1.

Introduction
1.1 Introduction
Some amount suspended particle can be measured when it is stable enough for analysis. When a
light of beam is passed through a turbid sample, some light were scattered, reflected, refracted, or
transmitted by those suspended particle. These four mechanisms is a concept analysis on turbidimetry
and nephelometry. The light intensity that was passed through or scattered (opalescence) is a function
of suspended particle concentration. For diluted concentration, both methods can give a good turbidity
result. Turbidity is commonly known in NTU (nepheloturbidity unit) or FTU (formazinturbidity unit).
The influence of suspended particle optical nature caused by concentration and type of compound in
dispersion phase, so that in this condition will be semi-empirical. Therefore, it is necessary to make
calibration curve in quantitative analysis (nephelometry and turbidimetry). In order to have good
reproducibility, high quality of sample storage and preparation are required. One of important condition
to consider in suspension preparation is that the particle should be really fine, thus it is not easily
vaporized. Light intensity of irradiation is highly affected by the size and stability of suspension, thus
if it is well prepared, then it is possible to obtain quantitative anlaytical results. This method is able to
determine anion sulphate quantitatively by turned it into discrete suspension using Ba2+ cation. The
formation of BaSO particles that are finely and stable may show good result in turbidimetry quantitative
analysis. The concept analysis between turbidimeter and spectrophotometer is very different. In a
spectrophotometer, light intensity was determined by absorbance value. Thus, this apparatus is suitable
to use on sample solution (nor suspension or colloid). UV-vis spectrophotometer is commonly used on
a clear and transparent solution. On some circumstance, turbidity can be measured using uv-vis
spectrophotometer. However, repetitive procedures have to be performed to ensure its accuracy and
stability

1.2 Objective
1) Students understand the analysis technique of discrete particles as turbidity, and able to
perform step by step of turbidimetry analysis
2) Students are understand the concept of a beam of light passed through a sample and its
equivalencies to the turbidity
3) Students are able to correctly use and choose laboratory apparatus for turbidimetry analysis
and can distinguish the function of turbidimeter and spectrophometer

1.3 Concept of the Experiment

Reaction between barium chloride and kalium sulphate will result in the formation of
barium sulphate precipitate. In small amount, the finely suspended particle will stable enough for
some amount of time. The quantity of formed particle (i.e., BaSO4) will be equal with the quantity
of limiting reagent (i.e., K2SO4) that used in this experiment. Suspended BaSO particle that
measured using spectrophotometer and turbidimeter will disrupt the light spectrum received by
detector on both apparatus. Interaction process between particles and light spectrum, and the
changing of light intensity received by detector will become base calculation to determine the
concentration of suspended particle in the solution. On spectrophotometer and turbidimeter, the
interaction between light and turbid sample may create different reading on some range of
measurement. Thus, both measurement apparatus may show different result.

1.4 Literature Review

Turbidity is a reduction in water clarity because of the presence of suspended matter
absorbing or scattering downwelling light, and water is considered turbid when the presence of
suspended particles becomes conspicuous. Inorganic suspended materials, suspensoids or tripton,
reduce light penetration, form adsorption and desorption surfaces, and are able to aggregate with
dissolved substances, bacteria, and algae. The adsorbed substances are available for bacteria, algae,
and zooplankton. Phytoplankton productivity is affected by the presence of inorganic turbid
materials where the photic zone is compressed and such waters have small euphotic–aphotic ratios.
The depth of mixing determines the time spent in the dark, and in deep water bodies where the
critical mixing depth is exceeded, it could adversely affect integral primary production rates.
Phytoplankton community structures are affected by turbidity, and cyanobacteria often dominate
because of their ability to become buoyant. Zooplankton predation and fish feeding are influenced
where suspended turbid materials determine the reactive distances of predation. Fish growth rates
are reduced by suspended matter, their recruitment, distribution and they show clear adaptations.
Increased turbidity is a form of pollution and it has consequences for nutrient supply, transport of
dissolved organic materials, macrophytes, periphyton, and utilization.
(Grobbelaar, 2009)

Turbidity is an expression of the optical property of a medium, which causes light to be

scattered and absorbed rather than transmitted in straight lines through a sample. Turbidimetry is
the measurement of turbidity by quantifying the degree of attenuation of a beam of light of known
initial intensity. Nephelometry is the measurement of turbidity by the direct evaluation of the degree
of light scattering taking place in the medium. Turbidimetry and nephelometry have found many
applications in scientific laboratories and in the chemical, pharmaceutical, foodstuffs and beverage
industries. Measurements of turbidity can be used in many analytical fields to determine the mass
concentration of suspended particles in a sample and, for some simple contexts, particle size
distributions. This article reviews turbidity theory, measurement principles, instrumentation
systems and applications. A key focus lies with example turbidity dynamics for natural waters, in
space and time, and how they relate to suspended sediment concentrations in rivers, estuaries and
marine environments.
(Lawler, 2016)

Transmissometry and nephelometry are two of the most common optical metrics used in
research and monitoring of the Earth’s oceans, lakes, and streams. Both of these measurements
relate to what we perceive as the clarity of the water, and both provide vital information in
numerous studies of natural processes and human activities’ impact upon water bodies.
Applications involving these measurements range from monitoring drinking water suitability to
understanding how carbon is transferred into and transported within ocean waters. Nephelometry
refers to measurements made by optical scattering sensors, often referred to as turbidity sensors or
nephelometers. These sensors project a beam of light into the water and measure the radiant flux
of light scattered into the direction of a receiver. Since the receiver signal increases with greater
numbers of particles, the device infers the concentration of suspended particles in the water.
(C. Moore, 2001)

In this paper, the achievable accuracy of a reflectance spectrophotometer based on 18 LEDs

of different peak wavelengths in the range of 390–710 nm for object illumination is reported. For
simulating the accuracy, reflectance spectra of the color target ColorChecker® have been used. By
weighting the reflectance spectra of the target with measured relative power distribution spectra of
the employed LEDs, simulated spectral reflectance values of the target are obtained. For calculating
color values, unique wavelength values must be assigned to the simulated spectral sample values.
LEDs can be characterized by several wavelength parameters. It has been shown that, without
applying a correction procedure, assigning the centroid-wavelength of the LEDs as color
calculation basis delivers the best results. But if a linear correction matrix is introduced, an
 optimized equidistant wavelength assignment delivers the best results. The mean achievable
precision is sufficient to determine color values below ΔEab < 0.3.
(Ansgar, 2013)
Temporal and spatial variability of suspended sediment in proglacial streams means that
discrete monitoring is unlikely to characterize suspended sediment patterns accurately.
Continuously recording turbidimeters provide a solution to the temporal problem of sampling.
However, the problem of spatially limited sampling is constrained largely by the cost of
establishing networks of commercially available turbidimeters. In this paper we present the design
and testing of an inexpensive, custom-built, datalogger-compatible and rugged infrared
nephelometric turbidimeter (the “HOBS”). Laboratory testing showed that the HOBS was most
sensitive to coarse clay and fine silt fractions, the dominant particle sizes transported in proglacial
streams. Further testing showed that the HOBS had a non-linear but regular response to bulk
sediment concentrations from 0 to ∼3500 mg L−1, with explained variances of 99.2% to 99.8%. In
the field, the HOBS showed a linear response up to 2000 mg L−1 and a non-linear response up to
10,000 mg L−1 with explained variances between 75% and 83%. This variability emphasizes the
necessity of individual, site specific field calibrations. The HOBS's sensitivity to a wide range of
suspended sediment concentrations is particularly suited for use in proglacial streams where large
fluctuations in concentration are likely. The generic design, low cost, and good performance of the
HOBS suggests potential for application in other environments where distributed monitoring of
suspended sediment is of interest.
(Orwin, 2005)
2. Work Scheme

Spectrophotometer

1. Turn on and let it stable for 10-20 min

2. Turn the wavelength into 420 nm

turbidimeter

Turbidimeter turned on

Distilled water
Distilled water is added into 50mL volumetric flask

0,01M K2SO4

Prepare 4 units of 50mL of volumetric flask containing 0.5mL, 1mL,

1.5mL, and 2mL of a known sample

2N HCl
 2N HCl

5mL of HCl is added into each flask

glycerol-alcohol
solution (1:2)
10mL of glycerol-alcohol solution is added into each flask

glycerol-alcohol
solution (1:2)
0,1% BaCl2
1. 2mL of BaCl2 is added into each flask
2. The contents of the flask are swirled to assure adequate mixing
3. The volume is made up to the bottom of the solution meniscus lines up
exactly with the volume mark by adding distilled water

Turbidity

1. Turbidity of each solution are measured using turbidimeter

2. Using the values, draw standard graph (turbidity vs BaSO4
concentration)
spectrophotometer

1. Absorbance of each solution are measured using spectrophotometer

2. Using the values, draw standard graph (absorbance vs BaSO4
concentration)
3. Compare the linearity of both graphs
spectrophotometer
1. 1mL of sample is taken
2. Repeat procedure 3 – 7
3. Using the equation from the graph, the concentration of sulphate is calculated
4. Convert the result into ppm and %. Compare the result from both methods
Done
3. Dicussion
3.1.Data and Result
NO. TREATMENT OBSERVATION PICTURE

Characteristics of aquadest:
Obtain 5 units of 50 mL  Colorless
1. volumetric flask and add 2 mL
 Clear
of aquadest into the first
 Odorless
volumetric flask
 Normal temperature

Characteristics of K2SO4:
 Liquid
 Colourless Take 0.01 M K2SO4 solution
Take and fill other flasks with
2.  Odorless
0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mL of 0.01
M K2SO4 solution  Normal temperature
-Take it using pro pipette and
measuring pipette.
-Add it respectively.

Fill it into each flasks with

different amount

-Characteristics of salt acid:

Take and add 2 mL of salt acid  Liquid.
3. (mixed solution of NaCl and  Colourless.
HCl) into each flask  Odorless.
 Normal temperature.
 Characteristics of BaCl2:
 Liquid.
 Odorless.
 Colourless.
 Normal temperature.

4. Take and add 2 mL of 0.1% In the first flask containing

BaCl2 into each flask. aquadest, there is no change in
the physical appearance
(colourless, odorless, and
normal temperature)

In the other flasks containing

K2SO4, the solution become
cloudy/turbid

 Add it carefully.
5. Add some amount of aquadest
 Add it to maximum line of
into each flask
dilution
 Mix by swirling or
6. inverting the contents until Mix to homogeneity by
substrate are completely gentle orbital shaking
dissolved

Calibrate the Spectronic-20:

 Press in the power button
(located on the back of the
Make sure there are no samples
instrument) to the ON
in the cuvette holder and that
7. position
the sample compartment and
 Let the machine warm up test tube access doors are
for 10 min before using it closed
 Set the desired
wavelength (ie, 420) then
press the [go to λ] key

Transfer the solvent blank o Make sure the clear sides of

(flask #1) into a clean cuvette. the cuvett are in the
8. Place the cuvette in the direction of the light
sample compartment and o The readout on the
close the lid. Then tare the instrument should read “ E
spectrophotometer. 420nm 0.000A”
 Once the spectrophotometer
9. is tared, then remove the The instrument has now been
solvent cuvette, and load a tared
cuvette with the sample

Re-zero the spec at each

wavelength using the blank.
Absorbance is different for
every chemical at every
wavelength, so every time we
change one of them, the
spectrophotometer will need to
Record the absorbance values be tared
for remaining four solution.
10. Place the cuvette in the All other measurements should
sample chamber, close the lid, have three digits to the right of
and record the absorbance the decimal, and should not
value provided exceed 1.400

The absorbance value of each

solution:
1) K2SO4 0.5 mL = 0.013 A
2) K2SO4 1 mL = 0.019 A
3) K2SO4 1.5 mL = 0.021 A
4) K2SO4 2 mL = 0.028 A
Once complete, dispose of the
11. solutions, then clean the
cuvettes per the instructions
posted by the sink
 Calculate the concentration in
Once having data all recorded,
each three samples using the
then we can plot each of the
absorbance readings and the
12. turbidity spectra
concentration and absorbance
Y-axis will be the turbidity
of a standard solution. Record
values, X-axis will be the
these values on the data sheet
wavelength
and on the table

The turbidity readings of each

solution:
1. Aquadest = 1.71 NTU
The turbidity of each 2. K SO 0.5 mL = 4.48 NTU
2 4
solution in the flask are
13. 3. K2SO4 1 mL = 7.69 NTU
measured using
4. K2SO4 1.5 mL = 9.80 NTU
turbidimeter
5. K2SO4 2 mL = 18.3 NTU

Record these values on the data

sheet and on the table
 Characteristics of MgSO4:
 Liquid.
Take 1 mL of MgSO4
14.  Colorless.
(sample) using pro pipette
 Odorless.
and measuring pipette
 Normal temperature.

Characteristics of MgSO4:
 Liquid.
Transfer it into a beaker
15.  Colorless.
glass
 Odorless.
 Normal temperature.
 Characteristics of MgSO4:
Measure the turbidity of 1  Liquid.
16. mL of MgSO4 (sample)  Colorless.
using turbidimeter.  Odorless.
 Normal temperature.
The turbidity result of
MgSO4 (13,2 NTU).

Characteristics of MgSO4:
Measure the absorbance of 1  Liquid.
17. mL of MgSO4 (sample)  Colorless.
using spectrophotometer.  Odorless.
 Normal temp.
The absorbance result of
MgSO4 (0,021).

3.2. Discussion
The 7th practicum conducted on Thursday, 16th of November 2017 in Water Treatment
Laboratory, Environmental Engineering Department, ITS at 08.30 AM until 12.00 PM. In this
exercise, we learned the basic principals of spectrophotometry and serial dilution and their
practical applications. A spectrophotometer is a very powerful tool used in both the biological
and chemical sciences yet operates by simply shining a beam of light, filtered to a specific
wavelength (or very narrow range of wavelengths), through a sample and onto a light meter.
Some basic properties of the sample can be determined by the wavelengths and amount of light
absorbed by the sample. The instruments we use in lab are: measuring pipette 5 mL and 10
mL, propipette, pipette dropper, wash bottle, turbidimeter, uv-vis spectrophotometer,
volumetric flask 50 mL and 100 mL, and beaker glass. While the materials requirement are
Aquadest, 0.01 M of K2SO4, 10% of BaCl2, acidic acid, MgSO4.
Due to recent advances in science and technology, the detection of specimen color or
wavelength using a spectrophotometer, colorimeter, or turbidimeter is frequently used in most
laboratories and hospitals. The color measuring tool is the basic measuring equipment essential
to most research activity fields, such as physics, biotechnology and food engineering (Kim,
2015).
Turbidity is a commonly used parameter to determine water quality and is used to quantify
water clarity. Turbidity can be easily measured using turbidimeter and the turbidity reading is
simple and fast. The nephelometric turbidity method of determining TSS concentration is
based on the theory that light scattering increases with the concentration of particles. Thus,
turbidity level has the potential to estimate the concentration of TSS. However, turbidity is
 also dependent on other factors such as the size, shape, colour, and reflectivity of the particles
(Daphne, 2011).
First of all, we have to prepare the solution. Here, we will have 6 solutions, there are :
aquadest, 0.5 mL K2SO4, 1.0 mL K2SO4, 1.5 mL K2SO4, 2.0 mL K2SO4, and MgSO4. We take
wash bottle and pour aquadest into first volumetric flask. Measure aquadest as much as 2 mL
using measuring pipette and propipette. Take other volumetric flasks filled with 0.01 M K2SO4
in the amount of 0.5 mL, 1 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2 mL respectively. K2SO4 are taken and moved
using propipette and measuring pipette. Aquadest is colorless, has liquid texture, and no smell.
K2SO4 is colorless, has liquid texture, and no smell.
All of the solutions in each flask are added with salt acid in the amount of 2 mL. Salt acid
is used to replace HCl and glycerol alcohol which are catalisator to increase the rate of solution
and used to stabilize the suspension and ensure the suspense spread evenly, not forming
precipitate, so that the turbidity can be measured. Salt acid is taken and moved using propipette
and measuring pipette. The texture of salt acid is liquid, it has no color and no smell. After
added by salt acid, the physical properties of solutions in each flask stay the same. Add 2 mL
of 10% BaCl2 into each flask. Mix all the solution until it is homogenous so that we will obtain
an accurate result. After the addition of BaCl2 the solution becomes slightly turbid.
The reaction between K2SO4 and BaCl2 is as follows:
𝐾2 𝑆𝑂4(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐵𝑎𝐶𝑙2(𝑎𝑞) ⇄ 𝐵𝑎𝑆𝑂4(𝑠) + 2𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)
From that equation we can see the amount of BaSO4 precipitate is equal to the amount of
K2SO4 that is used in this experiment.
To find the mole of K2SO4 we should use the following formula:
a. 0,5 mL K2SO4 0,01M :
Mol = 0,01 x 5.10-4
= 5 x 10-6
b. 1 mL K2SO4 0,01M :
Mol = 0,01 x 10-3
= 10-5
c. 1,5 mL K2SO4 0,01 M :
Mol = 0,01 x 1,5.10-3
= 1,5 x 10-5
d. 2 mL K2SO4 0,01 M :
Mol = 0,01 x 2.10-3
= 2.10-5
Mol BaCl2 10% =
10
Mass = 100 x 1000 = 100gr
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 100
Mol = x Vol = 207 x 2.10-3 = 9,6 x 10-4
𝑀𝑟

 Calculating the amount of BaSO4 in ppm:

1) 0,5 mol K2SO4 0,01 M + BaCl2 10%
Rx : K2SO4 + BaCl2  BaSO4 + 2KCl
m : 5.10-6 9,6.10-4 - -
-6 -6
s :-5.10 -5.10 5.10-6 -5.10-6
0 9,5.10-9 5.10-6 5.10-6
 𝑚𝑜𝑙
Ppm (BaSO4) = 𝑣𝑜𝑙
x Mr x 103
= 5.10-6 mol / 5.10-2 L x 233.103 gr/L
= 23,3 ppm

2) 1 mL K2SO4 + 0,01M  BaCl2 10%

Rx : K2SO4 + BaCl2  BaSO4 + 2KCl
m : 10-5 9,6.10-4 - -
-5 -5 -5
s : -10 10 10 10-5
-4 -5
0 9,5.10 10 10-5
𝑚𝑜𝑙
Ppm (BaSO4) = 𝑣𝑜𝑙
x Mr x 103
= 10-5 mol / 5.10-2 L x 233.103 gr/L
= 46,6 ppm

3) 1,5 mL K2SO4 + 0,01M  BaCl2 10%

Rx : K2SO4 + BaCl2  BaSO4 + 2KCl
m : 1,5.10-5 9,6.10-4 - -
-5 -5 -5
s : -1,5.10 1,5.10 10 10-5
-9 -5
0 9,5.10 10 10-5
𝑚𝑜𝑙
Ppm (BaSO4) = 𝑣𝑜𝑙
x Mr x 103
= 1,5.10-5 mol / 5.10-2 L x 233.103 gr/L
= 69,9 ppm

4) 2 mL K2SO4 + 0,01M  BaCl2 10%

Rx : K2SO4 + BaCl2  BaSO4 + 2KCl
m : 2.10-5 9,6.10-4 - -
-5 -5 -5
s : -2.10 -2.10 10 10-5
-5 -5
0 9,4.10 10 10-5
𝑚𝑜𝑙
Ppm (BaSO4) = 𝑣𝑜𝑙
x Mr x 103
= 2.10-5 mol / 5.10-2 L x 233.103 gr/L
= 93,2 ppm

Aquadest is added into each flask until maximum line of dilution or miniscus line
and mixed until homogeneous. Aquadest is added to dilute all of the solutions in each flask.
After diluted with aquadest, all of the solutions become more turbid. After that, go to the
spectrophotometer and wipe the cuvette using tissue. Make sure the cuvette is in a clean
condition because if not it could affect the result. Should always be reminded that don’t
touch the rough sides. Then, don’t forget to calibrate the spectrophotometer first before
putting the other solutions. Insert the cuvette into the sample holder and put it inside the
spectrophotometer, then begin measuring the solution by pressing the read button. So after
calibration with aquadest, proceed with the 0.5 mL solution, then calibrate again then
proceed with 1 mL solution and so on. Wait until the number is stable, then note the result.
Record all data that we already have in tabel:
Vol K2SO4 (mL) Kadar BaSO4 (ppm) Turbidity (NTU) Absorbance (A)
0,5 23,3 4,48 0,13
1 46,6 7,69 0,19
1,5 69,9 9,8 0,21
2 93,2 18,3 0,28

A calibration curve displaying Turbidity vs. Concentration was created using Excel
by using the increasing concentrations of the five standard solutions for the x values, and
their corresponding turbidity for the y values.

Turbidity
20 18.3
18
y = 0.1858x - 0.69
16 R² = 0.9058
14
12
Turbidity (NTU)

9.8
10 7.96 Y-Values
8
Linear (Y-Values)
6 4.48
4
2
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Amount of BaSO4(ppm)

We have a straight line equation that relates turbidity to concentration, which is y

= 0,1858x - 0,69. Here we can assume that there is a direct relationship between turbidity
and concentration. The higher the turbidity of a substance, the more concentrated its
solution will be in water or another medium. To prove the line equation is correct, calculate
x as the concentration of BaSO4 (ppm) and y as turbidity of all samples through the
equation.

Flask containing 0,5 mL of 𝑲𝟐 𝑺𝑶𝟒 Flask containing 1 mL of 𝑲𝟐 𝑺𝑶𝟒

𝑦 = 0,1858x − 0,69 𝑦 = 0,1858x − 0,69
4,48 = 0,1858x − 0,69 7,69 = 0,185x − 0,69
5,17 = 0,0148𝑥 8,38 = 0,185𝑥
x = 27,94 𝑝𝑝𝑚 x = 45,29 𝑝𝑝𝑚
 Flask containing 1,5 mL of 𝑲𝟐 𝑺𝑶𝟒 Flask containing 2 mL of 𝑲𝟐 𝑺𝑶𝟒

𝑦 = 0,1858x − 0,69 𝑦 = 0,1858x − 0,69

9,8 = 0,1858x − 0,69 18,3 = 0,1858x − 0,69

x = 56,7 𝑝𝑝𝑚 19 = 0,0148𝑥

x = 102,64 𝑝𝑝𝑚

Moving to spectrophotometer, we make a calibration graph looking at the

absorbance based on concentration.

Absorbance
0.3
y = 0.002x + 0.085
0.25 R² = 0.9625 0.28

0.2
Absorbansi (A)

0.21
0.19
0.15
Series 1
0.1 0.13 Linear (Series 1)

0.05

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Amount of BaSO4(ppm)

The plot above is a calibration plot from the data recorded. It shows a linear
relationship between absorbance and concentration. The higher the BaSO4 concentration,
the greater the absorbance value. This is because as the concentration increases, there are
more molecules in the solution, and more light is blocked. We have a straight line equation
that relates absorbance to concentration, y = 0.002x + 0.085, where y represents absorbance
value, and x is concentration value. This is the line of best fit through the data.

Flask with 0,5 mL of 𝐾2 𝑆𝑂4 Flask with 1 mL of 𝐾2 𝑆𝑂4

𝑦 = 10,85𝑥 − 0,3 𝑦 = 10,85𝑥 − 0,3
11,7 = 10,85𝑥 − 0,3 20,4 = 10,85𝑥 − 0,3
12 = 10,85𝑥 20,7 = 10,85𝑥
𝑥 = 1,10 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑥 = 1,90 𝑝𝑝𝑚
 Flask with 2 mL of 𝐾2 𝑆𝑂4 Flask with 1,5 mL of 𝐾2 𝑆𝑂4
𝑦 = 10,85𝑥 − 0,3 𝑦 = 10,85𝑥 − 0,3
44,4 = 10,85𝑥 − 0,3 30,8 = 10,85𝑥 − 0,3
44,7 = 10,85𝑥 31,1 = 10.85𝑥
𝑥 = 4,11 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑥 = 2,86 𝑝𝑝𝑚

Both graph are plotting concentration in ppm, but the first graph plots is vs.
turbidity and the second graph plots is vs. absorbance. They are directly proportional to its
concentration. We can see from the data above, as the concentration increases, the
absorbance also increases as well as turbidity value. And if we are looking for “Best-Fit
Line", we will see that the best line that represents the data is linear/straightforward.
Lastly, substitute the absorbance and turbidity of the solution of unknown
concentration (MgSO4) into the equation determined as y and solve for x, where x
represents concentration.
The calculation for the MgSO4 Solution is:

Turbidimeter (NTU) Spectrophotometer (A)

13,2 0,021

Turbidimeter Spectrophotometer
𝑦 = 0.1858𝑥 − 0.69 𝑦 = 0.002x + 0.085
13,2 = 0.1858𝑥 − 0.69 0,021 = 0.002x + 0.085
13,89 = 0,1885𝑥 −0,064 = 0,002𝑥
𝑥 = 73,6 𝑝𝑝𝑚 x = −32 𝑝𝑝𝑚

The results were not quite as expected, since the data was askew due to a great
amount of experimental error in Part 1 of the lab. This error may occurred from not adding
the correct amount of solutions to each beaker, throwing off the absorption rate and then
the calibration curve. The absorbances of each of the five solutions being wrong also
affected the linear equation obtained as well as the linear equation being not a perfect
straight line. The impact of this experimental error in Part 1 affected the rest of the lab, not
allowing for perfect results. However there are common errors in calibration plots such as
spectrophotomer is not calibrated, abs readings are incorrect, diluted samples are prepared
incorrectly or contaminated, inappropriate wavelength chosen for calibration graph, or the
calibration line is not a "best fit" line.
4. Conclusion
From the experiment, we can take the conclusion as follows:
1) Turbidimeters work based on the optical phenomena that occur when incident light through
water body is scattered by the existence of foreign particles which are suspended with it.
Students are able to perform the step by step procedure of turbidimetry. First, make the
solution that want to be measured then proceed to the turbimeter. Before measuring the
solution, we have to calibrate the turbidimeter first by aquadest solution. Press the ‘read’
button, and the result will be shown in NTU.
2) The particles suspended in the water will scatter a light beam focused on them. The
scattered light is then measured at various angles from the incident light path. This is now
accepted as a more precise measure of turbidity. If more light is able to reach the detector
it means there are many small particles scattering the source beam, less light reaching the
detector means fewer particles. The amount of light scattered is influenced by many aspects
of the particles like color, shape, and reflectivity.
3) The material that needed in this experiment are K2SO4 solution containing different volume
of K2SO4, there are; 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL. Beside that, there are aquadest
and acid salt which used to dissolve the solution. Turbidimetry is method for determining
the amount of cloudiness, or turbidity, in a solution based upon measurement of the effect
of this turbidity upon the transmission and scattering of light. Turbidity in a liquid is caused
by the presence of finely divided suspended particles. A spectrophotometer is employed
to measure the amount of light that a sample absorbs. The instrument operates by passing
a beam of light through a sample and measuring the intensity of light reaching a detector

5. In Depth Knowledge
1) Describe why alcohol was added in this experiment?
2) Is there any difference on the liniearity of both graphic standard? Explain. Describe the
similarity of concept analysis between turbidimeter and uvspectrophotometer!
3) Based on the literature, describe the schematic of turbidimeter and uvspectrophotometer!

Answer:
1) Alcohol was added in this experiment to stabilize the solution so that the suspended particle
in solution will not precipitate when reacted. If precipitation happens, it will interfere
measurement of absorbance value in spectrophotometer and turbidity in turbidimeter, thus
the accuracy of result will decrease.
2) There is difference on the linearity of both graphic standard because the concept analysis
of both apparatus is different. In spectrophotometer, light intensity is determined by
absorbance value. While the concept analysis of turbidimeter is based on four mechanism
when a light of beam is passed through a turbid sample, some light were scattered,
reflected, refracted, or transmitted by those suspended particle. The similarity of both
concept analysis is both are based on interaction of beam of light with the suspended
particle in solution.
3) The schematic of turbidimeter and uv spectrophotometer:
Spectrophotometer:

Light is gonna go through an entrance slit into chamber that contains

monochromator, it can be a prism, that will split the light into different colors and
wavelengths, and lights with appropriate wavelength is gonna go through the exit slit and
passed through the sample cuvette. Some light will be absorbed by sample and the rest will
be transmitted to the photodetector. The photodetector will detect the amount of light that
has been transmitted through the sample cuvette and convert this amount of light into
electrical signal that will be read out as the number of absorbance.

Turbidimeter:

Beam of light will go through fraction grating which work like a prism that separate the
lights into its component wavelengths, the grating is rotated so that only specific
wavelength of light reaches the exit slit. Then the light interacts with the sample. The
detector measure absorbance and transmittence (amount of light that passed completely
through the sample straight to detector). The detector senses the light being transmitted
through the sample and convert this information into digital display.

6. References
Grobbelaar, J.U. 2016. Turbidity. Encyclopedia of Inland Waters 1(1): 699–704

Lawler, D.M. 2016. Turbidity, Turbidimetry, and Nephelometry. Elsevier

Moore, C. 2001. Transmissometry and Nephelometry. Elsevier 2(1): 109–118

Orwin, John F. and C. Chris Smart. 2005. An inexpensive turbidimeter for monitoring
suspended sediment. Geomorphology 68(2): 3-15

Wego, Ansgar, 2013. Accuracy simulation of an LED based spectrophotometer. Optik-

International Journal for Light and Electron Optics 124(7): 644-649