Last Update: January 24, 2007 Part I

M 19
DETERMINATION OF FREE CARBON -DI-OXIDE WATER
PRINCIPLE :- Free CO2 in neutral water is determined by titration with Na2CO3 or NaOH to form NaHCO3 completion of
the reaction indicates the development of pink colour of phenolphthalein indicator of the equivalent. The sample should
be gently swirled during the titration but care must be taken before and during titration to keep aeration at a minimum.
NaOH + CO2 + H2O = NaHCO3
APPARATUS :- i) Measuring cylinder ii) Conical flask iii) Burette iv) Burette stand.
REGENT :- i) N/44 NaOH ii) Phenolphthalein indicator iii) Sample water

PROCEDURE :- 50 ml of sample water is taken in a conical flask and 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein is added. If the water
turns to pink then there is no free CO2 in water sample. If the sample remain colourless it is titrated with standard alkaline
solution (NaOH or Na2CO3). Gentle string during titration is done until pink colour persists for 30 sec. The colour change
indicates the end point of titration.

RESULT :-
No of Vol of sample water Buratte Reading (ml) Differences Mean
Observtion (ml) Initial Final (ml) (ml)
1. 50 0 0.6 0.6
2. 50 1 1.6 0.6 0.6
3. 50 2 2.6 0.6

CALCULATION :- 1 mole of CO2 1 mole of NaOH

44 gm of CO2 40 gm of NaOH
As, 1000 cc (N) NaOH 44 gm of solid NaOH
1000 cc (N) NaOH 44 gm of CO2
N
1000 cc ( )NaOH = 44/44 gm of CO2 = 1 gm of CO2 = 1000 mg of CO2
44
1 ml (N/44) NaOH 1 mg of CO2
0.6 ml ( /44) NaOH 0.6 mg of CO2
N

Therefore 50 ml of sample water contains 0.6 mg of CO2

0.6 100
1000 ml of sample water contains mg of CO2 = 12 mg of CO2
50
So the supplied sample contains 12 mg of CO2 / lit or 12 ppm.

PRECAUTION :- As CO2 is liable to escape easily from the sample, analysis should be done immediately after collection
of it. Stirring should be done gently during titration.

COMMENT : -
CO2 plays the same role in both aquatic & terrestrial system in fact it is utilized by the plants during photosynthesis.
Besides this is an aquatic system amount of free CO 2 influences the metabolic and developmental rates, orientation and
movement of some aquatic invertebrates after binding allow them to the oven for overnight.

According to swingle (1947) effect of dissolved O2 level on fish population are stated below.

Dissolved O2 ( ppm ) Effects.

<1 Lethal on exposure for more than few hours.
15 Fish will survive, but reproduction and growth be poor.
>5 Normal growth and reproduction.
5 15 Good for drinking purpose.

Therefore, from this result we can conclude that this water is not suitable for fish culture. Fish will survive, but the rate
growth and reproduction will be poor.