A

PROJECT REPORT ON

GROUND WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

BY

NIKHIL PANDEY (1571900029)

PRANJUL MISHRA (1571900032)

SOHAIL KHAN (1571900048)

MOHAMMAD ANAS FAROOQ (1671900902)

Under guidance of

Mr. AHMADULLAH TABANI,

Assistant Professor Department of Civil Engineering

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

Of

BACCHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

In

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Axis Institute of Technology & Management (719), Kanpur

APJ ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY,

Lucknow

Session: 2018-2019
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project report entitled “GROUND WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS”
whichis submitted by NIKHIL PANDEY (1571900029), PRANJUL MISHRA
(1571900032), SOHAIL KHAN (1571900048) & MOHAMMAD ANAS FAROOQ (1671900902) in
partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of degree; B.Tech in Civil Engineering in
the Department of Civil Engineering, Axis Institute of Technology & Management, Kanpur,
of U.P. Technical University, is a record of the candidate’s own work carried out by him
under my supervision.

Date: PROJECT HEAD:

Mr. Mohd. Shariq

Head of Project &

Assistant Professor

Department of Civil Engineering

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It gives us a great sense of pleasure to present the report of the B.Tech project undertaken during
B.Tech. final year. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Mr. Ahmadullah TAbani, Assistant
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, AxisInstitute of Technology & management,
Kanpur for his constant support and guidance throughout the course of our work. His sincerity,
thoroughness, perseverance have been a constant source of inspiration for us. It is only his
cognizant efforts that our endeavors have seen light of the day.

We also take the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Aditya Sachan, HOD,
Department of Civil Engineering & Mr. Mohd. Shariq, Project Head, Department of Civil
Engineering, Axis Institute of Technology & Management, Kanpur for his full support and
assistance during the development of the project.

We won’t like to miss the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of all faculty members of
the department for their kind assistance and cooperation during the development for their kind
assistance and cooperation during the development of our project. Last but not the least,we
acknowledge our friends for their contribution in the completion of the project.

Name: Nikhil Pandey (1571900029) Name: Pranjul Mishra (1571900032)

Signature: Signature:

Date: Date:

Name: Sohail Khan (1571900048) Name: Mohammad Anas Farooq

Signature: Signature:

Date: Date:
 ABSTRACT
The main objective of this research program is to study the physical and chemical property of the
ground water various industrial and residential areas of Kanpur. In this project we have studied
about the water quality parameters like physical and chemical parameters and analyzed it for ten
different sampling points. In this study we have selected ten sampling points throughout Kanpur
comprising of five residential areas and five industrial areas for collecting the water for the
observation and experiments have been performed on these samples to get an idea compared the
physical and chemical characteristics of water samples of both areas obtained from different
locations. It has been found that the water quality of the industrial areas is _____________ to
residential areas.

The parameters which were analysed are as follows:

1. Determination of pH
2. Determination of chloride content
3. Turbidity
4. Hardness
5. Colour
6. Taste & odour
7. Alkalinity
8. Total Suspended Solids
9. Total Dissolved Solids
10. Temperature
 CONTENTS
Title Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………………………………………………………….i

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………ii

CONTENTS……………………………………………………………………………iii

LIST OF TABLE………………………………………………………………………

LIST OF FIGURES…………………………………………………………………...

LIST OF GRAPHS……………………………………………………………………

ABBREVIATIONS…………………………………………………………………..

CHAPTER – 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION………………………………………………….

1.2. Essential minerals in water……………………………………….

1.3. District at a glance……………………………..

LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF GRAPHS
ABBREVIATIONS
 CHAPTER – 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1. INTRODUCTION
Water is the most precious element that we all are gifted by Mother Nature. It is the universal need and
also the source of minerals that we need in our body. The concentration of minerals in water may vary
from place to place. Not all minerals found in drinking water are good for our health, for example, Lead
and arsenic found in the drinking water are not good for your health.

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological and radiological characteristics of water. It is a
measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any
human need or purpose. Water quality is most frequently used by refrence to a set of standards against
which compliance, generally achieved through treatment off the water, can be assessed. The most
common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human contact,
and drinking water.

Water is a solvent and dissolves minerals from the rocks with which it comes in contact. Ground water
may contain dissolved minerals and gases that give it the tangy taste enjoyed by many people. Without
these minerals and gases, the water would taste flat. The most common dissolved mineral substances are
sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and sulfate. In water chemistry, these
substances are called common constituents.

The chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water with respect to its suitability describe it’s
quality. Water typically is not considered desirable for drinking if the quantity of dissolved minerals
exceeds 1,000 mg/L (milligrams per liter). Water with a few thousand mg/L of dissolved minerals is
classed as slightly saline, but it is sometimes used in areas where less-mineralized water is not available.
Water from some wells and springs contains very large concentrations of dissolved minerals and cannot
be tolerated by humans and other animals or plants. Many parts of the Nation are underlain at depth by
highly saline ground water that has only very limited uses.

Dissolved mineral constituents can be hazardous to animals or plants in large concentrations; for example,
too much sodium in the water may be harmful to people who have heart trouble. Boron is a mineral that is
good for plants in small amounts, but is toxic to some plants in only slightly larger concentrations.

1.2 Essential minerals in drinking water

The concern of minerals in drinking water is very complex. The minerals concentration
completely depends on where the water lands on the earth. Calcium, magnesium, and sodium are
mostly found in tap water. Depending on location, potassium, silica, and selenium may also
found in some water supply. Calcium, potassium, selenium, and magnesium are required for
good health.

According to BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), the maximum acceptable mineral

content in drinking water is,

 Calcium 75mg/l
 Potassium31.1 mg/l
 Magnesium 30mg/l.

Presence of too much calcium and magnesium makes water hard which is usually defined as the
water which contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. However, hardness
can be caused by several other dissolved metals; those forms divalent or multivalent cations ,
including aluminum, barium, strontium, iron, zinc, and manganese. Normally, monovalent ions
such as sodium and potassium do not cause hardness. These divalent cations have a propensity to
come together with anions in the water to form stable salts. The type of anion found in these salts
distinguishes between the two types of hardness-carbonate and non-carbonate hardness.

Whereas Hard water has no known adverse health effect, WHO says at its Geneva Conference.
In addition, hard water, particularly very hard water, could provide an important supplementary
contribution to total calcium and magnesium intake. The health effects of hard water are mainly
due to the effects of the salts dissolved in it, primarily calcium and magnesium. To a large extent,
individuals are protected from excess intakes of calcium by a tightly regulated intestinal
absorption mechanism through the action of 1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D, the hormonally active
form of vitamin D. Although, calcium can interact with iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus
within the intestine, thereby reducing the absorption of these minerals. On the other hand, the
major cause of hypermagnesemia is renal insufficiency associated with a significantly decreased
ability to excrete magnesium. Increased intake of magnesium salts may cause a change in bowel
habits (diarrhea). Drinking-water in which both magnesium and sulfate are present in high
concentrations (~250 mg/l each) can have a laxative effect. Laxative effects have also been
associated with excess intake of magnesium taken in the form of supplements, but not with
magnesium in the diet.

Potassium is an essential electrolyte, which is a mineral your body needs to function correctly.
Potassium is especially important for your nerves and muscles, including your heart.

While potassium is important to your health, getting too much of it can be just as bad as, or
worse than, not getting enough. Normally, your kidneys keep a healthy balance of potassium by
flushing excess potassium out of your body. But for many reasons, the level of potassium in your
blood can get too high. This is called hyperkalemia, or high potassium.

The Kanpur Nagar district lies in middle of Uttar Pradesh State. It lies between 25°55’ and 27°
North latitude and 79°30’ and 80°35’ East. The major parts of the area is almost a flat plain with
some minor undulations. The total geographical area of the district is 3155 sq.km. with three
number of Tehsil and the numbers of blocks viz. Kalyanpur, Bidhnu, Sarsaul, Bilahaur,
Kakawan, Sivrajpur, Chaubepur, Patara, Bhitrgaon and Ghatampur. The major parts of the area
is almost a flat plain with some minor undulations. The river Ganga and Yamuna with their
tributaries form the drainage system. The Kanpur Nagar district is part of Indo Gangetic Plain.
As per census of 2001 the total population of the district is 4167499 persons having 2247216
male and 1920783 female. In year 2005-06 the Net sown area is 185667 hectare and Net
Irrigated area is 130333 hectare. The area irrigated by Canal is 32308 hectare where as by
ground water is 96636 hectare (74%). The total length of Canal in the district is 822 km. The
total number of state tube wells and boring wells are 293 and 54160 respectively. The clay, silt,
gravel and sands of different grades are main sedimentary constituents. The pre-monsoon period
depth to water level varies from 2.20 to 27.13 mbgl whereas in post-monsoon period it varies
from 2.08 to 27.13 mbgl. The depth to water level is shallow along canal command area while it
is deeper along river Yamuna. In order to assess the ground water quality in the industrial and
residential cluster of Kanpur, samples of ground water from handpumps from 5 industrial
areas;namely, Rooma, jajmau, Bahauti, Dada Nagar and Fazal Ganj and 5 residential areas;
namely, Kidwai Nagar, Rawatpur,Chamanganj,Babupurwa and Lal Bunglow will be collected
for special study of the ground water quality. The samples will be analysed in the labs of Axis
Institute of Technology and Management and Ganga Pollution Control Unit, Benajhabar,
Kanpur.

1.3 DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
i. Geographical Area (Sq. Km.) : 3155.40
ii. Administrative Divisions (as on 31.03.2009)
Number of Tehsil/Block Number of Panchayat / Village : 3/10 557/1003
iii. Population (as on 2001 census) : 41,67,999
iv. Average Annual Rainfall (mm) : 821.90

2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
i. Major Physiographic Units : Central Ganga alluvial plain
ii.Major Drainages : Ganga, Pandu

3. LAND USE (Sq. Km.)

a) Forest area : 56.56
b) Net area sown : 1856.67

4. MAJOR SOIL TYPES : Alluvial, Sandy

5. AREA UNDER PRINCIPAL CROPS (as on 2005-2006) : 1593.37

6. IRRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES (Areas and Number of Structures) (Sq.Km.)

Dugwells : 9.04
Tubewells , Borewells : 50.25/293, 916.11/54160
Tanks/ ponds : 4.56
Canal : 323.08/822 Km.
Other Sources : 0.29
Net Irrigated Area : 1303.33
Gross Irrigated Area : 17
7. HYDROGEOLOGY

Major water bearing formation : Gravel, sand and silt.

(Pre-monsoon Depth to water level during 2008) : 2.20-27.13 mbgl

(Post-monsoon Depth to water level during Nov'2008) : 2.08-27.13 mbgl

Long term water level trend in 10 years (1999-2008)

in m/yr Premonsoon : Rise 7.0 – 43.0 cm/yr.

Fall 04.0 – 63.0 cm/yr.

Long term water level trend in 10 years (1999-2008) in m/yr

Post monsoon : Rise 08.0 cm/yr.

Fall 04.0 – 84.0 cm/yr

1.4 GROUNDWATER QUALITY

The chemical, physical and bacterial characteristics of groundwater determine its usefulnessfor
various purposes. Chemical analysis of groundwater includes the determination of the
concentrations of inorganic constituent. The analysis also includes measurement of ph and
specific electrical conductance.

Temperature, colour, turbidity, odour and taste are evaluated in a physical analysis. Bacteria
analysis generally consists of tests to detect the presence of coli form organism.

Tebbute (1992) noted that pathogenic organism are rarely found in groundwater, since poor well
construction or being associated with bedrock aquifers in which large openings afford direct
connection between the surface and groundwater causes most well pathogenic contamination.

Lloyd and Helmer (1991) observed that the water quality problem may be associated with the
traceable to, any or all of the following:

1. Poor quality source of water,

2. Poor site selection or protection such as apron and lining

3. Constuction difficulties and

4. Structural deterioration with age

1.5 TOXIC CHEMICALS
Chemicals contaminations of drinking water supplies occur along with contaminants of other
inorganic or organic constituents.

Nitrates and nitrites: They are considered together because conversion from one from to the
other occurs in the environment and the health effects of nitrate are generally as a consequence
of its ready conversion to nitrites in the body. The WHO (1984) guideline for nitrates in drinking
water are typically below 50 mg of nitrate-N per litre, levels exceeding these are indicative of
pollution. Nitrite levels can be reduced doing water treatment by the oxidizing effects of
chlorine.

Lead: levels in drinking water are relatively low, because convectional water treatment
procedures remove a significant amount of lead. Low ph and softness increases lead content of
water by promotion corrosion. The maximum intake of lead from food, air and water is 3
mg/week(0.05 mg/kg of body weight) for adults (WHO, 1984).

Iron: Iron is the most abundant element by weight in the crust, it occurs in water in its ferric and
ferrous states, particularly in well-aerated conditions. Rock and mineral dissolution acid mine
drainage, land fill leachates, sewage and iron related industries are causes of high iron levels in
groundwater, lakes and reservoirs, particularly where reducing conditions are present(OKUN
1983).

Others: other toxic chemicals include Ammonia in non-ionized form (NH3) and ionized form
(NH4); arsenic, asbestos, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium, copper and aluminium. Others
include fluoride, mercury and organic contaminents.

1.6 CHANGE IN HEAD

Consider that two wells have been constructed about 2 feet apart, and that the heads were
measured in about a minute of time. One head is obviously lower than the other. In this case,
potential energy in regard to the two wells decreases with groundwater depth. If the wells are
only 2 feet apart, why has the measured head significantly decreased between the two wells?
Remember, ground is flowing. Most of the energy loss( h) is due to friction. Potential energy is
converted to heat energy as ground water flows through narrow tortuous paths between sediment.
It begins to flow from a point of maximum head or potential energy. As ground water flows
some of the potential energy is also converted to kinetic energy. This conversion from one form
of energy to other forms is the measured head loss or change in head( h) between the two wells.
An apparatus constructed by Allen Hazen (1892), in his attempts to determine permeability of
some soil, can be used to demonstrate the above argument. Ground-water flow through the
apparatus is vertical and so is the flow. The ∆h is due to the conversion of potential energy, to
thermal and kinetic energy, as water flows downward to the outlet where it discharges at an area
of low pressure.

Groundwater comes from rain and snowmelt that sleeps into the ground. Gravity pull the water
down through the spaces between particles of soil or through cracks in rocks. Eventually the
water reaches a depth where all openings in soil or rock are filled with water; this is called the
saturate zone. The water in the saturate zone is called groundwater.

The top of the saturated zone is called the water table. The water table rises and falls according
to the season and the amount of rain and snowmelt that has occurred during a particular year. In
Oregon it is higher in the winter and spring, and at its lowest around October. Note that bedrock
below the saturate zone prevents the water from penetrating more deeply.

1.7 WATER MOVES THROUGH SPACES IN SOIL AND ROCK:

Different kinds of soil and rock vary in the size of the spaces for water to move through. It is
easier for water to move through bigger spaces. Gravel has very large spaces so water moves
through it very fast. On the other hand, the spaces in clay are so small that almost no water
moves through.

Some layers of rock are so solid that they don’t let water move through; this is called an
impermeable layer. Others are very crumbly or have lots of big cracks. If the cracks are
connected to each other, then water can move thorough the rock.permeability decreases moving
left to right due to soil and rock type.

AQUIFER MATERIALS

A saturated soil or rock layer with spaces that allow water to move through it is called an aquifer.
Aquifer may be separate by layers of rock or clay that do not allow water to move through it.

In Oregon there as main types of aquifers:

Many layers of basalt from ancient lava flows cover much of eastern Oregon and parts of the
northern Willamette Valley. Between the layers of basalt there is soil and gravel that was on the
surface at the time of each flow. Cracks in the basalt and the layers between flows form aquifers.
In the river valleys there are layers of sand and gravel forming aquifers, sometimes separated by
layers of clay. Bedrock with connected cracks forms aquifers in many parts of the state,
especially in the hills above river valleys.

CONFINED AQUIFERS

Groundwater below a layer of solid rock or clay is said to be in a confined aquifer. A well that
goes through a confining layer is known as an artesian well.

The groundwater in confined aquifers is usually under pressure. This pressure causes water in an
artesian well to rise above the aquifer level. If the pressure causes the water to rise above ground
level, the well overflows and is called a flowing artesian well.

UNCONFINED AQUIFERS

Aquifers that are not below a confining layer are called unconfined aquifers. Because the top of
these aquifers is the water table, they also are called water table aquifers. In a water table
aquifers, the water level in a well is the same as the water table level outside the well.

1.8 Protecting Groundwater

Many everyday activities around our homes and in our communities have the potential to
contaminate groundwater. You have direct control over many potential contaminating activities
on your property, such as how you manage your well or dispose of household hazardous waste.
You might think you can do nothing to protect groundwater from contamination from landfills,
gas stations, construction, cattle feedlots, manufacturing, and many other activities, but you can.
In many cases, these activities require permits. As an interested citizen, you can voice your
concerns at permit renewal hearings.

There also are many opportunities to increase public awareness of risks and to recognise
commercial activities and individuals that are taking positive steps to protect groundwater. You
and your community can make a difference by taking action to promote safe groundwater
resources for the future.

Water is the basic necessity of life, not only for human beings, but also for plants and animals.
Scientists estimate that water covers nearly three fourth of earth’s surface in the form of oceans,
rivers, lakes, snow, glaciers and ground water. Though this seems an inordinately huge amount;
in actual fact, less than one percent is fresh and usable found in lakes, ponds, rivers and ground
water. There are some ways in which bodies of water get polluted; discharge of untreated
domestic sewage into water ways; discharge of industrial effluents; discharge of agriculture
wastes into water way; use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and weedicides which seep into
ground water; discharge of fertilizer residues as run-off from farm lands into water ways.

1.9 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to find out the water quality of the ground water of Kanpur.

Water samples have been collected from five industrial areas and five residential areas. These
areas were so selected to cover the entire region uniformly as far as possible. The samples have
been tested for various physical and chemical characteristics.

The Sampled water is the water collected from various residential and industrial areas of Kanpur
at a particular time. The results are then tabulated and compared with other residential areas or
other industrial areas and also a comparison between ground water quality of industrial area and
residential areas done efficiently. The observation of water quality mainly refers to
concentrations of dissolved constituents in the water in terms of physical and chemical
characteristics.

1. Alkalinity
2. Colour
3. Chloride content
4. Hardness
5. Turbidity
6. pH of the sample water
7. Total Dissolved Solids
8. Total Suspended Solids
9. Odour
10. Taste
 CHAPTER – 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

The geology and structure of the formation existing and area control occurance and movement of
ground water. The geomorphic conditions also have a great impact on ground water scenario.
The larger part of the state is underlain by fluvial.

Ground water problem in parts of Kanpur industrial areas, Uttar Pradesh.

CHAPTER – 3
FIELD SURVEY AND DATA COLLECTION
3.1 Field Survey:
The research field campaign was executed during two months from February 1st to April 1st
,2019 for collecting water samples from two different type of areas at ten different sampling
sites. Fundamental to water-quality sampling is the fact that the analytical results can be no better than
the sample on which the analysis was performed. Thus, the sample collector has to accept primary
responsibility for the quality and integrity of the sample up to the time that it is delivered to the
analyzing laboratory. Communication and collaboration between field and laboratory personnel is
essential to produce valid data from the sampling efforts.

Before sample collection begins, field personnel must take steps to ensure that the samples collected
will be representative of the aqueous system being investigated. A representative water sample is a
sample that in time and space is part of the aqueous system to be studied and is delineated by the
objectives and scope of the study.

3.1.11 Selection of sampling sites:

For Industrial Areas

Kanpur is popular mainly for the textile and leather business. But within last few years, many
types of industries have flourished in Kanpur. Food Products, beverages, Hosiery & Garments,
Non- Metalic Miner, paper products, leather products, machinery & part are some of the major
industries in Kanpur. Cotton, textile, wood, silk and synthetic are also growing in this city. Thus
for sampling the following sites were selected, namely :-
  Panki
 Jajmau
 Rooma
 Bahauti
 Fazalganj

For Residential Areas

With a large number of residential complexes setting up in Kanpur, the city is expanding
phenomenally. The residential areas are webbed in the interior portion of the city. The outskirts have
the major industrial areas. Thus for sampling the following sites were selected, namely :-

 Kidwai nagar
 Rawatpur
 Babupurwa
 Chamanganj
 KDA Colony

Table 3.1.1 :- Sampling location of water samples from Industrial areas.

Sample Location Time Date Day

No.

1. Panki 7:00AM 2/03/2019 Saturday

2. Fazalganj 7:00AM 2/03/2019 Saturday

3. Rooma 7:00AM 2/03/2019 Saturday

4. Dadanagar 7:00AM 2/03/2019 Saturday

5. Bahauti 7:00AM 2/03/2019 Saturday

Table 3.1.2 :- Sampling location of water samples from Residential areas

Serial Location Time Date Day

No.

1. Kidwai Nagar 7:00AM 23/2/2019 Saturday

2. Chamanganj 7:00AM 23/2/2019 Saturday

3. Rawatpur 7:00AM 23/2/2019 Saturday

4. Babupurwa 7:00AM 23/2/2019 Saturday

5. KDA Colony 7:00AM 23/2/2019 Saturday

3.2. Map Study
3.2.1. Location of sampling points of industrial water sample on a map of Kanpur.

Location of Industrial areas sampled on map.

3.2.2 Location of sampling points of residential water samples on map of Kanpur

Location of Residential areas sampled on map.

 CHAPTER – 4

TEST ANALYSIS

4.1 Testing for Industrial Areas

4.1.1. Test for hardness of water by EDTA method

Aim
To determine the total hardness of the given samples by EDTA titrimetric method.

Principle
Originally, the hardness of water was understood to be a measure of the capacity of water for
precipitating soap. Soap is precipitated chiefly by the calcium and magnesium ions commonly
present in water, but may also be precipitated by ions of other polyvalent metals, such as
aluminium, iron, manganese, strontium and zinc, and by hydrogen ions. Because, all but the first
two are usually present in insignificant concentrations in natural waters, hardness is defined as a
characteristic of water, which represents the total concentration of just the calcium and the
magnesium ions expressed as calcium carbonate. However, if present in significant amounts,
other hardness producing metallic ions should be included.

When the hardness is numerically greater than the sum of the carbonate alkalinity and the
bicarbonate alkalinity, the amount of hardness, which is equivalent to the total alkalinity, is
called carbonate hardness; the amount of hardness in excess of this is called non-carbonate
hardness. When the hardness is numerically equal to or less than the sum of carbonate and
bicarbonate alkalinity all of the hardness is carbonate hardness and there is no noncarbonate
hardness. The hardness may range from zero to hundreds of milligrams per litre in terms of
calcium carbonate, depending on the source and treatment to which the water has been subjected.

Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid and its sodium salts (EDTA) form a chelated soluble complex
when added to a solution of certain metal cations. If a small amount of a dye such as Eriochrome
black T is added to an aqueous solution containing calcium and magnesium ions at a pH of 10 ±
0.1, the solution will become wine red. If EDTA is then added as a titrant, the calcium and
magnesium will be complexed. After sufficient EDTA has been added to complex all the
magnesium and calcium, the solution will turn from wine red to blue. This is the end point of the
titration.

Apparatus
1. Burette
2. Pipette
3. Erlenmeyer flask
4. Bottle etc.

Reagents
1.Standard EDTA titrant (0.01 M)
2. Eriochrome black T indicator
3. Ammonia buffer solution

Procedure

1. Dilute 25 mL of sample (V) to about 50 mL with distilled water in an Erlenmeyer flask.

2. Add 1 mL of buffer solution.
3. Add two drops of indicator solution. The solution turns wine red in colour.
4. Add the standard EDTA titrant slowly with continuous stirring until the last reddish
tinge disappears from the solution. The colour of the solution at the end point is blue
under normal conditions.
5. Note down the volume of EDTA added (V1).

Observation

Sample No. Trail No. Volume of Burette Reading Volume of

sample (ml) EDTA (ml)
Initial Final

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Calculation
V1 x S x 1000
Hardness as CaCO3= mg / L
V

where,

S = mg CaCO3 equivalent to 1 mL of EDTA titrant

= 1 mg CaCO3

1000 V1
Hardness as CaCO3= = ..........mg / L
V

Result

Sample no. Total Hardness in mg/l as CaCO3

 4.1.2. Test for pH of water

Aim

To determine the pH of given samples using digital pH meter.

Principle
pH value of water indicates the hydrogen ion concentration in water and concept of pH was put
forward by Sorenson (1909). pH is expressed as the logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen
ion concentration in moles/ litre at a given temperature. The pH scale extends from 0 (very
acidic) to 14 (very alkaline) with 7 corresponding to exact neutrality at 25°C. pH is used in the
calculation of carbonate, bicarbonate and CO2, corrosion and stability index etc. While the
alkalinity or acidity measures the total resistance to the pH change or buffering capacity, the pH
gives the hydrogen ion activity. pH can be measured colorimetrically or electrometrically.

Colorimetric method is used only for rough estimation. It can be done either by using universal
indicator or by using pH paper. The hydrogen electrode is the absolute standard for the
measurement of pH. They range from portable battery operated units to highly precise
instruments. But glass electrode is less subjected to interferences and is used in combination with
a calomel reference electrode. This system is based on the fact that a change of 1 pH unit
produces an electric charge of 59.1 mV at 250C.

Apparatus
1. pH meter with electrode
2. Beaker

Procedure using pH Meter

Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.

1. Dip the electrode in the buffer solution of known pH.

2. Switch on the power supply and take the reading. Standardize the instrument using the
calibrating knob.
3. After cleaning, again dip the electrodes in the buffer solution of pH 7. Note the reading. If it is 7,
the instrument is calibrated. If not, correct the value and is manipulated so that the reading in the
dial comes to 7.0.
4. A solution whose pH is to be found is taken in a beaker and the temperature knob is adjusted
such that the temperature of solution is same as that in dial.
5. The electrode is washed with distilled water and reused with the solution and then it is dipped in
the solution.
6. The reading on the dial indicates the pH of the solution.

Results
Sample No. pH of water sample
 4.1.3. Test for Chloride in water
Aim
To determine the amount of chloride (in the form of Cl–) present in the given water sample by
Mohr’s method.

Principle
If water containing chlorides is titrated with silver nitrate solution, chlorides are precipitated as
white silver chloride. Potassium chromate is used as indicator, which supplies chromate ions.
As the concentration of chloride ions approaches extinction, silver ion concentration increases
to a level at which reddish brown precipitate of silver chromate is formed indicating the end
point.

Apparatus

1. 1. Erlenmeyer flasks
2. 2. Measuring cylinder
3. 3. Pipettes
4. 4. Burette
5.

Reagents

1. 1. Chloride free distilled water.

2. 2. Standard silver nitrate solution (0.0141N)
3. 3. Potassium chromate indicator.
4. 4. Acid or alkali for adjusting pH.

Procedure

1. Take 50mL of sample (V) and dilute to 100mL.

2. If the sample is coloured add 3mL of aluminium hydroxide, shake well; allow to settle,
filter, wash and collect filtrate.
3. Sample is brought to pH 7-8 by adding acid or alkali as required.
4. Add 1mL of indicator (Potassium chromate).
5. Titrate the solution against standard silver nitrate solution until a reddish brown
precipitate is obtained.
Note down the volume (V1).
6. Repeat the procedure for blank and note down the volume (V2).
Observation

Sample No. Trail No. Volume of Burette Volume of Chloride in

Sample Reading silver mg/l
nitrate

Results

Sample no. Chloride content in mg/l