Measuring Iron Concentration in Water using Phenanthroline

Introduction:

Iron is a common contaminant in water sources, and its presence can affect the taste, color, and odor of the water. Therefore, it is essential to measure the concentration of iron in water to ensure that it is within acceptable limits. One of the commonly used indicators for measuring iron concentration in water is phenanthroline.

Phenanthroline:

Phenanthroline is a chelating agent that forms a complex with iron ions. When added to a water sample containing iron, the phenanthroline reacts with the iron ions to form a red-colored complex. The intensity of the color is proportional to the concentration of iron in the water sample.

Procedure:

The following steps can be followed to measure the iron concentration in water using phenanthroline:

1. Collect a water sample in a clean container.
2. Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid to the water sample to acidify it.
3. Add a few drops of phenanthroline solution to the water sample and mix well.
4. Wait for a few minutes to allow the color to develop.
5. Compare the color of the sample with a standard color chart to determine the iron concentration.

Advantages:

Using phenanthroline to measure iron concentration in water has several advantages, including:

1. It is a simple and inexpensive method that does not require specialized equipment.
2. It is a sensitive method that can detect low levels of iron in water.
3. It does not interfere with other common water contaminants.

Conclusion:

Phenanthroline is a commonly used indicator for measuring iron concentration in water. It forms a red-colored complex with iron ions, and the intensity of the color is proportional to the concentration of iron in the water sample. The method is simple, inexpensive, and sensitive, making it ideal for routine monitoring of water quality.