1.

0 OBJECTIVE
To determine the total hardness in water samples.

2.0 THEORY
Hardness is caused by multivalent metallic cations: those most abundant in natural
waters are calcium and magnesium. Hard waters from both underground and surface supplies
are most common in areas having extensive geological formations or limestone. Although
satisfactory for human consumption, Ca and Mg precipitate soap, reducing its cleaning action
and cause scale in water distribution mains and hot-water heaters. Waters with less than 50
mg/l are considered soft, up to 150 mg/l moderately hard and in excess of 300 mg/l very
hard.

3.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT

You are required to test at least three (3) water samples;

(i) Tap/Treated water

(ii) Mineral/Drinking water
(iii) Pond/River water
Check whether their permissible limits are exceeded.

4.0 APPARATUS

DR 890 / DR 500 Spectrometer.

5.0 PROCEDURES

HARDNESS (0 to 4.00 mg/L Ca and Mg as CaCO3) For water. wastewater, seawater

Calcium and Magnesium; Calmagite Colorimetric Method

1. The stored program number for magnesium hardness is entered (as CaCO3).
Press: PGRM
The display showed: PGRM ?
2. Press: 30 ENTER
The display showed mg/L, CaCO3 and the ZERO icon.
Note: For alternate form (Mg, MgCO3), the CONC key is pressed.
3. 100 mL of sample is poured into a 100-mL graduated mixing cylinder.
Note: The sample temperature should be 21-29C (70-84F).
4. 1.0 mL of Calcium and Magnesium Indicator Solution are added using a 1.0-mL
measuring dropper. Stopper is placed. It is inverted several times to mix.\
5. 1.0 mL of Alkali Solution is added for Calcium and Magnesium Test using a 1.0-mL
measuring dropper. Stopper is placed. It is inverted several times to mix.
6. 10 mL of solution is poured into each of three sample cells.
Note: The test detected any calcium or magnesium contamination in the mixing
cylinder, measuring droppers or sample cells. To test cleanliness, the test is repeated
multiple times until consistent results are obtained.
7. One drop of 1 M EDTA Solution is added to one cell (the blank). It is swirled to mix.
8. One drop of EGTA is added to another cell (the prepared sample). It is swirled to mix.
9. The blank is placed into the cell holder. The sample cell is tightly covered with the
instrument cap.
10. Press: ZERO
The cursor moved to the right, then the display showed: 0.00 mg/L CaCO3.
11. The prepared sample is placed into the cell holder. The sample cell is tightly covered
with the instrument cap.
12. Press: READ
The cursor moved to the right, then the result in mg/L, magnesium hardness (as
CaCO3) is displayed.
 13. Without removing the cell, the key PGRM 29 ENTER is pressed.
The display showed: PGRM ?
14. Press: ZERO
The cursor moved to the right, then the display showed: 0.00 mg/L CaCO3.
15. The third sample cell is placed into the cell holder.
16. Press: READ
The cursor moved to the right, then the result in mg/L calcium hardness (as CaCO3) is
displayed.
Note: mg/L total hardness = mg/L Ca as CaCo3 + mg/L as CaCO3.

6.0 DATA ACQUISITION

Type of water sample used : RIVER

Sample Hardness (mg/L)

River water filled with

0.00
EDTA

River water filled with

4.13
EGTA

River water 0.00

DISCUSSION

In this experiment, we have to determine the total hardness of water sample which is
river water. For this sample, we have added two type of indicator which are EDTA and
EGTA indicator and. EDTA and EGTA change the colour of water from colourless to purple
while alkali solution change the colour of water to yellowish brown.

From the experiment, we have conducted the hardness test only one sample of water
which is river water. This sample has added EDTA and EGTA content of magnesium and
calcium that will contribute to the level of hardness. The river water with EGTA has content
of calcium and magnesium which in total of CaCO3 is 4.13 mg/l. River water with EDTA and
river water has lower content of calcium and magnesium which in total of 0.00 mg/l. This
result may slightly wrong because the EDTA solution is expired and not effective. Therefor,
the result for river water with EDTA is not accurate.

The determination degree of hardness is based on the scale below :

Hardness (mg/L) Degree of hardness

0 50 Soft
50 100 Moderately Soft
100 150 Slightlyy Hard
150 250 Moderately Hard
>250 Hard