sample bottle before analysis. Warm to room temperature before analyzing. • Titrate the samples at room temperature with a properly calibrated pH meter or electrically operated titrator. • Use a sufficient large volume of titrant (20 mL in a 50-mL burette) to obtain good precision. Preliminary titration is helpful.
Testing Methods Determination of alkalinity by titration of the water samples with a standard solution of a strong acid to an electrometrically determined end point: • Automated titration analysis • Manual titration using a pH meter For a detailed procedure, refer to SM-PR-040 - Tests for Alkalinity in Water (WIKI). 1. For alkalinity below 1,000 mg CaCO3/L, use 0.02N titrant (standard acid solution).
Standard Method SM-PR-040
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2. Titrate to pH 4.5. Read and record the total volume of acid used during both titrations. Calculate total alkalinity: Total Alkalinity, mg CaCO3/L = (A x N x 50,000)/ (mL sample volume) o Where: A = mL standard acid used N = normality of standard acid o Example: A 50-mL water sample was taken for analysis and a total of 15.5 mL of 0.02244N standard acid solution was consumed for titration to pH 4.5. Total Alkalinity in the sample is: (15.5 x 0.02244 x 50,000) / 50 = 348 mg CaCO3/L
Alternative Test Methods
Determination of alkalinity by titration of water samples with sulfuric acid standard solution to an end point evidenced by the color change of an indicator solution. • Manual titration • Digital Titration
NOTE: Sample turbidity and color may interfere with this method. Chlorine may interfere with the color indicators. Add one drop of 0.1 N Sodium Thiosulfate to eliminate this interference.
Accuracy Check An accuracy check should be performed when interferences are suspected or to verify analytical technique. Please refer to: • Calibration method with standard solutions for automatic titrators following the vendor’s manual. • Analyze the sample with known alkalinity and use the standard addition method for manual titration.
Standard Method SM-PR-040
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References SM-PR-040 - Tests for Alkalinity in Water WIKI Standard Methods 2320 Alkalinity Titration Method, Standard Methods for the 22nd Edition, Examination of Water and Wastewater. Washington, D.C.: American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and Water Environment Federation, 2012. APHA/AWWA Method 973.43 Alkalinity in Water, Titrometric Method, Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 18th Edition, 2005. AOAC International Hach Water Analysis Handbook Procedures. www.hach.com International Standard: ISO 9963-1:1994 Water quality ISO 9963-1:1994 -- Determination of alkalinity -- Part 1: Determination of total and composite alkalinity
Revision History Revision Date Summary of Change 13-Dec-2013 Updated references
18-Nov-2011 Reformatted to KORE template. Move detail manual or auto-titration
operation to WIKI.
27-Jun-2008 Revised entire procedure. Added use of automatic and manual
titration to an electrometrically determined pH end points. The equations to calculate the normality of standard acid and the alkalinity with specific examples were included in the procedure. Added procedure for digital titration using Hach equipment. Added interferences, recommendations for sample collection and preservation, accuracy checks. Added references to Hach instrumentation and methods and references to published methods.
03-Jun-2001 New document (reformatted after WA-P-021).
Standard Method SM-PR-040
Revision: 13-Dec-2013 Page 3 of 3 Classified - Internal use
