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2.2: Analytical Probes

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    42702
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    pH Probe

    Water has a wide range of low pH acids and high pH bases. In most instances (drinking water, surface waters), we want water to be close to neutral (pH = 7) for both safety and taste. Water treatment processes and chemical dosing might be optimized in different pH ranges, prompting water treatment operators to both maintain and adjust pH levels based on treatment. Levels of pH are determined by the amount of hydrogen ions (H+), causing acidity, or hydroxide ions (OH-), causing basicity. 

    The pH probes are stored in a solution and must be wrapped to keep the solution from evaporating. The probe uses the internal electrolyte solution to calibrate and measure pH. Calibration of the pH probe uses three different pH buffers.

    Conductivity Probe

    Water conductivity is a measure of the dissolved mineral salts in water. High levels of mineral salts will give high conductivity readings. Calibration of the conductivity probe uses two different conductivity standards. Standards chosen for calibration should be one lower than your anticipated reading and one higher than your anticipated reading.


    2.2: Analytical Probes is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Erin Hansel (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College).

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