Hach DR/850 - Using Pipets and Graduated Cylinders

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CHEMICAL ANALYSIS INFORMATION, continued
Sample Dilution and Interfering Substances
Sample dilution may influence the level at which a substance may
interfere. The effect of the interferences decreases as the dilution
increases. In other words, higher levels of an interfering substance can be
present in the original sample if it is diluted before analysis.
An Example:
Copper does not interfere at or below 100 mg/L for a 25.00 mL sample in
a procedure. If the sample volume is diluted with an equal volume of
water, what is the level at which copper will not interfere?
The level at which copper will not interfere in the undiluted sample is at
or below 200 mg/L.
Using Pipets and Graduated Cylinders
When small sample quantities are used, the accuracy of measurements is
important. Figure 3 illustrates the proper way of reading the sample level
or the meniscus formed when the liquid wets the cylinder or pipet walls.
Table 6 Multiplication Factors for Diluting to 100 mL
Sample Volume (mL) Multiplication Factor
1 100
250
520
10 10
25 4
50 2
Total volume
Sample volume
------------------------------------- Di l u ti o n f a c t o r=
25
12.5
---------- 2=
Interference Level Dilution Factor× Interference level in sample=
100 2× 200=