UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA

ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
(CHE485)

NAME 1. MIOR MUHAMMAD NORHAMIZAN BIN MIOR MOHD

NORHANIZAN (2022660104)
2. MOHAMMAD FARHAN BIN BORHANUDDIN (2022864276)
3. NUR AIN ASYIQAH BINTI AZIZUL (2022876316)
4. NOREEN SUHANA BINTI MAZALAN (2022824826)
5. PUTRI NUR SYAKILA BINTI ZAKARIA (2022838922)

GROUP CEEH220 3F

EXPERIMENT 5

DATE PERFORMED 13 DECEMBER 2022

SEMESTER 3

PROGRAM/CODE DEGREE IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/CEEH220

SUBMIT TO Ir.Dr.Iylia Idris

No. Title Allocated Marks (%) Marks

1 Abstract/Summary 5
2 Introduction 10
3 Aims 5
4 Theory 10
5 Apparatus 5
6 Methodology/Procedure 10
7 Results 10
8 Calculations 10
9 Discussion 20
10 Conclusion 5
11 Recommendations 5
12 Reference / Appendix 5
TOTAL MARKS 100

Remarks:
Checked by: ---------------------------
Date:
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Abstract/Summary…………………………………………………………………….

2.0 Introduction……………………………………………………………………….....

3.0 Aims…………....………..…...…………………………………………………………

4.0 Theory…………………………………………………………………….………….

5.0 Apparatus………………………………………………..………………..…………..

6.0 Methodology/Procedure………………………………………………………….

7.0 Results/Data……………………...…………………………………………………...

8.0 Calculations………………………………………………………………………..

9.0 Discussion…………………………………………………………………...……..

10.0 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………...…….….

11.0 Recommendations…………………………………………………………………….

12.0 Reference/Appendix……………………………………………………………....
1.0 ABSTRACT/SUMMARY

Chromium (VI) is a strong oxidising agent that appears to pose a high risk but has a
negative effect on both humans and animals because of its carcinogenic properties.
Natural waters with Cr (VI) concentrations greater than 0.100 ppm are not suitable for
drinking or agricultural use. The goal of the experiment is to see if the lake water
sample is safe to drink and use for agriculture by comparing the amount of Chromium
(VI) present in a polluted water sample with a spectrophotometer and a set of standard
Chromium (VI) solutions. The Chromium (IV) solutions with concentration 300ppm
is diluted with distilled water in order to prepare the standards Chromium (VI)
solutions with concentrations 15ppm, 30ppm, 60ppm, 75ppm and 100ppm. The
absorbance values for the solution are 0.031, 0.049, 0.056, 0.063 and 0.075
respectively. The lake water sample was taken at 2 locations and was sampled as lake
A and lake B. The average absorbance for lake A is 0.082 while for lake B is 0.214.
Using the Data Interpolation method, the concentration of chromium (VI) in the lake
A and B water sample is estimated to be around 75.175ppm and 389.583ppm
respectively. By using the Linear Graph Equation the concentration of chromium (VI)
for lake A is 106.6ppm while lake B is 370.6ppm. The percentage error for both
methods for lake A and B water samples is 41% and 4% respectively. Both lake
water samples are unfit for drinking or agricultural use due to a high concentration of
Chromium (VI), which exceeds the EPA's 0.1ppm standard and the Malaysian
Ministry of Health's 0.05ppm standard. Because the objectives were met, the
experiment was completed successfully.
2.0 INTRODUCTION

At low aqueous solution concentrations, several heavy metals, such as

chromium, are unquestionably hazardous. Chromium ions are most typically found in
trivalent (Cr (III)) or hexavalent (Cr (VI) forms. Chromium (VI) is a powerful
oxidising agent that appears to represent a significant danger but has a detrimental
influence on people and animals owing to its carcinogenic qualities. In comparison to
naturally acidic water streams, naturally alkaline rivers and lakes have a considerably
reduced danger of heavy metal pollution of chromium ions. Cr (VI) is considered
harmful by state and federal regulatory bodies at concentrations more than 0.100 ppm.
Natural waters with Cr (VI) values more than 0.100 ppm are not suitable for drinking
or agricultural use. As a result, the amount of Cr (VI) concentrations in water sources
must be monitored. If it does not exceed 0.100 ppm, it is acceptable to use as drinking
water and for agricultural purposes.

In this experiment, we used absorption spectroscopy to assess the

concentration of chromium (VI) in the water sample to determine if it is safe to drink
or used in agricultural processes. Spectroscopy studies the interplay between radiation
and matter. Its primary goal is to quantify the quantity of radiation emitted or
absorbed by a molecular or anatomic species. It is especially useful in determining the
concentration of components in alloy steel in order to forecast its mechanical qualities
and corrosion resistance. Spectroscopy is any interaction of radiated energy as a
function of wavelength.

In the case of environmental consequences, chromium is extremely likely to

enter the environment in the form of trivalent and hexavalent compounds, as
indicated. Recent human industrial operations, such as the disposal of electronic waste
in landfills, have resulted in residual heavy metal ions from the devices and batteries
being incorporated into the soil and eventually contaminating the subterranean water
system. The purpose of this experiment is to assess the concentration of Cr (VI) in
order to evaluate if the sample water examined is appropriate for drinking and
agricultural applications.
3.0 AIMS

1. To investigate the quantity of Cr (VI) present in a “polluted” water sample using a

spectrophotometer and a set of standard solutions.
2. To determine the absorbance value for the prepared standard Chromium (VI)
solutions and the lake water sample via absorption spectroscopy.
3. To determine whether the water sample tested is suitable for drinking and agricultural
purposes based on the experiment conducted.
4. To calculate the absorbance value for the prepared standard Chromium (VI) solutions
and lake water sample by using absorption spectroscopy.
4.0 THEORY

Chromium (VI) or hexavalent chromium is chromium with a chemical compound that

contains +6 oxidation state.It can be found naturally in many places, including rivers, lakes,
and streams. As a result, chromium (VI) can be found in drinking water and the public water
supply.It is a very useful chemical as it can be utilised in many industries and manufacturers
to produce dyes, paints, inks and plastic because of its anti-corrosive property. In the steel
industry, chromium (VI) is formed after the welding of stainless steel. Because of the high
temperature, the chromium metal used oxidised and became hexavalent. According to recent
research, chromium (VI) can be found expelled from the exhaust of a motorised vehicle, but
precise quantification of the amount released is still unknown.

Because of its oxidising ability, chromium (VI) is a toxic chemical. It is also classified
as carcinogenic and, when inhaled, can cause lung or nose cancer, asthma, and nasal
epithelial damage. Many workers in industries such as chromate-containing product
manufacturing and stainless steel welding are exposed to hazardous chemicals. The
automobile industry, which manufactures engine and brake parts, frequently leaks chromium
(VI) into the environment, such as lakes, rivers, and water streams.Exhaust from the
motorised vehicle also contributes as the smoke and dust residue are swept into the natural
bodies of water by rain. Even slight increased concentration of chromium (VI) in water can
cause disastrous effects on aquatic life.This effect was also transmitted to the consumers who
were supplied with this water. Cancer, reproductive harms, anaemia, ulcers, haemorrhage,
and kidney and liver failure are among the effects. As a result, federal environmental
agencies conducted studies to determine the presence of chromium (VI) in water sources.

In this experiment, the concentration of chromium (VI) in water samples gathered will
be determined by using the absorption spectroscopy. In theory, absorption spectroscopy
works by measuring the properties of light before and after it passes through a specific
aqueous solution. The difference between the amount of light entering and exiting the sample
is equal to the amount of light absorbed by the samples. The amount of light absorbed is
proportional to the solution concentration.Each solution absorbs different wavelengths of
light, so the light emitted must be of a specific wavelength to complete the procedure. The
wavelengths of light absorbed by chromium (VI) are detected and its concentration is
determined using absorption spectroscopy.
For this experiment, by using the 300 ppm of chromium (VI) solution provided, five
different standard solutions will be prepared excluding the chromium (VI) solution with ppm
of 0 and 300. Formula of solution dilution below can be used to calculate the dilute solutions
volume:

𝑀1𝑉1 = 𝑀2𝑉2

Where;

M1 : concentration of provided chromium (VI) standard solution, 300ppm

V1 : volume of chromium (VI) needed for the dilution process
M2 : concentration of chromium (VI) after dilution process
V2 : volume of chromium (VI) solution after dilution process

Quantitative analysis using spectrophotometer is based on Beer-Lambert Law:

𝐴 = ε𝐿𝐶

Where;
A: absorbance value (dimensionless, thus no units is represented)
ɛ: molar absorbance (L / mol.cm)
L: path length of the cuvette in which the sample is contained (cm)
C: concentration of the compound in solution (mol / L)

It is explained by the Beer-Lambert Law that the value of absorbance depended on the total
quantity of absorbing compound in the light path through the cuvette. Therefore, by plotting
the graph of absorbance versus the concentration of the compound solution, a straight line
passing through the origin point (0,0) can be obtained. Since ɛ is a constant value of specific
substance, if the concentration of the solution is halved, so does the absorbance value. A
chemical compound that possesses high absorbance value excels at absorbing light with
appropriate wavelength, thus compounds with high absorbance value can be detected easily
even at lower concentrations.
5.0 APPARATUS

Materials:

1. 300ppm Chromium (VI) Solutions

2. Distilled Water
3. Lake Water Sample from a lake located at Seksyen 7, Shah Alam, Selangor.
4. Lake Water Sample from a lake located at Seksyen 14, Shah Alam, Selangor.

Apparatus:

1. Spectrophotometer
2. 10mL Square Cuvette Bottles
3. 20mL Volumetric flask with Lid
4. 5mL Volumetric pipette
6.0 METHODOLOGY / PROCEDURE

Preparation Of Standard Chromium Solutions

1. The volume of 300ppm Chromium (VI) solution required to dilute the concentration
to 15ppm is calculated.
2. The result is then tabulated in Table 1.
3. A volumetric pipette is used to measure 1mL of 300ppm Chromium (VI) solution,
which is then transferred to a 20mL volumetric flask.
4. To prepare the 15ppm Chromium (VI) solutions, approximately 19mL of distilled
water was put into the 20mL conical flask to obtain the volume of 20mL as the size of
the volumetric flask. The volumetric flask is then sealed with a lid to avoid air
interaction.
5. Steps 1–3 are repeated for 2mL, 4mL, 5mL, 6.67mL, and 20mL of Chromium (VI)
solutions to make 30ppm, 60ppm, 75ppm, 100ppm, and 300ppm solutions with
18mL, 16mL, 15mL, 13.33mL, and 0mL of distilled water, respectively.

Determination Of Absorbance Value Using Spectrophotometer

1. As a blank sample, a 10mL cuvette bottle is filled with distilled water and placed in
the spectrophotometer slot. A zeroing step was carried out to assure the accuracy of
all data obtained.
2. The absorbance values of the six standard Chromium (VI) solutions are then listed in
Table 1.
3. The standard absorbance value against the concentration of Chromium (VI) Solutions
is then shown on a graph.
4. The spectrophotometer slot is filled with 10mL of lake water sample from the 10mL
cuvette bottle. The absorbance is then calculated.
5. Step 4 is completed two more times to obtain the average absorbance value and
assure data accuracy and consistency.
7.0 RESULTS / DATA

Table 1: Determination Absorbance Value For Standard Solution Using Spectrometer

Concentration Volume of Volume of Distilled Absorbance

(ppm) Chromium (VI) Water
(mL) (mL)

15 1.00 19.00 0.031

30 2.00 18.00 0.049

60 4.00 16.00 0.056

75 5.00 15.00 0.063

100 6.67 13.33 0.075

Table 2: Average Absorbance Value For Water Sample Lake A

Water Sample Lake A Absorbance

Trial 1 0.080

Trial 2 0.083

Trial 3 0.084

Average Values of Trials 0.082

Table 2: Average Absorbance Value For Water Sample Lake A

Water Sample Lake B Absorbance

Trial 1 0.213

Trial 2 0.215

Trial 3 0.213

Average Values of Trials 0.214

8.0 CALCULATION

1. Sample Calculation For Preparing Standard Chromium (VI) solution:

By using this formula:

(At 15ppm concentration of Chromium (IV) )

𝑀1𝑉1= 𝑀2𝑉2

𝑀2 × 𝑉2
𝑉1 =
𝑀1

(15 𝑝𝑝𝑚) × (20𝑚𝐿)

𝑉1 =
(300 𝑝𝑝𝑚)

𝑉1 = 1.00 mL

2. Sample calculation For Concentration of Chromium (VI) by data Interpolation:

𝑥𝑖 × 𝑥0 𝐶𝑖 − 𝐶0
𝑥𝑖+1 − 𝑥0
= 𝐶𝑖+1 − 𝐶0

𝐶𝑖 = ( 𝑥𝑖 × 𝑥0
𝑥𝑖+1 − 𝑥0 )(
𝐶𝑖+1 − 𝐶0 ) + 𝐶0

Where, 𝑥 = Absorbance Value at the wanted value

𝑖

𝑥0 = Absorbance Value before the wanted value

𝑥𝑖+1 = Absorbance value after the wanted value xi+1

𝐶𝑖 = Concentration of Chromium (VI) at the wanted value

𝐶0 = Concentration of Chromium (VI) before the wanted value

𝐶𝑖+1 = Concentration of Chromium (VI) after the wanted value

Lake A:

𝐶𝑖 = ( 0.082 × 0.063
0.075 − 0.063 )(100𝑝𝑝𝑚 − 75𝑝𝑝𝑚) + 75𝑝𝑝𝑚

𝐶𝑖 = 75. 175𝑝𝑝𝑚

Lake B

𝐶𝑖 = ( 0.214 × 0.063
0.075 − 0.063 )(100𝑝𝑝𝑚 − 75𝑝𝑝𝑚) + 75𝑝𝑝𝑚

𝐶𝑖 = 389. 583𝑝𝑝𝑚

3. Sample Calculation For Concentration of Chromium (VI) by Linear Graph

Equation :

From graph
𝑦 = 0. 0005𝑥 + 0. 0287
Lake A:

𝑦 − 0.0287
𝑥 =
0.0005

0.082 − 0.0287
𝑥 =
0.0005

𝑥 = 106.6 ppm

Lake B:

𝑦 − 0.0287
𝑥 =
0.0005

0.214 − 0.0287
𝑥 =
0.0005

𝑥 = 370.6 ppm
4. Sample Calculation For percentage error:

By using this formula:

|𝑥 − 𝑥 |
Percentage Error = | 1 𝑥 2 | × 100%
| 1 |

Where,
𝑥1 = Concentration of Chromium (VI) in Lake Water Sample (Interpolation)
𝑥2 = Concentration of Chromium (VI) in Lake Water Sample (Graph Equation)

Lake A :
75.175−106.6
Percentage Error = || 75.175 || × 100%

Percentage Error = 41%

Lake B :
388.95−370.6
Percentage Error = || 388.95 || × 100%

Percentage Error = 4%
9.0 DISCUSSION

The goal of the experiment is to see if the lake water sample is safe to drink and use for
agriculture by comparing the amount of Chromium (IV) present in a polluted water sample with a
spectrophotometer and a set of standard Chromium (IV) solutions. In Malaysia, the drinking water
specification standard has already been established by KKM (Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia).
The KKM standard for chromium is 0.05ppm, and any amount above that is not suitable for
drinking water. Distilled water is used in these experiments to dilute the Chromium (IV) in order to
obtain a set of standard solutions and the dilution calculation can be determined by using the
calculation from table sample calculation for preparing standard chromium (IV) solution above.
The lake water sample was collected from two different lakes and labelled as lake A and lake B.

Figure 1: Graph Concentration of Chromium (IV) versus Absorbance.

Figure 1 above shows that as the concentration of chromium(IV) increases, the absorbance
also will increase. This is because the concentration of chromium (IV) is directly proportional to
absorbance value. The lowest absorbance value is 0.031 where the chromium concentration is 15
ppm while the highest absorbance is 0.075 where the concentration of chromium is 100ppm.
According to the results, the average absorbance for Lake A and B Water Samples is 0.082 and
0.214, respectively. To compare the amount of Chromium (VI) present in the Lake Water Sample,
the data obtained for the absorbance value at a 75 ppm and 100 ppm of the concentration of
Chromium (VI) is interpolated using data from Table 1 to obtain the exact amount of Chromium
present in the Lake Water Sample. 75 ppm and 100 ppm of concentration is used since it give more
lower percentage different compared to other concentrations. Assuming that the only heavy metal
present in the Lake Water Sample is Chromium (VI), the heavy metal concentration is
approximately 75.175ppm for lake A and 389.583ppm for lake B using the Data Interpolation
method. It shows that the concentration of the chromium in lake B is higher compared to lake A.
The linear graph equation method yields a theoretical value of 106.6ppm for the concentration of
Chromium (VI) in the Lake A water sample and 370.6ppm for lake B water sample. This method
also shows that Lake B is higher compared to lake A. When comparing the two values of both
methods the percentage error for lake A is 41% and lake B is 4%. The percentage error for lake B
is acceptable because the error is small, however the percentage error for lake A is bigger; this
shows that there might be error while running the lake A water sample experiment.

Agricultural water is water used to grow crops and sustain livestock. The use of agricultural
water allows us to grow fruits and vegetables and raise livestock, both of which are important
components of our diet. Heavy metals in drinking water can cause a variety of health problems,
including stunted growth and development, cancer, organ damage, nervous system damage, and, in
extreme cases, death. That's the reason why The Department of Environment (DOE) initiated an
extensive program on the Development of Water Quality Criteria and. Standards for Malaysia in
1985. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) already set the water quality standard for Malaysia
drinking water which has a maximum 0.05 ppm of chromium (VI) content. These standards are
purposely to ensure the safety of our drinking water. Therefore, both Lake A and Lake B cannot be
used as drinking water since the concentration of chromium in the water content is exceeding the
amount that KKM has set. The water needed to undergo a treatment first before can be used as
drinking water to reduce the amount of the chromium concentration in lake A and lake B.
10.0 CONCLUSION

Standard Chromium (VI) solutions were successfully generated at concentrations of

15ppm, 30ppm, 60ppm, 75ppm, 100ppm, and 300ppm with absorbance values of 0.031,
0.049, 0.056, 0.063, and 0.075 respectively. The graph of absorbance vs standard solution
concentration is successfully plotted. The absorbance values for Lake A for trials 1, 2, and 3
were 0.080, 0.083, and 0.084, with an average value of 0.082. Meanwhile, absorbance values
for Lake B for trials 1, 2, and 3 were 0.213, 0.215, and 0.213, with an average value of 0.214.
The absorbance values of standard Chromium (VI) solutions and Lake Water Samples are
compared to get the experimental value for Chromium (VI) concentration. The theoretical
and experimental values of Chromium (VI) content in the Lake Water A Samples are
75.175ppm and 106.6ppm. Meanwhile, for Lake Water B Samples are 389.583ppm and
370.6ppm respectively, yielding a percentage error of about 41% and 4%. Due to the high
content of Chromium (VI) in the water sample, the lake water sample is not acceptable for
drinking or agricultural applications, according to EPA and Engineering Division, Ministry of
Health Malaysia standards. Since the objectives were met, the experiment was completed
successfully.
11.0 RECOMMENDATION

Students should prepare by researching the experiment in advance before doing it. This
is done to guarantee that the experiment runs smoothly and efficiently and to minimise
misunderstanding, which might cause unwanted disruption during the trial. To save time
and verify that all data gathered is appropriately obtained, students should construct a data
table for data allocation prior to executing the experiment. Students are also advised to have
a basic understanding of how to operate the equipment and apparatus used to perform the
experiment so that any accidents or equipment damage may be avoided and the experiment
can be carried out properly.

Before using the offered equipment and apparatus, students should ensure that the tools
have been well cleaned and dried. Any residue from another experiment or remaining water
might create variance in data acquired, making it less precise than anticipated. This can
potentially lead to incorrect conclusions being drawn from the experiment.

Students must keep their gaze parallel to the 10ml line mark on the cuvette bottle when
reading the absorbance value from the spectrometer. Different data readings might come
from seeing the mark from different angles. To provide more precise data from the
spectrometer, the eyes must be in the same position as the mark.

Last but not least, students must adhere to the lab guidelines. When doing the
experiment, one of the regulations is to wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, a
face mask, covered shoes, and a lab coat. Students should likewise avoid horsing about in
the lab. These guidelines must be observed in order to avoid unwanted accidents or
damages within the lab, which might result in bodily harm or monetary payment.
12.0 APPENDICES

Figure 12.1 preparation of dilution of Chromium solution

Figure 12.2 Chromium solution dilution process

Figure 12.3

Figure 12.4 different concentrations of chromium solution