In this experiment, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different filtration media in improving the pH level of contaminated water. The materials used included 200 ml of dirty water composed of soil, sand, and vinegar, along with cotton balls, smashed charcoal, marbles, and sand, each integrated into custom filtration units made from cut, half water bottles. Each filter was layered with 17 cotton balls, 4 pieces of charcoal, 25 marbles, or a quarter liter of sand, all protected by coffee filters to contain the materials. We prepared a support container under each filter to catch the filtered water, ensuring that we accurately captured the results.
The procedure involved pouring the dirty water into the top half of the water bottle filled with the selected filtration media and allowing it to filter through. After all the water drained, we measured the pH of the filtered water using pH strips and recorded this data meticulously over five trials for each type of filter. For cotton balls, the average pH after filtration was 6.48; for coffee filters, it was 6.54; for charcoal, it was 6.46; for sand, it increased to 7.08; and for marbles, it reached 6.74. Our results indicated varying levels of effectiveness among the different filter media, with sand showing the most significant increase in pH. However, the presence of coffee filters and other materials could potentially impact the results.