COLOURIMETRY
The source of chloride concentration in Alberta's groundwater is typically from the dissolution of mineral such as halite, chloride concentration in Alberta groundwater ranges from 1 to 1530 mg/l with an average concentration of 10.4 mg/l. Since Alberta is very cold and uses a lot of road salt every winter, the prolong and heavy use of road salt has affected the chloride concentration in Alberta's groundwater. Over time, it was found that chloride concentration has been increasing and is likely due to the continued use of road salt. Colourimetry is used to determine the concentration of coloured compounds in a solution, such as chloride, by measuring the absorbance of specific wavelengths of light.
COLOURIMETRY PROCESS
Colourimeter:
Calibrate all equipment used in this equipment prior to testing. A colourimeter is used to measure the absorbance of light in the sample, the sample is contained in a testing tube or capsule, and is inserted in the open slot in the colourimeter where it can be tested.
A detector is used to measure the wavelengths of light that was absorbed by the solution, and outputs the concentration through the digital display.
The absorbance of light is quantitatively measured using the combined version of Lambert and Beer's law, the colourimeter apply these laws to convert the absorbance of light into concentration.
