FKA UiTM PAHANG – (LAB MANUAL ) – ECW351

TITLE TEST 8: Iron & Manganese – Level 1.

1.1 Introduction
Level 1 – refer to previous lab.
In this lab , students will carry out test to determine the iron and manganese of at least three
(3) water samples.
1.2 Objective
To determine the iron & manganese in water samples.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
i. Learn how to determine the amount above elements in water.
ii. Analyse data and present in technical format.
PREAMBLE 1.4 Theory.

Iron & Manganese at low concentrations are highly objectionable in water supplies for
domestic or industrial use. Traces of iron and manganese can cause staining of bathroom
fixtures , can impart brownish color to laundered clothing and can affect the taste of water.
Ground waters devoid of dissolved oxygen can contain appreciable amounts of ferrous iron
(Fe2+) and manganese (Mn2+) , which are soluble (invisible) forms. When exposed to oxidation,
they are transformed to the stable insoluble ions of ferric iron (Fe3+) and manganic manganese
(Mn3+) , giving water a rust color. Supplies drawn from anaerobic bottom water of reservoirs or
rivers that have contacted natural formations of iron and manganese bearing rock, can contain
both reduced and oxidized forms , the latter being complexed frequently with organic matter.

2. Problem Statement
You are required to test at least three (3) water samples; (i) Tap/Treated water (ii)
PROBLEM
Mineral/Drinking water (iii) Pond/River water and check whether their permissible limits are
STATEMENT
exceeded.

3.1 Apparatus (DR 890 / DR 500 SPECTROMETER)

3.2 Procedures

1,10 Phenanthroline Method Using Powder Pillows

1) Enter the stored program number for Ferrous iron (Fe2+) powder pillows.
2) Press 33 ENTER. The display will show mg/L, Fe and the ZERO icon.
3) Fill a sample cell with 25 mL of sample (the blank)
4) Place the blank into the cell holder . Tightly cover the sample cell with the instrument
cap.
5) Press ZERO. The cursor will move to the right, then the display will show 0.00mg/L
Fe.
WAYS & 6) Fill another sample cell with 25ml of sample.
MEANS 7) Add the contents of one Ferrous Iron Reagent Powder Pillow to the sample). Cap and
invert to mix.
8) Pres TIMER ENTER. A three minute reaction period will begin. Note: An orange
colour will form if ferrous iron is present.
9) Place the prepared sample into the cell holder. Tightly cover the sample cell with the
instrument cap.
10) Press READ. The cursor will move to the right then the result in mg/L ferrous iron will
be displayed.

1
FKA UiTM PAHANG – (LAB MANUAL ) – ECW351

Manganese, High Range (0 to 20 mg/L)

Periodate Oxidation Method USEPA approved for reporting wastewater analysis
(digestion is required)

1. Enter the stored program number for manganes, periodate oxidation method.
2. Press 41 ENTER the display will show mg/l, Mn and the ZERO icon.
3. Fill a sample cell with 10ml of sample (the blank)
4. Place the blank into the cell holder. Tightly cover the sample cell with the instrument
cap.
5. Press ZERO: The cursor will move to the right then the display will show 0.0 mg/l Mn.
6. Remove the cell from the instrument. Add the contents of one Buffer Powder Pillow,
citrate type to the cell. Cap the cell and invert untill the poweder is dissolved. Remove
cap.
7. Add the contents of Sodium Periodate Powder Pillow to the sample cell (the prepared
sample). Cap the sample cell. Invert for 10 seconds to mix.
8. Press: TIMER ENTER. A two minute reaction begin. Note: A violet colour will form if
manganese is present.
9. Place the prepared smple into the cell holder. Tightly cover the sample with
instrument cap.
10. Press READ. The cursor will move to the right, then the result in mg/l manganese will
be displayed.

3.3 Task & Data Acquisition

Collect all the data from the above procedure and results for a comparison .

4. Result, Analysis and Conclusion

(i) Discuss and comment the above results (i.e hardness) with respect to both raw and
potable water quality.
(ii) What is the permissible limit of iron and manganese.
(iii) How excessive iron and manganese are removed in treatment plant system.
RESULTS
Answer (i) , (ii) and (iii) above. The report should highlight your result , analysis and lastly the
conclusion. There is no need to include the objective, equipment and procedure in your report.

Sample Hardness Iron Manganese

(mg/l) CaCo3 (mg/l) (mg/l)
1. Tap / Treated water
2. Mineral / Drinking water
3. Pond / River water