Analytical methods for measuring fluoride in water

A. I doubt whether you will find an accurate titration method for determining fluoride in water. The concentration will be in parts per million (ppm) and will will be difficult to detect with any reasonable level of accuracy.

Depending on the concentration levels and the level of accuracy required there are plenty of test kits for water on the market which may be more suitable for you.

Yes, fluoride can be estimated by titration method; titration with thorium nitrate method is also available.

A. It comes down to what levels you are looking for and what sensitivity you require.

Try looking at something like A Textbook of Quantitative and Semi-quantitative Inorganic Analysis by Arthur I Vogel, this has various methods.

A. I personally think Ion Chromatography might be useful. Concentrations down to ppb (parts per billion) can be achieved quite easily
Try looking at www.metrohm.com for assistance

A. The best, and most practical way of measuring fluoride in water is an ion selective electrode.

There are colorimetric methods, but they are all interference ridden horrors, as they all rely on the bleaching effect that fluoride ion exerts on the formation of the highly colored "lakes" that result when Alizarin Red S, SPADNS (another dye) or whatever other dye is used interact with aluminium or zirconium. If you must, consult Snell & Snell "Colorimetric Methods of Analysis" for details.

But, if it is in your budget, buy the ISE probe and save yourself a lot of grief.

A. Hi All:

We have used ion chromatography for this issue for years.

A. We have used ISE for detecting chloride ion in ppm and concentration down to ppb cannot be a problem. It is not bad idea to contact a supplier and they can help you to install the autotitrator.