Take the Tech Challenge

December 1, 2011

Test your knowledge and see if you’re right: 

Measuring the pH of a soil sample

Whether for commerce or recreation, gardeners are expressing a growing interest in taking accurate pH measurements of soil samples. The pH of soil indicates more than its alkalinity or acidity strength, it affects the relative availability of nutrients, the soil life, and the type of plants that will thrive. What is the best method to measure the pH of a soil sample? Most pH electrodes are designed to measure a liquid sample which presents a challenge.

A:  You can use almost any pH electrode to measure soil. Just insert the probe into moist soil and wait a few minutes for a measurement. It just takes longer for the readings to stabilize.

B:  Only conductivity measurements should be used in soil testing.

C:   You can use almost any pH electrode to measure soil. You will need to mix the soil with deionized (DI) water before measuring.

D:   Only pH paper (litmus paper) can be used for measuring the pH of soil.

 View the answers


Get your free copy of our 2010 Water Quality catalog! [cue fireworks]

May 7, 2010

Get your free copy of our 2010 Water Quality catalog.

This 96-page catalog features our newest and best-selling electrochemistry and water quality products, including a wide range of pH, conductivity, oxygen, turbidity, water sampling, and many more products.

Request the new 2010 Cole-Parmer Water Quality today!

http://www.coleparmer.com/requests/default.asp?sel=HA&referred_id=5618


Mouthwash causes cavities!

November 26, 2009

Acidity contributes to the development of dental cavities. The source of this acidity is often attributed to sugar fermentation by endogenous bacteria in the mouth, or to acidic foods and drinks, which lower salivary pH. Paradoxically, oral health mouthwashes may also cause dental cavities, largely due to the inclusion of ethanol (EtOH/”alcohol”) as an antiseptic agent, which can be oxidized to acetic acid. However, the potential deleterious effect of these mouthwashes has not been adequately assessed, nor have the chemical changes in pH and total ethanol been
evaluated over time. Here we present data demonstrating changes to pH, total acid, and total ethanol in several popular mouthwashes over time. These changes increase acidity and thus demonstrate an increased risk of dental cavities.  Finally, we evaluate the chemical mechanism of these changes, and propose preventable solutions.

Full article is available here:  Determination of pH, total acid, and total ethanol in oral health products: oxidation of ethanol and recommendations to mitigate its association with dental caries 
Compliments of:  Chunhye Kim Lee and Brian C. Schmitz

Test your own mouthwash using a Cole-Parmer PH/Ion Meter .


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