ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the methods for the determination of inorganics and nonmetals. It includes information on acidity titrimetric and potentiometrie methods, alkalinity potentiometrie and colorimetric methods, and the Calcium Carbonate Saturation Langelier Saturation Index, among others. The acidity of a water is a measure of the concentration of acids (both weak and strong) that react with a strong base. Sources of acidity are strong mineral acids, weak acids and ferrous or other polyvalent cations in a reduced state. The sample pH is lowered by addition of standard acid, treated for metal ions with peroxide, and titrated with standard base to the Phenolphthalein endpoint. Alkalinity measures the ability of water to accept protons. The total alkalinity generally is imparted by the bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide components dissolved in the water and may be measured by titration with acid.
