In everyday life, the presence of water is very important for living things and other needs. Water itself has a pH or power of hydrogen which, when translated has the meaning of a degree of acidity. The concept of pH itself was introduced in around 1909 by a Danish chemist, Peder Lauritz. Until now, the acidity level is still a benchmark for water use for certain things. Then, how to measure the pH of the water? You can see the following review.
Using the Sense of Taste
How to measure the pH of water actually you can do easily and without any tools. Namely just enough to use the sense of taste or tongue. Measuring it is also very easy, if the water tastes acidic, the pH of the water will also have an acidic pH. Then, if the water has a bitter taste and has a rather thick texture, then the water has a basic pH. However, even though this method is fairly easy it is not always reliable and tends to be dangerous, for example the water is contaminated with toxic waste.
Drop Indicator
Using a drop indicator is a way to measure the pH of water that can be found during titration activity. Basically, the way it works is by observing the color at each change in the pH of water. An example is if the pH of a solution or water is a basic pH, a red color will appear. Some drops indicators that are often used in terms of pH measurement include PP, SM and MM. The indicator drops has the disadvantage that the level of measurement is only based on one's observations and sometimes the results are not necessarily accurate if they only rely on observations.
Special Litmus Paper
Next, how to measure the pH of water can be done using special litmus paper. Litmus paper is made from certain plant material which is able to give a reaction to the color change when placed in water with different pH. The way it works is almost the same as the indicator drops. However, on litmus paper there are only two signs namely red litmus to indicate acid. While blue litmus is for basic pH. Many laboratory assistants or laboratory workers use it because it can be done easily and quickly.
Using Turmeric and Roses
Did you know that turmeric can also be used as a way to measure water pH? The use of turmeric in measuring water ph can be done by combining it in cellulose membranes. Then proceed with testing through a test strip. In addition to using turmeric, another natural way of working the same can be done by using roses. This was developed by a group of Pharmacy students and researchers at Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Central Java.
Using a Digital ph Meter
As time and technology develops, how to measure water ph can now be done with sophisticated tools. One of them is a handy digital pH meter. When compared with the previous method, using a pH meter is more accurate. Then, the results are easy to read and easy to carry anywhere because of their small and practical form. In terms of price, it is also affordable for researchers and academics.
On Site pH Meter
In addition to the pH meter in the form of a handy digital there is also a pH meter on site. The way it works is by placing it on a special device, such as a permanent tank. Its purpose is to observe changes in the pH of the water being processed. In the industrial world, the use of this type of pH meter is combined with a valve or dosing pump.
Those are some ways to measure the pH of water you can do. Which way is the best it all depends on your needs and needs. However, it is recommended to use a pH meter and test it again in the laboratory. May be useful!