Star Series

Method Note ORP in

M-1011-E 01/05 RevB Wastewater

Key Words Introduction

The Oxidation Reduction Potential or ORP is a measurement of the oxidizing and reducing capability
Oxidation of a solution. The low maintenance ORP Triode Orion 9179BNMD can be used in polluted streams,
Reduction chlorinated waters, industrial wastewaters, and other water samples. The ORP readings are correlated to the
Potential (ORP) Standard Hydrogen Electrode, SHE, which is the reference specied in the denition of ORP.

Wastewater Recommended Equipment Cat. No.

Ion Selective
Application Package (includes all items with a Cat. No.) 1010112
Electrode (ISE)
1. 4-Star portable pH/ISE meter 1215000
Redox Electrode
2. Low Maintenance ORP Triode 9179BNMD
3. Rubber boot and storage sleeve 1210002
4. 150 mL beakers

Required Solutions Cat. No.

1. ORP standard solution 967961
2. Deionized water

Calibration Standard Preparation

1. Using a graduated cylinder, transfer 100 mL of the ORP standard into a beaker.

Sample Preparation
1. Using a graduated cylinder, measure 100 mL of the wastewater sample into a beaker.
2. Repeat for additional measurements.

Results
Purpose of this method note: The analysis was performed in a laboratory, but it is application to direct
eld measurement as well. Five aliquots of wastewater were collected from a wastewater treatment facility
and the oxidation reduction potential is measured. The table below provides data for ORP in this waste
water sample.

Waste Water mV EH
Sample # 1: 607.3
Sample # 2: 595.5
Sample # 3: 592.3
Sample # 4: 578.0
Sample # 5: 573.9

Mean: 388.42
Standard Deviation: 13.56
%CV: 3.49

Electrode Storage
For brief storage periods (up to one day), the electrode may be kept in deionized water. For longer storage
periods (more than one day), store the electrode dry. Rinse the electrode with deionized water, dry with
1 of 2
clean lint-free tissues, and replace electrode protective cap.
ORP in
Wastewater

Equipment Setup
Electrode Setup
Remove the rubber cap covering the electrode tip and the electrode is ready to use.
Meter Setup
For initial meter setup, follow the steps on the Quick Reference Guide that is attached to the meter itself.
The Quick Start Guide included with each meter also contains a layout of the meter keypad for reference.
The words in all capital letters such as POWER indicate a key on the meter, and words in quotations such
as Unit indicate information on the meter display.
1. Connect the electrode to the meter.
2. Press the POWER key on the meter to turn meter on.
3. Note that the arrow on the left of the screen indicates the active line. If the top line is not active, press
the LINE SELECTION key to change the selected line to the top line. Then press the UP or DOWN
arrow keys to change the measurement mode of the top line to relative millivoltts (RmV). If all steps
were followed correctly, the meter display will show RmV to the right of the top line. The meter
and electrode are now ready for calibration.

Calibration and Analysis

1. Allow standard and the samples to attain room temperature for precise measurements since the
measurement is temperature sensitive.
2. Verify the meter and the electrode by measuring the mV reading of the electrode in the ORP standard
stirring at a uniform rate. The mV value should be between +160 mV and +280 mV. These values are
located on the back of the ORP standard bottle.
3. Place the electrode into the beaker with ORP standard with the electrode tip fully immersed in the
solution. Press the CALIBRATE key.
4. Wait for a stable reading (1-2 minutes). When meter is ready, the measured mV value is converted to
EH value.
5. Press the MEASURE key to move to the measure mode of the meter.
6. Rinse electrode and stirrer thoroughly with deionized water.
7. Place the probe in a prepared sample with the electrode tip fully immersed in the solution. Press the
MEASURE key on the meter. The RmV icon will ash as the measurement is being made. The RmV
icon will become solid and the display value will freeze when a stable reading is achieved. This value is
logged and printed automatically.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for additional samples.
Upon completion of samples, rinse electrode with deionized water and store the electrode according to
instructions in the Electrode Storage section of this method note.

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www.thermo.com Beverly, MA 01915 USA www.thermo.com/water
M-1011-E 01/05 RevB 2005 Thermo Electron Corporation.
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