The sodium sulfite-acid solution should be disposed of by ____________________.

Answers Options:

1) washing down the drain with large amounts of water.

2) washing out with diluted sodium bicarbonate for sink disposal.

3) neutralizing the solution with sodium bicarbonate before sink disposal.

4) reacting it with potassium permanganate before placing in a designated container inside the fume hood.

5) placing it in a designated waste container inside the fume hood.

Don't you usually neutralize acid solutions?

To determine the correct answer, we need to consider the properties of sodium sulfite-acid solution and the best practices for its disposal.

Sodium sulfite-acid solution is a corrosive substance that can be harmful to the environment and human health if not properly disposed of. It is crucial to follow the correct procedure for disposal to minimize the impact on the environment and prevent potential health hazards.

Option 1 suggests washing down the drain with large amounts of water. However, this solution contains acid, which can potentially damage plumbing and sewer systems if disposed of directly. This option may not be the most appropriate choice for disposal.

Option 2 suggests washing out with diluted sodium bicarbonate for sink disposal. Sodium bicarbonate is a base and can neutralize the acid present in the solution. However, it is advisable to neutralize the solution before sink disposal rather than diluting it.

Option 3 suggests neutralizing the solution with sodium bicarbonate before sink disposal. This solution is the most appropriate choice for disposal. By neutralizing the acid with a base like sodium bicarbonate, the solution becomes less harmful to the environment and can be disposed of safely down the sink.

Option 4 suggests reacting the solution with potassium permanganate before placing it in a designated container inside the fume hood. However, this option involves an additional chemical reaction and requires a fume hood, which may not be readily available.

Option 5 suggests placing the solution in a designated waste container inside the fume hood. While this option is suitable for hazardous materials, it may not be necessary for a sodium sulfite-acid solution unless it is specifically required by local regulations or safety protocols.

Based on the considerations above, the correct answer is option 3: neutralizing the solution with sodium bicarbonate before sink disposal.