CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM HARDNESS TEST

Aim
To determine the Calcium-Magnesium hardness of given water sample.
Apparatus
Burette, pipette, conical flask.
Reagents
1. Std. EDTA (0.01 M)
2. 1 N NaOH solution
3. Muroxide indicator.
Principle
When EDTA is added to water containing both Ca2+ and Mg2+, it combines with
Ca2+ in preference to Mg2+. When the pH is sufficiently high (12 to 13), Mg2+ is
largely precipated as hydroxide and Ca2+ can be determined directly using EDTA.
Procedure
1. Pipette out 25m1 of water sample into a conical flask.
2. Add 2m1 of 1 N NaOH, followed by 2 to 3 drops of Muroxide indicator and shake
well. The solution turns pink in colour.
3. Titrate this solution against Std EDTA solution taken in a burette and discontinue
the titration when the colour changes from pink to purple.
4. Note down the volume of EDTA run down from the burette.
Table for Calcium Hardness

Volume of sample Initial burette Final burette Volume of

S.No. reading reading EDTA

1.
2.
3.
Observation
Calcium Hardness = [A × 1000] / ml of sample = mg/l as CaCO3
𝐴𝑋400.5
Calcium hardness (mg/l as Ca2+) =
𝑉

Where,
A = Volume of EDTA consumed.
Magnesium Hardness = Total hardness - Calcium hardness = mg/l as CaCO3
Concentration of Mg or mg/l of Mg = 0.243 × Calcium hardness.
Result
Calcium Hardness of water sample = _____________ mg/l as CaCO3
Magnesium Hardness of water sample = _____________ mg/l as CaCO3

Conclusion:
The Calcium hardness should be between 75 mg/lit to 200 mg/lit. Whereas magnesium
hardness should be between 30 mg/lit to 100 mg/lit

Significance
Small amounts of Ca combat corrosion of metal pipes by forming a protective coating
whereas appreciable Ca content, On the other hand, forms scales in boilers, pipes,
utensils etc.