Given the materials; empty 500ml containers, aluminium sulphate chemical reagents, filter funnels, filter papers, weighing scale, hand gloves, safety goggles, measuring cylinder, 500ml flasks, pipette, stirring rods, digital thermometer, stop watch, spark meter, and notebook. Write the full Procedure to carry out Water Quality Testing using these given materials above?

Answer 1

Procedure for Water Quality Testing

Objective:

To test the quality of water by analyzing various parameters including turbidity, pH, and presence of specific contaminants using aluminum sulphate coagulation and filtration.

Materials Needed:

• Empty 500ml containers
• Aluminium sulfate chemical reagents
• Filter funnels
• Filter paper
• Weighing scale
• Hand gloves
• Safety goggles
• Measuring cylinder (at least 500ml)
• 500ml flasks
• Pipette
• Stirring rods
• Digital thermometer
• Stopwatch
• Spark meter (or turbidity meter)
• Notebook

Safety Precautions:

1. Always wear safety goggles and hand gloves while handling chemical reagents, especially aluminum sulfate.
2. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
3. Dispose of all chemical wastes according to local regulations and guidelines.

Step-by-Step Procedure:

Step 1: Sample Collection

1. Collect water samples in the 500ml containers. Ensure that the containers are clean to avoid contamination.
2. Label each container with the date and location of sample collection for reference.

Step 2: Temperature Measurement

1. Use the digital thermometer to measure the temperature of the water sample.
2. Record the temperature in your notebook.

Step 3: Coagulation with Aluminium Sulfate

1. Measure out a required amount of aluminum sulfate (commonly 10-20 mg/L; refer to specific guidelines for your testing parameters) using the weighing scale.
2. Add the aluminum sulfate to one of the 500ml flasks.
3. Using the measuring cylinder, add 500ml of the collected water sample to the flask containing aluminum sulfate.
4. Stir the mixture gently with a stirring rod for about 5 minutes to ensure thorough mixing.

Step 4: Allowing Coagulation

1. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for approximately 30 minutes. This time lets the aluminum sulfate react with impurities and facilitate coagulation and flocculation.

Step 5: Filtration

1. Set up the filter funnel with filter paper placed inside it.
2. After 30 minutes, carefully pour the supernatant (the clearer water on top) into the filter funnel without disturbing the sediment at the bottom of the flask.
3. Allow the water to filter completely into a clean container.

Step 6: Turbidity Measurement

1. Use the spark meter (or turbidity meter) to measure the turbidity of the filtered water sample.
2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for accurate readings.
3. Record the turbidity value in your notebook.

Step 7: pH Measurement (Optional)

1. If pH testing is requested, use a pH probe or pH strips:
   • Use a pipette to transfer a sample of the filtered water into a clean measuring cylinder.
   • Insert the pH probe or dip the pH strip into the water and wait for a few seconds.
   • Record the pH value displayed or the color change observed on the pH strip.

Step 8: Data Compilation

1. Compile all your recorded data, including temperature, turbidity, pH (if measured), and any other relevant observations in your notebook.
2. Compare the results with the standard water quality parameters to evaluate the quality of the water sample.

Step 9: Cleanup

1. Safely dispose of the used filter paper, contaminated gloves, and any other waste materials.
2. Clean all used equipment with appropriate cleaning agents and store them properly for future use.

Conclusion:

Review the results in your notebook and analyze the quality of the water sample based on the parameters tested. If necessary, take corrective actions based on your findings or advise further testing for other contaminants.