(1) The total solids are ascertained by evaporating a given quantity of the water to dryness, and weighing.
(2) Determination of Chlorine (see page [81]).
(3) Determination of Hardness (see page [80]).
(4) The Determination of Nitrites is based on the reddish-brown colouration produced when an acid solution of metaphenylene diamine is brought into contact with a weak solution of nitrous acid. 100 c.c. of the water under examination are placed in a clean glass cylinder. Add 1 c.c. of H₂SO₄ solution (1 in 3), then 2 c.c. of metaphenylene diamine solution (5 grains in 1 litre of water with a little H₂SO₄ added). Stir well with a glass rod. If a colouration is produced at once, a smaller quantity of water must be taken, and made up to 100 c.c. with pure distilled water. The quantity of nitrous acid present is measured by introducing different fractions of a c.c. of the standard sodium nitrate solution[3] into similar glass cylinders. Each is then made up to 100 c.c. with distilled water, and the metaphenylene diamine solution and acid added as before. The colour develops slowly; time must, therefore, be allowed in matching.
(5) The Determination of Nitrates can be conveniently made by the following method. When phenyl-hydrogen sulphate solution is poured upon a nitrate, and sulphuric acid is formed, picric acid is formed:—
(C₆H₅)HSO₄ + 3 HNO₃ = C₆H₂(NO₂)₃OH + H₂SO₄ + 2 H₂O.
The addition of free ammonia in excess forms yellow ammonium picrate, the intensity of the colour of which is an index of the picrate, and of the nitrate from which it was produced. (a) Evaporate 25 c.c. of the water under examination, and (b) 5 c.c. of standard KNO₃ solution (containing 1 part N in 100,000) to dryness in two porcelain dishes over the water bath. Add 1 c.c. of phenyl-sulphate solution to each of these as soon as cool, stir well with a glass rod, then add 1 c.c. distilled water to each dish and 3 drops of strong H₂SO₄. Next add 25 c.c. of water to each dish, and after heating for five minutes over the water bath, add solution of ammonia to each dish in excess. A yellow colour is produced in proportion to the amount of nitrate present. Transfer the liquids to glass cylinders, and dilute each to 100 c.c. Take 50 c.c. of the solution showing the least colour, and dilute the other with distilled water, until it has the same tint.
Supposing the 100 c.c. of the sample required to be diluted to 150 c.c.—
Then the amount of N will be 150 ∕ 100 × 5 ∕ 25 = ·3 parts per 100,000.
If the two solutions (a) and (b) when diluted have the same tint, then the