Kuwait University

College of Engineering and Petroleum

Civil Engineering Department

Environmental Engineering Laboratory

CE-213L

Experiment #3
PH
Conducted On: August 11, 2021

Monday/Wednesday Group

August 13, y

On my honor I pledge that this work of mine does not violate the University provisions on
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Signature: dalal, Maryam, Hessa, aljazi, Fatma
Abstract

In this experiment, the pH of a tab water sample is measured using the pH

meter. The pH was measured to be equal to 6.8 at a temperature of 220C. this
result indicates that the sample is of a basic nature.

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Table of contents

Abstract.......................................................................................................................................i
Table of contents........................................................................................................................ii
List of Figures and Tables..........................................................................................................ii
Nomenclature.............................................................................................................................1
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................2
Summary...........................................................................................................................................2
Sources..............................................................................................................................................2
Significance.......................................................................................................................................2
Impact................................................................................................................................................2
Objective:...................................................................................................................................3
Theoretical background:.............................................................................................................4
Experimental details:..................................................................................................................5
The specimens used:..........................................................................................................................5
Material, specimen, and equipment:..................................................................................................5
Procedure:..........................................................................................................................................5
Results and Discussion:..............................................................................................................6
Results:..............................................................................................................................................6
Discussion:........................................................................................................................................6
Answers of Questions:.......................................................................................................................6
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................7
Acknowledgments:.....................................................................................................................8
References:.................................................................................................................................8
Appendix:...................................................................................................................................8
Grade of the report....................................................................................................................9

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List of Figures and Tables

Figure 1 pH scale...................................................................................................................................4

Table 1 Data sheet……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ...............6

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Nomenclature

T: Temperature
°C: Celsius
pH: hydrogen-ion concentration
¿: Activity of hydrogen ions

¿: Activity of hydroxide ions

k w: ionization constant of water

M=Molar

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Introduction:

Summary

pH is the intensity of the acid or alkaline condition of a solution. Also, it is the

hydrogen ion concentration (or activity) [H+] in the solution.

PH=-log[H+] where [H+] is concentration of H+.

Sources

 A drop in the acidity level of water causes the pH to increase.

 CO2 in water reacts with H2 to produce acidic compound H2CO3 (acid
rain).
 Earth metals like bicarbonate and carbonate added to water make it basic.

Significance

The pH of water or wastewater must be considered and controlled in many

processes of environmental engineering practice, such as:

1. Chemical Coagulation.
2. Disinfection.
3. Water Softening.
4. Corrosion control.
5. In biological wastewater treatment, pH must be controlled in a range
which favorable for particular organisms involved.

Impact

 Acidic water affects aquatic life and marine species.

 Acidic water increases the solubility of metals in water
 Acidic water makes corrosion of pipes.

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Objective:

To measure the pH of a tap water sample using a pH meter.

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Theoretical background:
The main goal of pH test is to measure hydrogen-ion concentration of water.
Which pH is the intensity of the acid or alkaline condition of a solution. Also, it
is the hydrogen ion concentration (or activity) [H+] in the solution.
pH = -log[H+], where [H+] is the concentration of H+ (hydrogen ion).
[H+] [OH-] = Kw, where Kw = 1.01 × 10-14 at 25℃
Where,
[H+] = activity of hydrogen ions, moles/l
[OH-] = activity of hydroxide ions, moles/l
Kw = ion product of water.
Acid conditions increase as pH values decrease, and alkaline conditions
increase as the pH values increase.
pH + pOH = 14
pH is a measure of how acidic/basic water is. The range goes from 0 to 14, with
7 being neutral. pH of less than 7 indicate acidity, whereas a pH of greater than
7 indicates a base. Note freshly distilled water always pH=7 at 25℃ .

Figure 1 pH scale

pH is temperature dependent. The higher temperature, the lower pH.

 pH is 7.5 at 0℃
 pH is 7 at 25℃
 pH is 6.5 at 60℃
the pH range of natural water is slightly basic (4→9).
The normal range of pH values is between (6.5→9).

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Experimental details:
The specimens used:
 Tap water

Material, specimen, and equipment:

 Electrometric Method
 Potentiometer measurement
 Standard hydrogen electrode
 Reference electrode
 Buffers
 pH meter

Procedure:
Measurement of pH (Electrometric Method).
The basic principle of electrometric pH measurement is determination of the
activity of the hydrogen ions by potentiometer measurement using a standard
hydrogen electrode and reference electrode. The pH measuring instrument has
to be calibrated using buffers before use.

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Results and Discussion:
Results:

pH of the sample = 6.8 at T=22 C.

Answers of Questions:

1- Define the following samples according to the pH value at each temperature.

Temp. S1, pH = 2 S2, pH = 6.5 S3, pH= 7.5 S4, pH=12.8

0 C° XXXX week acid neutral strong alkaline
60 C° week acid neutral week alkaline XXXX
Other XXXX week acid week alkaline XXXX

Table (1)

2- What is the pH of a solution, if the hydroxide concentration is 9.5x10-3 M?

[H+] [OH-]= Kw
Kw = 1.01x10-14 @ T= 25° C
[H+] = Kw/[OH] = (1.01x10-14) / (9.5x10-3) = 1.06x10-12 M
pH = -log[H+] = -log (1.06x10-12) = 11.97

3- Solve the following:

a. [H+] = 5.5X10-7 M, pH=?
pH = -log (5.5X10-7) = 6.26
b. [OH-] = 9.2x10-4 M, pOH=?
pH = -log (9.2x10-4) = 3.04

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Discussion:

The pH of tap water is 6.8 @ T=220C and it is slightly Acidic.

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Conclusion:
The aim of the experiment is to measure the hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) of
tap water. It was achieved by using pH meter by electrometric method. After
testing we compared the value of the pH to the neutral value of pH at 22°C
which is nearly equals 7. We conclude that our sample value is below the
neutral point which indicates it is an acidic water. It is important to know the
hydrogen-ion concentration of tap water before drinking it. Consuming
excessively acidic or alkaline water is harmful to our digestive system. Drinking
water must have a pH value of 6.5-8.5 to fall within EPA standards.

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Acknowledgments:

We would like to thank Eng. Latifa who helped us with the report and the
graph. Also, for her help throughout the experiment and understand the
material very well.

References:

Marafie, M. Civil Engineering Environmental Lab Notes.

Appendix:

Does not match

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Grade of the report

Abstract 2  

Table of contents 2

List of figures and tables 2

Nomenclature 2

Introduction  
Summary 2

Sources 2

Significance 2

Impacts 2

Objectives 2

Theoretical background 2

Experimental details

Materials, specimens & equipments 2

Procedure 3

Results and discussion details

Results 5
Answers of questions 10
Discussion 2
Conclusion 2

Acknowledgements 2

References 2

Appendix 2  

Grade of the report 50  

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