c.

Remove electrodes from buffer, rinse thoroughly with distilled water and blot dr
y.
d.
Immerse in a second buffer below pH 10, approximately 3 pH units different from
the first, the reading should be within 0.1 unit for the pH of second buffer. (I
f the meter response shows a difference greater than 0.1 pH unit from expected v
alue, look for trouble with the electrodes or pH meter)
e.
For samples analysis, establish equilibrium between electrodes and sample by sti
rring sample to ensure homogeneity and measure pH.
f.
For buffered samples (or those with high ionic strength), condition the electrod
es after cleaning by dipping them into the same sample, and read pH.
g.
With poorly buffered solutions (dilute), equilibrate electrodes by immersing in
three or four successive portions of samples. Take a fresh sample and record the
pH.
52
GUIDE MANUAL: WATER AND WASTEWATER ANALYSIS
6.7 Calculation
The pH value is obtained directly from the instrument.
6.8 Precision and Bias
The precision and accuracy attainable with a given pH meter will depend on the t
ype and condition of the instrument and the care used in standardisation an oper
ation. Guard against possible erratic results arising from mechanical or electri
cal failures-weak batteries, damaged electrodes, plugged liquid junctions, and f
ouling of electrodes. With proper care, a precision of 0.02 pH unit and an accura
cy of 0.05 pH unit can be achieved. However, 0.1 pH unite represents the limit of
accuracy under normal conditions. For this reason, report pH values to the neare
st 0.1 pH unit.
6.9 Interferences
The pH can be measured either colorimetrically or electrometrically. The colorim
etric method is less expensive but suffers from interference from colour turbidi
ty, salinity, colloidal matter and various oxidants and reductants. The indicato
rs are subjected to deterioration as they are colour standards with which pH is
compared. More over no single indicator encompasses the pH range of interest in
water.
The glass electrode method (electrometric) is a standard technique free from int
erferences in natural water except for a sodium error associated with pH above 1
0.