Nametadete Rm I N A Tion Of Phuos Rdillrta Tu Ra I Wa Te Rs

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Determine the name of the process involved in the determination of phosphates in natural waters, along with safety considerations for the laboratory procedure, the significance of "ppm," the importance of setting the wavelength to 700 nm on the Spectrophotometer, and how to calculate the phosphate concentration from absorbance data using the given calibration curve equation.

Laboratory analysis of phosphate concentration in natural waters involves a series of steps that include sample preparation, reaction with specific reagents, and spectrophotometric measurement. Safety considerations are paramount in such laboratory settings to prevent chemical exposure, spills, and other hazards. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and goggles, should be worn at all times. Handling reagents carefully, especially acids and other reactive chemicals, is essential. Proper disposal of chemical waste is also critical to minimize environmental impact and health risks.

"ppm" stands for parts per million, which measures the concentration of a substance in water or other liquids. It indicates that there is one part of the substance per one million parts of the solution, often expressed as milligrams per liter (mg/L) in aqueous solutions. Monitoring phosphate levels in water is important because excess phosphates can lead to eutrophication, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion in aquatic ecosystems, which threaten fish and other aquatic life.

The importance of setting the wavelength to 700 nm on the Spectrophotometer (Spectro 20) relates to maximizing sensitivity and specificity for the analyte’s absorbance. Phosphate analyte complexes absorb light most effectively at this wavelength, leading to more accurate measurements. Using the correct wavelength reduces interference from other substances and enhances the reliability of the data obtained. Consistent wavelength setting ensures comparability across samples and experiments.

Given the calibration curve equation y = 0.139x + 0.0021, where y is the absorbance and x is the concentration in ppm, and an observed absorbance of 0.023 for a water sample, the concentration of phosphate can be calculated by rearranging the equation:

x = (y - 0.0021) / 0.139

x = (0.023 - 0.0021) / 0.139

x ≈ 0.0209 / 0.139 ≈ 0.1504 ppm

Post-Lab Data Analysis and Calculation

The recorded absorbance data from the experiment, with known concentrations, are as follows:

Test tube # Concentration (ppm) Absorbance
1 0.0 ppm 0.00
2 0.05 ppm Data needed
3 0.10 ppm Data needed
4 0.20 ppm Data needed
5 0.50 ppm Data needed
6 1.00 ppm Data needed
7 Unknown Data needed

Using the calibration data, a graph of concentration versus absorbance is plotted in Excel with a linear trendline. The trendline equation (y = 0.139x + 0.0021) indicates a strong linear relationship, with the R² value confirming the model’s fit.

By inserting the slope (0.139) and y-intercept (0.0021) into the calibration equation, and using the measured absorbance of the unknown sample (assumed here as 0.023), the phosphate concentration was calculated as approximately 0.1504 ppm, indicating the level of phosphate in the water sample. This direct calculation allows assessment of phosphate contamination in natural water sources, which is essential for environmental monitoring and management.

References

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  • EPA. (2018). National primary drinking water regulations: Phosphates. United States Environmental Protection Agency.
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