Analysis of Total Non-Volatile Non-Sulfide Reduced Sulfur in Potable and Untreated Surface and Groundwaters

Abstract

An analytical method was developed to measure the total concentration of non-volatile non-sulfide reduced sulfur in treated and untreated surface and groundwater. The method was based on the alkaline reduction by Raney nickel (prepared in situ from Raney alloy) of organic and inorganic sulfur compounds (in oxidation states below +6) to sulfide. Sulfide was swept out of the reflux apparatus under nitrogen into a trap of zinc acetate and determined colorimetrically as ethylene blue. The recoveries obtained from solutions of elemental sulfur, sulfide, sulfite, thiosulfate, tetrathionate, cysteine, cystine, methionine, glutathione, allylthiourea, sulfanilamide and thiocyanate ranged from 84–102% with typical recoveries of approximately 90%. Sulfate was not detectable by the procedure. Chlorine present in potable water samples interfered in the procedure and was removed with sodium borohydride. The relative standard deviation of the method varied from 0.25 to 5.6% and averaged 3%. The detection limit based on a 500 mL sample was 3 mg m⁻³.

Key Words:

• Analysis
• potable water
• groundwater
• reduced sulfur compounds
• reduction
• swampy odour