An Improved Introduction to Turbidimetry for the Analytical Chemistry Lab

Turbidimetry is an invaluable technique for quantification of many analytes, with applications in wastewater monitoring, immunology, and chemical industry, but its incorporation in the undergraduate analytical or instrumental analysis laboratory seems to be sparse. Compared to gravimetry, titration, and other techniques, turbidimetry is singularly sensitive to thoughtful and careful sample preparation. Although an experiment in turbdimetric analysis is an ideal inclusion in the instrumental analysis laboratory sequence to reinforce the need for thoughtful sample preparation, most undergraduate laboratories ignore turbidimetry altogether despite its wide applicability and the relative affordability of turbidimeters as compared to other common analytical instrumentation. To introduce turbidimetric methods in our undergraduate analytical chemistry sequence, a robust, relevant, and relatable analysis has been developed: the quantification of chloride in sports drinks by monitoring silver chloride turbidity.