This document discusses nepheloturbidometry, which uses light scattering measurements to determine the concentration of suspended particles in liquids. It can be used for both low concentrations (nephelometry) and high concentrations (turbidometry) by measuring either scattered light or transmitted light. A nepheloturbidimeter has detectors to measure both scattered light at 90 degrees and transmitted light at 180 degrees, allowing it to analyze suspensions of unknown concentration. Factors like particle properties, light source, sample cells, and detectors can affect light scattering measurements. Nepheloturbidimetry has various applications like analyzing water clarity, determining carbon dioxide, and quantifying ions at low levels.

1. Nepheloturbidometry
By
Dr. Nidhi Gupta
Assistant Professor
M.M. College of Pharmacy
Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana,
Ambala, India

2. Introduction
•Nephelometric and turbidometric methods depend on the scattering of
light by particle suspended in a liquid. The suspended particles have
refractive index values different from the suspending medium. The overall
effect mimics Tyndal effect.
•Nephelometry is the measurement of scattered light as a function of
concentration of suspended particles where the concentration is less than
100 mg/ litre. Turbidometry is the measurement of transmitted light as a
function of concentration of suspended particles where the concentration
is more than 100 mg/litre that is high concentration samples

3. Principle
At lower concentration of the suspension uniform scattering of particles is
noticed. So the intensity of scattered light is directly proportional to the
concentration of solute. The intensity of scattered light can be measured at 45°,
60°, 90° and 135°also. For higher concentration suspensions scattering is non
uniform and light becomes scattered in all possible directions. Hence, it is
difficult to measure the intensity of scatter radiation at specific angles. So, the
intensity of transmitted light (that is unscattered) direction is measured at 180°.
The intensity of transmitted light (It) is a function of concentration i.e. when the
concentration increases the intensity of transmitted light is less and when
concentration is less the intensity in high. Depending on the sample
concentration of the suspension either nephelometry or turbidometry is chosen.
Suspensions with lower concentration nephelometry and for higher
concentration turbidometry are utilised.

4. Factors that produce uniform turbidity:
Order and rate of mixing of substances
2] Agitation of suspension
3] Temperature; as it affects solubility and
viscosity of medium
4] Presence or absence of inert electrolyte and
protective colloids such as gelatin, accacia etc.
5] Concentrations of solutions mixed
Factors that produce scattered radiation:
1] Number of suspended particles
2] Size and shape of particles
3] Wavelength of radiation used
4] Difference in refractive index of particles
and medium.

5. Instrumentation
There are separate instruments available as nephelometer and turbidimeter.
Also, they are combined to form a Nephloturbidometer.
Following are the common instrumental components:
1. Source of light
Tungsten lamp is used when a polychromatic light is necessary and a Mercury arc
lamp is used when a monochromatic light is necessary.
2. Filters and Monochromators
When polychromatic light is used filters and monochromators are not required
but when monochromatic light is necessary a filters or monochromator is used.
In turbidimeter blue filter 530 nm is used and in a nephelometer visible filter is
used as a secondary filter.

6. 3. Sample cells
Various shapes of sample cells are used in a nepheloturbidimetry. They may
be cylindrical with the path length of 1 cm. Also they may be rectangular cells
but the cell walls may be coated with black to avoid any reflection that may
interact detector response. Cells can also be prepared as per need to measure
the scattered light at different angles of 45°, 90°, 135° and 180°. These cells
are made up of glass.
4. Detectors
Photometric detectors like photovoltaic cells photomultiplier tubes are used
in such instruments. Photovoltaic cell or phototubes are used in turbidimeter.
Whereas in nephelometer photomultiplier tubes are used as the scatter
radiation is weak.

7. If is suspension is to be measured whose concentration is unknown then
A nepheloturbidimeter can be effectively used as it can detect both low
concentration as well as high concentration suspensions. It has two detectors one for
measuring the scattered light at 90° and the other one at 180° for transmitted light.
The ratio of the response of two detectors is displayed as nepheloturbidimetric units
or NTUs which is proportional to the ability of the suspension.

9. •Applications
•The nepheloturbidimeter can be effectively used for various
purposes such as:
•Analysis of clarity of water
• Determination of carbon dioxide
• Determination of inorganic substances like phosphorus
ammonia sulphate etc.
• For quantitative analysis of ions at ppm levels
• Analysis of petroleum products, sugar products and clarity
of citrus juices
• In turbidimetric titration

10. Thank you………..