LaMotte AM-21 Water Pollution Detection Outfit - Manual (Page 25)

Copper Test
The copper content of drinking water generally falls below 0.03 ppm and a
copper content as low as 1.0 ppm can impart a bitter taste to water. Waters
testing as high as 1.0 ppm copper have probably been treated with a copper
compound, as used in the control of algae, or have become contaminated
from untreated industrial wastes. Acid waters and those high in free carbon
dioxide may cause the corrosion of copper, brass and bronze pipe and
fittings. This results in the introduction of copper into the water supply.
Presence of copper in water in amounts as small as 0.05 ppm can be detected
by a chemical reaction with an indicator which forms a color in proportion
to the amount of copper present.
Field Test Method
Quantity Contents Code
15 mL *Copper 1 *6446-E
2 x 15 mL Copper 2 6613-E
2 Test Tubes, “A & B” 0804
WARNING: Reagents marked with a * are considered to be potential health hazards.
To view or print a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for these reagents see MSDS CD
or www.lamotte.com. To obtain a printed copy, contact LaMotte by email, phone or fax.
Procedure
1. Fill a test tube (0804) to the upper line marked “A” with the sample
water.
2. Add 5 drops of *Copper 1 (6446) and mix. A yellow color indicates the
presence of copper.
3. Fill the second test tube (0804) to the lower line marked “B” with
distilled water.
4. Add Copper 2 (6613) to the second tube of distilled water, one drop at a
time, counting the drops and mixing after each addition. Hold the two
tubes about one-half inch above a plain white surface and look down
through the tubes to compare the colors. Continue adding the color
reagent to the second tube until the color matches the reaction in the
first tube.
5. The test result is calculated as:
Copper (ppm) = 0.025 x No. Drops Copper 2
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