CONSULTANTS EN TRAITEMENT D’EAU

WATER TREATMENT CONSULTANTS

Sulphite test procedure using burette

Principle of test
When potassium iodide-iodate solution is titrated into an acidified sample, free iodine is
generated as indicated by the blue colour it imparts to a starch indicator. If an easily oxidized
substance like sodium sulphite is present in the sample, then the generated iodine will react with
the sodium sulphite first, before reacting with the starch indicator. Thus, free iodine will not be
available to react with the starch indicator and turn it blue until all the sodium sulphite has been
reacted. This principle allows us to determine the quantity of sodium sulphite in a sample.

Apparatus required
Automatic burette with bottle, 10 ml or 25 ml
Porcelain evaporating dish, 150 ml
Graduated cylinder, 50 ml
Plastic stirring rod

Reagents required
Reagent R-400, acid starch indicator
Reagent R-410, potassium iodide-iodate solution

Test procedure
Measure 50ml of an unfiltered sample and add to evaporating dish. Add two scoop of reagent
R-400 (acid starch indicator) and mix well. Titrate with reagent R-410 (potassium iodide-iodate
solution) until a permanent blue colour appears. Keep count of the mls.

Calculations

Reagent R-410 ppm sulphite = ml x 10 ppm

Notes
The water sample should be freshly taken with minimal air contact. The sample should be cooled
to room temperature by a sample cooler.

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Update : July 2nd, 2004 Page 1/1