Question

How do you test for hydrogen sulphide in the water?

Answer 1

Hint: Hydrogen sulphide is a chemical compound with formula \[{H_2}S\] . It is colourless gas with a flammable and corrosive nature. It has a rotten egg-like smell. It is highly soluble in water which can cause severe affect to the environment and aquatic animals.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Water which contains hydrogen sulphide in it is usually referred as sulphur water. The sulphur water can change the colour of beverages like coffee and tea. It also changes the food colour and appearance.

Due its corrosive nature, the sulphur water corrodes metals like iron, copper, brass etc. When corrosion takes place in steel and iron, ferrous sulphide is formed which is known as black water. The ferrous sulphide darkens the silver and brass utensils.

Hydrogen sulphide is produced from the decomposition of organic matter. It is present in deep well and can enter the water surface. The sewage pollution contains hydrogen sulphide which pollutes the water. Sewer lines, well near coal or oil field contain hydrogen sulphide in water.

As hydrogen sulphide has a very distinct rotten egg like smell, the presence of hydrogen sulphide in water is detected by the smell and taste. Hydrogen sulphide gas easily evaporates and escapes from water.

Note: Most of the people can smell a hydrogen sulphide concentration low as 0.1 miiligrams per liter of water. Whereas, the hydrogen sulphide taste present in the water can be detected if the concentration is low as 0.05 mg/1.