Water properties – Hard and Soft Water

Hydrogen Sulfide in Water: Sources, Tests, Effects, Removal

July 2, 2022July 1, 2022 Tasrik Leave a comment

Did you know that hydrogen sulfide can be found in water? In fact, it’s quite common! This gas has some rather unique properties and can be a major health hazard if not dealt with properly. In this article, we will discuss the properties of hydrogen sulfide in water, as well as the various sources and test methods. We will also look at the dangers of this gas, and how to remove it from water systems. Stay safe!

What is hydrogen sulfide and where does it come from?

Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is naturally present in water. It’s a colorless and flammable gas. It has a strong, unpleasant odor that is often described as smelling like rotten eggs. This gas is soluble in water, so it can easily end up in groundwater or surface water.

This gas is produced when sulfur-containing minerals decompose in the presence of water and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Hydrogen sulfide can also come from human activity, like sewage treatment plants or livestock operations. It can also be released into the air when fossil fuels are burned.

What are the health risks associated with hydrogen sulfide gas in water supplies?

Exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas can cause a number of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, coughing, and difficulty breathing. In high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide gas can be fatal. Usually, it is not a health risk at concentrations present in household water. If you suspect that your water supply is contaminated with hydrogen sulfide gas, it’s important to contact a professional immediately.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.05 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of water for hydrogen sulfide. This is the level at which water is considered safe for human consumption.

Effects on plumbing

If you have hydrogen sulfide in your water, it can cause some serious problems with your plumbing. The gas can corrode metals, and it will also speed up the deterioration of rubber and plastic. This can lead to expensive repairs or even the replacement of your entire plumbing system. It can cause black stains on plumbing fixtures.

Test methods of hydrogen sulfide in water

There are several methods that can be used to test for hydrogen sulfide in water. The most common method is the use of an oxygen sensor. This method measures the amount of oxygen in the water and uses this information to calculate the level of hydrogen sulfide present. Other methods include the use of a colorimetric test kit or the use of an ion-selective electrode.

The most common methods include colorimetric, titrimetric, and iodometric methods.

The most obvious way is by the water’s odor. If your water smells like rotten eggs, then it likely contains hydrogen sulfide.

Other ways to test for the presence of this gas include using a match or lighter. If you hold a lit match near your water sample and it makes a “popping” sound, then there’s a good chance your water is contaminated with hydrogen sulfide.

When testing for hydrogen sulfide, you might notice a change in color in your test sample. This is because the gas reacts with iron to form iron sulfide, which is black.

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If you suspect that your water may be contaminated with hydrogen sulfide, it’s important to have it tested by a certified laboratory.

How can you reduce the amount of hydrogen sulfide in your water supply?

Once the levels of hydrogen sulfide have been determined, there are a number of treatment options available. The most common methods include aeration, chlorination, and ultraviolet disinfection. There are a few ways to do this:

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-Install an oxidation unit: The most common way to remove hydrogen sulfide from water is by using a chemical oxidizer like chlorine or potassium permanganate. This will help to break down the hydrogen sulfide molecules into less harmful substances.

-Make sure your water is well aerated: This means adding air to the water, which will help to dissipate the gas.

-Use a reverse osmosis system: Another option is the use of a reverse osmosis system. This system will remove all impurities from your water, including hydrogen sulfide.

-Add a water softener: This will help to bind the hydrogen sulfide molecules to the softener, making them less harmful.

-Use an activated carbon filter: This will absorb the hydrogen sulfide from your water. This type of filter can effectively remove hydrogen sulfide from your water, and will also improve the taste and smell of your water.

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Among these systems, it is important to choose a method that is safe and effective.

What are some common myths about hydrogen sulfide gas in water supplies?

Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is naturally present in water. It is produced by the decomposition of organic matter and is often found in areas with high levels of sulfur. This gas has a strong odor and can be very dangerous if inhaled. Symptoms of hydrogen sulfide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory problems. If you think you may have been exposed to this gas, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion| Hydrogen Sulfide in Water

In conclusion, This gas can be very dangerous if inhaled, so it is important to take proper precautions. If you have any further questions about hydrogen sulfide in water, please feel free to contact us. If you think you may have been exposed to this gas, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Do you have any questions about hydrogen sulfide in water? Leave them in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them! Thank you for reading! Stay safe!

P alkalinity and M alkalinity

October 3, 2019October 2, 2019 Tasrik 2 Comments

Alkalinity is an important measurement for most of the treated water like drinking water. P alkalinity and M alkalinity are the most useful test. They also have known as P value and M value respectably. The neutralize process of alkaline water by acid is refers to the alkalinity. It is directly related to water hardness. This alkalinity values guidance us to applying proper doses of chemicals during water treatment. The salts of carbonate, bi-carbonates, borates, silicates, phosphates and free hydroxyl ions are responsible for alkalinity of natural water. Among of them hydroxyl ions, carbonates and bi-carbonates are the main factor. The P alkalinity and M alkalinity of water are determined by how much acid is taken to lower the pH to the specific value. The result can be expressed as mg/l CaCO3.

P alkalinity test

P Alkalinity is the alkalinity that is determined by using phenolphthalein indicator. This alkalinity is easily measured by titration with a standard solution of N/50 sulfuric acid. During the experiment the water is taken in a conical flex and the acid is taken in the burette. The endpoint pH range of the phenolphthalein indicator is 10-8.3. The neutralization process decreases the pH of the solution and the endpoint changes the color from pink to clear. Some water may not have P value. When the phenolphthalein indicator added into the water then the clear solution indicates the absence of P value.

M alkalinity test procedure

M Alkalinity is the alkalinity that is determined by using Methyl orange indicator. To measure this alkalinity, take 50 ml sample water into a conical flask. Then add 2-3 drops Methyl orange indicator and titration with a standard solution of N/50 H2SO4 solution. The endpoint pH range of the Methyl orange indicator is 4.3 to 3.1. At the end point the color of the Methyl orange changes from yellow to orange (in acid medium it is red color). Take the burette reading and calculate M value by the following equation.
M value = Burette reading (in ml) × 1000/50 ppm

Sl	Sample volume (ml)	Burette reading (ml)	Result (CaCO₃ mg/l)
1	50	5	100
2	50	6	120
3	50	5.5	110

Normally, we test p value and M value with the one sample. In this case firstly, we measure P alkalinity using phenolphthalein indicator (say Burette reading ‘A’). Just after the test of P value, we added Methyl orange indicator and complete the titration (say Burette reading ‘B’). For M value calculation, the Burette reading will be (A+B).

This test result indicates the type of ions that are present in the water. It may be present as carbonate, bi-carbonates, and hydroxide.

Condition	Hydroxide	Carbonate	Bicarbonate
P = 0	None	None	M
P = M	M	None	None
P = 1/2 M	None	M	None
P < 1/2 M	None	2P	M – 2P
P > 1/2 M	2P – M	2(M – P)	None

M alkalinity is also known as total alkalinity. The p alkalinity and m alkalinity is useful for research, boilers water, cooling water, pool water treatment etc.

Solvent properties of water

May 22, 2018May 21, 2018 Tasrik Leave a comment

The substances that have ability to dissolve other materials are known as solvent. It can be liquid, gas or solid. Water has excellent solvent properties. It can dissolve a vast amount of substances. Therefore it is called universal solvent. The polar effect (dipole moment) and high dielectric constant properties make the water excellent solvent. It plays an important rule to the entire living thing on the earth. Whenever the water goes to our body, it takes valuable chemicals, minerals and nutrients.

Polarization of water

The water has two different atoms such as oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen is an electronegative atom whereas the hydrogen is an electropositive atom. Therefore the bonding electrons of the O-H bonds spend more time near to the oxygen atom. Consequently it has an asymmetric internal distribution of charge although they are neutral and uncharged. This creates partially positive charges on hydrogen and partially negative charge on the oxygen. The partial positive and partial negative charges on water molecule can be shown in following way:

Dipole attraction of water

This polar property of the water can form electrostatic interactions with other polar molecules and ions. Therefore water can interacts with different charged and polar substances but does not react with nonpolar substances like oils. The positive ions or partially positive charged molecule of a substance feel attraction with the partially negative charged oxygen atom. On the other hand the negative ions or partially negative charged atom of a substance feel attraction with the partially positive charged hydrogen atoms. This is called ion-dipole or dipole-dipole force of attraction. This force of attraction between the water molecules and ions or partially charged molecules is lead to the formation of a three-dimensional hydrated ions, or hydration shell which is lower in energy compare to separated ions or molecules. These hydration shells allow particles to spread out evenly in water. The partially charged water molecule does not remain fixed with a single ions or a molecule which is changed with time to time. So the average number of close water molecules with an ion is called hydration number of that ion. Normally the hydration number of a cation is larger than an anion. On the other hand small and highly charged ions have larger hydration number.

Example of water solvent with ionic compound

For an example we can consider the compound sodium chloride (NaCl), which is an ionic compound. The partially positive charged hydrogen of the water molecules attract to the negative Cl^– ion, whereas the partially negative charged oxygen of the water molecules attract to the positive Na⁺ ion. This force of attraction between dipolar water molecules and sodium chloride ions causes the formation of hydrated ions. As a result the sodium chloride will dissolve with dissociation process and forms a homogeneous solution. Brackish water is a homogeneous solution of sodium chloride. Same way many bio-molecules are either polar or charged.

Solvent properties of water with Nonpolar molecules

Nonpolar molecules, like fats, lipids and oils, don’t interact with water at any considerable level because they have zero dipole moment (no partially charged atoms). They have weak electrostatically force of attraction to water molecules. This weak force of attraction would not overcome the strong force of attraction between polar water molecules. Therefore they stay in two separated layers and known as hydrophobic. Normally they are organic compounds. They are dissolved in some non polar substances like benzene, carbon tetrachloride.