Analytical methods of calcium in milk

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    Analytical Calcium
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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on methods for determining the calcium content in milk, exploring various analytical techniques suitable for a high school level. Participants propose different approaches, including titration and other chemical processes, while addressing potential interferences from other ions present in milk.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a titration method using NaOH and EDTA to determine calcium concentration, providing a formula for calculation.
  • Another participant proposes collecting Ca(OH)2 formed from the reaction of calcium ions with hydroxide ions to determine calcium content.
  • A counterpoint is raised regarding the presence of magnesium ions in milk, which could interfere with the method by forming Mg(OH)2.
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the methods and seek additional approaches, indicating a desire for more reliable techniques.
  • Alternative methods are mentioned, including denaturing milk with trichloroacetic acid, boiling, and using atomic absorption for more sensitivity.
  • Other techniques such as spectrophotometric, gravimetric, and flame photometry are also suggested as potential methods for calcium determination.
  • One participant mentions a simple approach of checking nutritional labels for calcium content, although this is less analytical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views on the best method for determining calcium in milk, with no consensus reached on a single approach. There is acknowledgment of the challenges posed by other ions in milk, leading to further exploration of alternative methods.

Contextual Notes

Some methods discussed may depend on specific conditions, such as pH levels, and the presence of interfering substances like magnesium ions. The reliability and sensitivity of different techniques remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students and educators interested in analytical chemistry methods, particularly in the context of food science and nutrition.

almohandes
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Could someone help with a way (or method) of how to determine the content of calcium in milk at a high school level.
 
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I think that you can determin it in this way

In one beaker which volume is 250 cm3, put 50 cm3 of your sample. Add 5 cm3 of NaOH which has 2 mol/dm3 and on tip of a spoon indicator mureksid. You do titration with 0.025 mol/dm3 EDTA until color is changed from blue to violet-blue.

You can calculate concentration of Calcium on this way:


(mmol/dm3 Ca2+) / dm3 = (V x M x 1000) / 50

I am so sory for this formula, but I have no idea how to use that service this forum has.
 
Last edited:
Add NaOH, collect the Ca(OH)2 that is formed, mass the Ca(OH)2, determine the number of moles of Ca(OH)2 which corresponds to...

Ca(2+) + 2 OH(-) --> Ca(OH)2

should tell you how many moles of Ca(2+) is there...

Something like that anyway.

Ca(OH)2 is insoluble.
 
No you can't do in that way, beaucouse you also have magnesium ions in milk, they will also form Mg(OH)2, which is also insoluble in milk.If you plan to heat the milk, you will get nothing beaucouse many organic supstances will fall down as insoluble substances.

As far as I know this is the only way, but if anyone knows any other, better way, plaese write.
 
thanks stamba and thunderfvck and yes if some one knows of more way please write, because I am not really sure if i get it yet.
 
im going to try titrating with EDTA, I think it might work
so, I am going to analyse milk for calcium content using:

EDTA-4 + Ca+2 ---> CaEDTA-2
 
I concur with stamba. EDTA titration is also used to determine Ca-hardness in water.
 
Ya , Mohandes, Kaifal Haal, Khair, Could you look at the Breaking Plates problem and suggest something,

Thanks,
 
Calcium determination may be done in milk after denaturizing it with trichloroacetic acid; the proteins may interfere the process. Alternatively, milk is boiled and the powder burnt in a furnace, so that all organic matter is broken down, afterwards you can titrimetrically (as stamba wrote; the pH of the medium must be at least 12 in order not to encounter the interference of magnesium ion) or atomic absorbance (this is more reliable as it is much more sensitive).

Please look in AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) to read a much better and reliable treatment.

There may also be spectrophotometric (colorimetric-based) and gravimetric (pyrophosphate-based) techniques. Flame photometry is another fast technique.
 
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  • #10
A very simple way...observe the nutrition details, which is frequently 30 percent of daily value. Find the related data; how much, exactly is the daily value? Use factor label method for the rest.
 

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