Manual

PHOTOMETER TEST INSTRUCTIONS
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Copper occurs naturally in many waters and may also result from corrosion of
pipes and fittings. The presence of copper in drinking water can give rise to dis-
coloration or an astringent taste.
Chelated copper compounds are extensively used as algicides in swimming pool
water, home aquariums and other waters. Electrolytic devices which generate
copper and silver ions are used in the purification of swimming pool water.
The YSI Coppercol method provides a simple means of measuring copper in
natural and treated waters over the range 0 - 5 mg/l. The test is particularly
useful since it can be used to measure specifically the concentrations of free and
chelated copper present in the water.
Method
In the YSI Coppercol method copper salts are reduced to the cuprous form and
then reacted with a 2,2 Biquinoline-4,4-dicarboxylic salt to form a purple colored
complex. This provides a measure of the free copper ions present in the sample. In
the second stage of the test, a decomplexing agent is introduced and this induces a
further reaction with any chelated copper compounds which might be present.
The reagents are provided in tablet form and the test is simply carried out by adding
tablets to a sample of the water. The intensity of color produced in the test is
proportional to the copper concentrations and is measured using a YSI Photometer.
Reagents and Equipment
YSI Coppercol No 1 Tablets
YSI Coppercol No 2 Tablets
YSI 9300 or 9500 Photometer
Round Test Tubes, 10 ml glass (PT 595)
Photometer Method
AUTOMATIC
WAVELENGTH
SELECTION
0 – 5.0 mg/l
PHOT.10.AUTO