EE lab Exp 7

Title: Determination of Hardness in a Water Sample
1. Introduction
Water hardness is primarily caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium
ions. Hard water can lead to scaling in pipes, reduced efficiency in water heaters,
and difficulties in soap usage. Therefore, measuring water hardness is important in
both domestic and industrial contexts. This experiment involves using EDTA
(Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid) titration to determine the hardness of a water
sample.
2. Basic Definitions
 Hardness: It is the concentration of dissolved calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium
(Mg²⁺) ions in water. It is usually expressed in mg/L as calcium carbonate
(CaCO₃).
 EDTA Titration: A complexometric titration method where EDTA binds with
calcium and magnesium ions to form a stable complex, helping in quantifying
their concentrations.
 Total Hardness: The combined concentration of calcium and magnesium
ions in the water sample, often reported as the equivalent concentration of
CaCO₃.
3. Objective/Significance
 Objective: To measure the total hardness of a water sample using EDTA
titration.
 Significance: Determining the hardness of water is crucial in various sectors
such as water treatment, household plumbing, and industrial applications. It
helps assess the water’s suitability for various purposes and to implement
softening processes if needed.
4. Apparatus
 Burette with stand
 Conical flask (250 mL)
 Pipette (50 mL)
 Eriochrome Black T indicator
 Buffer solution (pH 10)
 Standard EDTA solution
 Distilled water
 Water sample
 Measuring cylinder
5. Procedure
1. Sample Preparation:
o Collect the water sample to be analyzed.
o Using a pipette, measure 50 mL of the water sample and transfer it

into a 250 mL conical flask.
2. Addition of Buffer and Indicator:
o Add 1 mL of the buffer solution (pH 10) to the water sample to
maintain a stable pH level during titration.
o Add 2-3 drops of Eriochrome Black T indicator. The solution will turn
wine red due to the reaction of calcium and magnesium ions with the
indicator.
3. Titration Process:
o Fill the burette with a standardized EDTA solution and note the initial
burette reading.
o Slowly titrate the EDTA solution into the water sample while
continuously swirling the conical flask. The EDTA binds to the calcium
and magnesium ions, and the red color will begin to fade.
o Continue adding the EDTA until the solution turns a clear blue,
indicating the endpoint of the titration.
o Record the final burette reading.
6. Observations
 Observation Table:
Volume of Water Initial Burette Final Burette Volume of EDTA

Sample (mL) Reading (mL) Reading (mL) Used (mL)
25 8.9 1
7. Calculations
1. Calculation of Total Hardness:
The total hardness of the water sample can be calculated using the following
formula:
Hardness (mg/L as CaCO₃)=A×B×1000Volume of water sample (mL)\text{Hardness
(mg/L as CaCO₃)} = \frac{A \times B \times 1000}{\text{Volume of water sample
(mL)}}Hardness (mg/L as CaCO₃)=Volume of water sample (mL)A×B×1000
Where:
 AAA = Volume of EDTA used (mL)
 BBB = Molarity of EDTA (mol/L)
 Volume of water sample = 50 mL (or other volume used)
For example, if 15 mL of EDTA was used and the molarity of the EDTA is 0.01 mol/L,
then:
Hardness (mg/L as CaCO₃)=15×0.01×100050=300 mg/L\text{Hardness (mg/L as
CaCO₃)} = \frac{15 \times 0.01 \times 1000}{50} = 300 \,
\text{mg/L}Hardness (mg/L as CaCO₃)=5015×0.01×1000=300mg/L
8. Results and Discussion

 Result: The total hardness of the water sample was determined to be ____
mg/L as CaCO₃.
 Discussion:
o Compare the measured hardness value with standard water hardness
classifications (soft, moderately hard, hard, very hard).
o Discuss possible sources of hardness in the water sample, such as
groundwater leaching through limestone or other calcium-containing
rocks.
o High hardness may require water softening treatment in both
household and industrial contexts to prevent scaling and improve the
efficiency of soap.
9. Conclusion
The total hardness of the water sample was measured using EDTA titration. This
method provides an accurate and reliable measurement of the combined
concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. Understanding water hardness is
essential for its proper use in domestic and industrial settings.
10. Precautions
 Ensure the burette is clean and properly calibrated before starting the
experiment.
 Add the EDTA solution slowly to avoid overshooting the endpoint.
 Use freshly prepared buffer solution to maintain the pH level during the
titration.
 The color change at the endpoint can be subtle; add EDTA dropwise as you
approach the endpoint.

EE lab Exp 7

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EE lab Exp 7

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Title: Determination of Hardness in a Water Sample

o Using a pipette, measure 50 mL of the water sample and transfer it

Volume of Water Initial Burette Final Burette Volume of EDTA

8. Results and Discussion

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