A NOVEL METHOD FOR DETECTION AND ESTIMATION OF COPPER(II) IN WATER

Abstract

An improved, simple and sensitive method for quick detection and estimation of Copper(II) in drinking water has been described. The method involves use of ferric thiocyanate along with optimized amount of sodium thiosulphate as field test reagent. The concentration of copper is determined from the time required for disappearance of red brown colour of reagent. The ratio of ferric thiocyanate and sodium thiosulphate solutions should be 1:3 for best results. A time chart is also provided for finding out concentration of copper. The sensitivity limit of reagent for visual observation is 1.0 mg/l. The test is simple, sensitive, rapid, economic and quantitative, hence it can be incorporated in existing water testing field kits.