EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF THE TOTAL HARDNESS (PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY) OF WATER.

THEORY: The hardness of water is generally due to dissolved calcium and magnesium salts and may be determined by complexometric titration. EDTA is a good complex forming agent. When EDTA reacts with metal there is the formation of complex.
Indicator standard EDTA

Metal ions

metal ions indicator complex

metal ion EDTA complex + indicator.

This process is known as complexometric titration. Buffer solution is used to maintain the pH value about 10. The efficiency of complex formation with EDTA varies with change in pH of the solution. Basic medium is most favorable for complex formation.

HOOC-CH2 N-CH2-CH2-N

CH2-COOH + M2+ M-EDTA

HOOC-CH2

CH2-COOH

The EDTA solution may be standardized by using standard Zn ion solution, using metal ion indicator, Erichrome black -T. It forms the complex with the Zn ion which is red in color. When it is titrated with EDTA, it removes the metal ion indicator forming metal EDTA complex which gives blue solution.

M-In (wine red) + EDTA

M-EDTA + In (blue)

The total hardness of water can be determined by titrating the buffer solution with EDTA whose strength is known. The end point corresponds to cation Ca2+ and Mg2+ forming EDTA complex at pH 10.0. The total hardness is expressed in parts of CaCO3 per million of water. If the solution does not contain Mg2+ ion, little known amount of Mg2+ should be added which forms the wine red colored complex,Ca2+ cannot form a stable complex with the indicator. Mg2+ indicator later on adding EDTA gives more stable Mg2+ EDTA complex leaving free indicator which is blue in color. To remove the interfere due to traces of other metals Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg, Mn little hydroxyl ammonium chloride (which refers some of metals to their lower oxidation state so cannot from complex).