TM 10-6630-245-13&P
2.6.8.17. Sulfate Test.
a.
Purpose of Test: A turbidimetric method of determining the concentration of sulfates present in water.
b.
Range: O to 150 mg/l
c.
Equipment Used: Found in Main Carrying Case, para 1.8, fig. 1-1
Spectrophotometer, (20), fig. 1-1
Sulfate (SulfaVer® 4) test reagent, (25), fig. 1-1
Graduated cylinder, (31), fig. 1-1
d.
General Techniques Used: Refer to paragraphs cited below as required by procedure.
Planning the Test, para 2.6.1.1
Cleaning Glassware, para 2.6.1.2
Handling and Storing Reagents, para 2.6.1.3
Collecting Water Samples, para 2.6.1.4
Mixing, para 2.6.1.5
Using Graduated Cylinders, para 2.6.1.6
Spectrophotometer, para 2.6.2.2
e.
Test Procedure:
WARNING
High voltage used with Spectrophotometer. Misuse can cause electrical shock and damage
equipment. When operating with 115V or 220V power, make sure the power source and
equipment are in ground potential. Ensure that the power cable connections are correct for the
desired voltage power before connecting the power source.
NOTE
For best results, water that is highly colored, or is cloudy, or has particles in it should be filtered
before the test.
(1)
Refer to para 2.6.2 for set up and operation of the Spectrophotometer.
(2)
Fill each of the two spectrophotometer sample cells(7, fig. 2-5) with 25 ml of sample water. Use the
graduated cylinder(31, fig. 1-1) to collect and measure the water.
WARNING
SULFATE REAGENT (SULFAVER® 4)
May be irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Harmful if swallowed. Do not ingest or allow
contact with skin or eyes. Do not breathe dust. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with
water for 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and plenty of water.
In case of ingestion, induce vomiting by sticking finger down throat, then give 1 tablespoon of
epsom salt in a glass of water. In case of inhalation, remove victim to fresh air. Call medic in all
cases.
(3)
Add the contents of one sulfate reagent powder pillow (25) to one sample cell (the test sample). Swirl to
mix. The solution will turn white and cloudy if sulfate is present. Allow the sample to stand for at least 5
minutes but not more than 10 minutes.
(4)
Place the other untreated sample cell of test water (the blank) into the cell holder well(5, fig. 2-5). Insert
the "Sulfate (SulfaVer® 4 Method)" meter scale card(2) into the meter. Adjust the wavelength dial(8) to
450 nm. Turn the LIGHT CONTROL knob(10) until the meter scale(14) reads 0 mg/l.
(5)
Remove the blank cell from the spectrophotometer. Place the treated test sample in the cell holder
well(5). Read the results from the meter scale(14).
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