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PH Test of Water Samples

Litmus paper strips

Litmus paper only determines whether a solution is basic or acidic. A container is filled
with water sample. Red and blue litmus paper strips are dipped into the water sample.
Red litmus paper will turn blue if dipped in a water sample which contains basic
properties, while blue litmus paper will turn red if dipped in a water sample which
contains acidic properties. Given that litmus paper has limited capabilities in
determining pH levels, a blue or red litmus paper will not change its colour if dipped in
pH neutral water.
pH papers

A container is filled with sample of water. The pH paper is dipped the in water deep
enough to cover the test strip. Within a few seconds the colour of the test strip will be
changed which will reveal the pH level of the test water. The colour revealed by pH
paper is then compared with the colour chart provided.
If the pH is below 7 it is acidic. The lower it is the more acidic. pH paper contains a
series of indicator bars that will turn a specific colour depending on the acidity or
basicity of the solution it is dipped in.

Reagent Drops
Reagent drops is simple to use with great, visual results that are easily understood.
It works simply by changing color due to reaction with alkalinity or acidity. The main
ingredient in reagent drops is ethylene glycol, a highly reactive solution that catalyzes
with any shift in pH and causes the dyes in reagent drops to shift color accordingly. By
simply comparing these colors to a pH chart, a close approximation of a clear liquid’s pH
value can be obtained.

pH Meter
The pH meter is calibrated before use.

1. The pH meter is turned on and allow adequate time for the meter to warm up. This
should generally take around 30 minutes.
2. The electrode is taken from its storage solution and is rinsed with distilled water.
Once rinsed, it is blotted dried with Kimwipes or Shurwipes.
3. More than one buffer is needed to calibrate the pH meter. The first will be a “neutral”
buffer with a pH of 7, and the second should be near the expected sample pH, either
a pH of 4 or 9.21. Buffers with a higher pH (9.21) are best calibrated for measuring
bases, whereas buffers with a low pH (4) are best for measuring acidic samples. The
buffers are reached to the same temperature, as pH readings are temperature
dependent. The buffers are poured into individual beakers for calibration.
4. Electrode is placed in the buffer with a pH value of 7 and begin reading. The
“measure” or calibrate button is pressed to begin reading the pH once the electrode
is placed in the buffer.[7]
The pH is stabilized before setting by letting it sit for approximately 1-2 minutes. The
pH is set. Once you have a stable reading, pH meter is set to the value of the buffer’s
pH by pressing the measure button a second time. Setting the pH meter once the
reading has stabilized will allow for more accurate and tuned readings. [8]

5. The electrode is rinsed with distilled water and is patted dried with a lint- free
tissue, like Kimwipes or Shurwipes, in between buffers.
6. The electrode is placed in the buffer with a pH value of 4 and begin reading. The

measure button is pressed to begin reading the pH once the electrode is placed in
the buffer.
7. The electrode is rinsed with distilled water and is patted dried with a lint-free tissue,

like Kimwipes or Shurwipes, in between buffers

Measurement of the pH level of water sample

1. The electrode is placed in the water sample and begin reading. Once your
electrode is placed in your sample, the measure button is pressed and leave
the electrode in the water sample for approximately 1-2 minutes.
2. pH level is set. Once the reading has stabilized, the measure button is
pressed. This is the pH level of the water sample.
3. The electrode is cleaned after use. The electrode is cleaned with distilled
water and is dabbed dry with a lint-free tissue.

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