`Testing for selected pollutants of water

Aim to test for presence of nitrates, phosphates, lead and cyanide in water (ORR)

Test for Nitrates

1. Place a approximately 5 ml of water in a clean test tube.

2. Add aqueous sodium hydroxide to the test-tube containing the water sample
3. Place 1 spatula of powdered aluminium into the test tube containing the mixture of water and
NaOH.
4. Heat the contents of the test tube and test for the release of ammonia gas using moist red litmus
paper.

Test for Phosphates

1. Place approximately 5 ml of water sample into a clean test tube.

2. Acidify the water by adding 2-3 drops of concentrated nitric acid to the water
3. Add a small amount of ammonium molybdate
4. Warm the mixture gently and observe. The presence of a bright yellow precipitate indicates the
presence of a phosphate

Test for Cyanide

1. To a small sample of water add I/2 spatula of iron(ll) sulphate.

2. Acidify the mixture using 3-5 drops of hydrochloric acid
3. Observe for the formation of a deep blue complex ion

Test for Lead ions

1. To a small sample of water add a few drops of 1 molar HCl.

2. A white precipitate which re- dissolves in hot water indicates the presence of lead (ll)ions
3. To confirm, add 2-3 drops of potassium iodide to the acidified wate. A bright yellow precipitate
indicates presence of lead.

Observations

Results
Write the chemical/ionic equations where applicable