Hand Help PH Meter Calibration

California Department of Pesticide Regulation SOP NumbecEQWA002.
00
Environmental Hazards Assessment Program Previous SOP:
830 K Street Page 1 of 4
Sacramento, California 95814
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Instructions for the Calibration and Use of a Portable pH meter for Water Sampling
Studies
KEYWORDS-
pH, calibration
APPROVALS /
APPROVED BY: c 7
APPROVED BY: / ,/;c I.il lc,/>zr

EHAP Senid Scientist
APPROVED BY:
PREPARED BY: Cindy GarretsonIAdrian Bradley
Environmental Hazards Assessment Program (EHAP) organization and personnel such as

management, senior scientist, quality assurance officer, project leader, etc. are defined
and discussed in SOP ADMN002.
California Department of Pesticide Regulation SOP Number:EQWA002.00
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Studies
1 .O INTRODUCTION
1 .I Purpose
Water quality data are often collected when conducting surface water and ground water
sampling. pH is often included in the data collected. This document will define the
approved method for calibration and use of the portable pH meters used in water
sampling studies.
1.2 Scope
This document will provide specific instructions for using a pH meter.
2.0 MATERIALS
2.1 Portable pH meter (accurate to a least 0.1)

2.2 Instruction manual for pH meter
2.3 Extra batteries
2.4 Buffer solutions: 7.0 for a one point calibration, 7.0, 4.0 and 10.0 for a two point
calibration
2.5 Small plastic disposable cups
2.6 Deionized (DI) water in a squirt bottle
2.7 Glass jar
3.0 PROCEDURES
3.1 Calibration
3.1 .I At the beginning of each water study stock the pH sampling kit with fresh buffer
or buffers and small plastic cups, Check the expiration date to be sure that the
buffers will be good for the duration of the study.
3.1.2 Most studies will require a two point calibration. Follow the instructions in the
manual for a two point calibration. pH 4 and 7 buffer are used for water that is less
than pH 7, and pH 10 and 7 buffers are used for water that has a pH greater than 7.
Pour 7 pH buffer into a small plastic cup. Do not place the pH probe into the stock
buffer solutions. Always pour the stock solution into plastic disposable cups
STANDARDOPERATINGPROCEDURE
Studies
for calibration. To select the second buffer solution for calibration, use either pH 4
or IO based on the last recorded pH at the site. If this is the first sample, take a pH
reading of a representative sample of the water before calibrating to get a rough
approximation. (Note: do not place the probe into a sample designated for analysis.
Always use water designated for water quality measurement.) After determining
appropriate buffer pH for calibration, rinse the pH electrode with DI water. Immerse
the tip of the electrode in 7 buffer. Do a two point calibration using the instruction
manual for the specific pH meter. Rinse the electrode between immersion in buffers.
Some studies may allow for a one point calibration with pH 7 buffer. Follow
instruction manual for the specific pH meter for a one point calibration.
3.2 pH Determination
3.2.1 For surface water measurements, an in sitar measurement (placing the probe in
the river, canal etc.) is preferred. For ground water measurements, collect a sample
of water in a new clean glass jar at the same site and at the same time as the ground
water is being collected for chemical analysis. For a composite water sample, collect
a sub-sample of the composite for pH determination. For water sample collection
using an autosampler, take an in situ pH measurement and also collect one from the
refrigerated composite sample if required by the study protocol. Do not collect pH
measurements from a sample designated for chemical analysis or bioassay. Follow
protocol instructions for how to collect a sample for pH determination.
3.2.2 Rinse the pH electrode with DI water and gently shake off any excess. Put
electrode in the water and wait for the reading to stabilize. Record the pH reading on
the chain of custody to the predetermined significant figure, as stated in the study
protocol (usually tenth or hundredth).
3.2.3 Rinse the electrode with DI water and replace the cap.
3.2.3 Discard unused solution left in the small plastic cups. Also discard the cups.
Use fresh buffer and new cups for each calibration. Rinse the glass jar according to
the instructions for washing equipment in SOP FSWAOOS. Calibration should be
maintained between sampling sites if the pH meter is left on and kept in pH 7 or DI
water between uses. See manual for exceptions. Store unused buffer in the original
container with the pH sampling kit.
STANDARDOPERATINGPROCEDURE
Studies
3.3 pH Meter Storage
3.3.1 When the field portion of the study is complete, or anytime the pH meter will be
out of use for more than a few days, refer to the instructions in the manual for storing
the meter.

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California Department of Pesticide Regulation SOP NumbecEQWA002.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

APPROVED BY: / ,/;c I.il lc,/>zr

PREPARED BY: Cindy GarretsonIAdrian Bradley

Environmental Hazards Assessment Program (EHAP) organization and personnel such as

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

This document will provide specific instructions for using a pH meter.

2.1 Portable pH meter (accurate to a least 0.1)

3.3 pH Meter Storage

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