Measuring color in water analysis In standard water-quality testing, which instrument is classically used to determine the apparent color of a water sample?

Introduction / Context:
Color is an aesthetic and diagnostic parameter in drinking water and wastewater. Detecting and quantifying color helps identify dissolved organics, metals, and treatment issues.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The task is to identify the commonly named instrument for color comparison in water testing.
• Apparent color is evaluated visually against standardized color standards.

Concept / Approach:
A tintometer (e.g., Lovibond) is a visual comparator instrument that matches the color of a water sample against calibrated glass or plastic standards on a defined color scale. While modern spectrophotometric colorimeters exist, classic waterworks practice and many textbooks explicitly refer to the tintometer for routine color determination.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard methods in older waterworks manuals and exam keys associate color testing with the Lovibond tintometer procedure.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing turbidity (suspended particles) with color (dissolved substances).

Final Answer:
tintometer