What is the role of a titrator in water analysis?

In water analysis, a titrator plays a critical role in determining the concentration of specific chemicals present in a sample. This process, known as titration, involves the gradual addition of a reagent of known concentration to the water sample until a chemical reaction is completed, indicated by a color change, a pH change, or some other measurable response. By calculating the amount of titrant used, analysts can quantify the concentration of the target chemical within the sample.

This method is particularly useful for analyzing substances such as acidity, alkalinity, and various ions or compounds that can be quantitatively determined through a reaction with a titrant. Titration is an essential step in routine water quality assessments and compliance with environmental regulations.

Other options provided do not align with the specific functional role of a titrator. For example, measuring temperature or directly reporting pH involves different devices or methods, while filtering contaminants pertains to physical removal processes rather than chemical quantification, underscoring the specialized function of titrators in analytical chemistry.