AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

The Characteristics of Turbidity, Total Dissolved and Total Suspended Solid in

Stagnant Water System: The Concept of Diffusion Modeling
* C.P. Ukpaka
** T. Ode
* Department of Chemical / Petrochemical Engineering
** Department of Civil Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology
NKPOLU PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
The development of a mathematical model for predicting the diffusion of turbidity, total
dissolved solid and total suspended solid in a stagnant water environment was
investigated in this paper. The model was formulated from the basic principle of mass and
momentum concept, which was resolved to obtain an ordinary differential equation. A
mathematical tool known as the least square method was applied to resolve the
differential equation to a quadratic equation. The samples collected were analyzed to
determine the diffusion concentration of turbidity, total dissolved solid and total
suspended solid in a stagnant water environment. Experimental data obtained from the
analysis were fitted into the model to obtain their diffusivities and velocities of the
parameters upon the influence of contaminants. Concentrations of the contaminants at
the various depths were simulated and the polynomial of the curve was also established to
ascertain the validity of the developed model. Simulated results from the model were
compared analytically and graphically with the experimental and validated result as
presented in the work. The results obtained show a reasonable level of agreement, which
is an indication of the reliability of the developed model for predicting the diffusion of
turbidity, total, dissolved solid and total suspended solid in a stagnant water environment.
Keywords: Characteristics, turbidity, TDS, TSS, Stagnant water system, concept,
diffusion, modeling
Introduction
Pollutant deposition on surface and underground water has become one of the most
critical environmental problems of the century. Many drinking water supplies and aquatic
ecosystem are contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals from widespread
agricultural uses, crude oil and its derivatives used for fuel, lubrication; plastic
manufacturing and many other purposes get into water mainly by means of accidental
spills.
Plant and animals require water that is moderately pure and they cannot survive if their
water is loaded with toxic heavy chemicals or harmful microorganisms. If severe, water
pollution can kill a large number of fish, birds, and other animals in some cases killing all
members of specie in an affected area. Pollutant deposition makes streams, lakes and
coastal waters unpleasant to look at, to smell and to swim in. Fish and shellfish harvested
from polluted water can become ill, and with prolong exposure may develop cancer or
bears children with birth defects (Bhuivan and Gupta, 2007., Baxter et al., 1999).
The term environmental contaminant is another name for pollution. Pollution is high
concentrations of toxic chemicals found in the environment. They are potentially
undesirable substance (Physical, Chemical or Biological) and are generally introduced into
the ecosystem through air, water or soil and they have the ability to impact great harm to
the environment and living organisms (Baxter et al., 1999, Adigun., 2004).

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AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

Pollution may be caused by natural sources or human activities, but regardless of the
cause, the result is the same thus pollution is a significant problem facing the
environment. As the world population continues to grow, so does the amount of potentially
toxic substances that are release into the ecosystem (Ukpaka, 2013).
Water pollution is one of the main types of pollution in the environment. Water pollution
could be in the form of any change in the physical, chemical and biological properties of
water, which has harmful effect on living things. It could take place in various water
sources, like ponds, lakes, rivers, seas and oceans. One of the causes of water pollution is
the release of waste into the water bodies for example domestic wastes, industrial
effluents, agricultural waste, marine dumping and radioactive waste.
Other causes of pollution in the sea include events such as oil spills and atmospheric
deposition (Where pollutants enter water bodies through falling particles, dissolving in
rain and snow, or directly dissolving in water) (Bhuivan and Gupta, 2007., Baxter et al.,
1999., Adigun., 2004., Abd Ellah, 2003).
The following points stated below highlights the aims and objectives of the research work
such as: to develop a mathematical model that can monitor and predict the rate of
turbidity, total dissolved solid and total suspended solid diffusion in stagnant water, to
investigate the contribution of the Asphalt Company activity in environmental pollution as
well as the migration of the pollutant generated in water body of the region where they are
operating, to ascertain the impact of its effluent discharge within the operational zone on
water environment, its effect on the aquatic ecosystem, interaction of the functional
parameters and identification of the nature of contaminants (Ukpaka, 2011., Ugbebor et
al., 2012., Petri et al., 2012., El Gohary., 1992., Juntunen et al., 2011).
Relevance of study: the developed model is an effective tool for monitoring and predicting
pollutant transport in water environment, the developed model will serve as a tool for
identifying pollution, and the fate and behavior of pollutant in water environment, the
result obtained from the model through analysis of the physiochemical parameters of
stagnant water can be a very important component of environmental impact assessment
and also used for providing technical support for water environmental protection agencies.
Scope of study of the research work covers the following areas as stated below: collection
of samples of stagnant water around the Asphalt Company in Ahoada-West local
government area of Rivers State and conveying the samples to the department of Pure and
Applied Chemistry, Niger Delta University for examination and analysis. Experimental
methods to be carried out includes: physiochemical analysis on reliability or portability of
the water, influence of diffusion on the stagnant water, total dissolved solid and total
suspended solid analysis, development of mathematical model based on first and second
principles law of mass transfer on the diffusion concept, relating the developed
mathematical model into the empirical model in terms of least square method and
validation of the developed model.
Materials and Methods
Mass-Balance Principle: The basic principle of water quality model is that of mass
balance. The water system can be divided into different segments or volume elements. For
each segment, there must be a mass balance for each water quality constituents over a
time periods, t. Time is divided into discreet intervals t and the flow are assumed
constant within each of those time period intervals. For each segment and each time
period, the mass balance of substance in a segment can be defined. Component of the
mass balance in a segment include:
Change by transport (Tr) into and out of the volume element.
Change by physical or chemical processes (P) occurring within the volume element.
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AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

Change by sources \ discharges to or from the volume element (s).
From the principle of mass balance,
Rate of mass
output from the
=
+ ++
controlled
+
volume
at time,
t+t

Rate of mass
input into the
controlled
volume at time,
t+t
M

Mt = Mt+t + t( t )Tr+ t( t )P + t( t )S

Rate
of
mass
disappearance due
to
chemical
reaction
in
controlled volume
at time, t+t

Rate of mass
accumulation
within
the
controlled
volume

(1)

Where: Mt = Mass in volume element at the beginning of time t., M t+t = Mass in volume
M
M
element at the end of time t+t., ( t )Tr= change in volume element by transport., ( t )P=
M

change in volume element by physical, (bio)chemical or biological process and ( t )S=

change in volume element by sources (e.g waste load, river discharges).
Changes by transport include both advective and dispersive transport.
Equation (1) can be rearranged as;
M|t M|t+t
t

=(

M
M
M
)Tr + ( )p + ( )s
t
t
t

(2)

Model Formulation
Model for Transport of Contaminant
To model the transport of contaminant (pollutant) over a space, a water system is divided
in small segment or volume elements. Each volume elements is defined by its volume and
its dimensions in one, two or three directions (x, y, and z) depending on the nature of
the schematization (1D, 2D, or 3D).
Advective Transport
A M
The advective transport, Ty0
( T) of a constituent at site x0 is the product of the average
water velocity, Vy0 (L T), at that site, the surface or cross sectional area A (L2 ), through
which advection takes place at the site and the average concentration (M 3 ) of the
L
constituent.
A
Ty0
= Vy0 A Cy0

(3)

Dispersive Transport
A M
The dispersive transport, Ty0
( T), across a surface area is assumed to be proportional to
c
the concentration gradient y y = y0 at site x0times the surface area A.
2
Letting Dy0 (L T), be the dispersion or diffusion coefficient at site y0.
D
Ty0
=Dy0 A

c
y=y0
y

(4)

Dispersion is done according to Ficks Law of diffusion. The minus sign originate from the
fact that dispersion causes net transport from higher to lower concentrations and so in
opposite direction of the concentration gradient.
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AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

The concentration gradient is the difference of concentration per unit length over a very
small distance across the cross section.

x=

(5)

Mass Transport by Advection and Dispersion

Adding the advective and dispersive terms in equation (3) and (4) result to the net change
in transport.

( )T r= [ 0 0 0 y = y0] A

(6)

Now including the terms at site y0+, gives;

( )Tr = [ 0 0 0+ 0+ + 0+ 0+ 0 |y0 ] A (7)

Substituting eqn. (7) into eqn. (2), we obtain;
| |+

( )s

= 0 0 0 0+ 0+ 0+ + 0+ 0+

0+ 0 0

0 0

)p +

(8)

Assuming a zero order reaction for the rate of change of volume element by physical,
biochemical or biological process, and also knocking out the term for the rate of change in
volume element by sources, gives
| |+

(9)

= 0 0 0 0+ 0+ 0+ + 0+ 0+ 0+ 0 0 0 0 p

Where kp is the rate constant due to chemical reaction.

Expressing eqn. (9) in terms of concentration and dividing throughout by the elemental
volume ((V=Ay), result in a one dimensional equation as shown below
| |+

0+

0+

0 0 0+ 0+

kp

(10)

Taking asymptotic limit 0 and 0, the advection-diffusion equation for one

dimension results:

C
t

(D

) (VC)
y
y

kp

(11)

Clearing the negative sign on the L.H.S and opening the bracket gives,
C
t

=D

2C
y 2

+V

C
y

C
y

+ kp

(12)

Assuming steady state transport,

d2C

dy

0 = D dy 2 + V dx + kp
If we let

d2C
dy 2

= d2 , and

(13)
dy
dx

= d,

Equation (13) can be expressed as

Dd2 + Vd+ kp = 0

(14)

Where;
d is the depth of water from the surface to the subsurface.
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AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

Application of Empirical Model
Applying the least square concept to the above equation, the concentration can be
expressed as a function of depth.
C = Dd2 + Vd + k

(15)

Since diffusion is taking place, the above expression can be normalized by neglecting the
negative sign.
C = Dd2 + Vd + k

(16)

The above equation gives the developed model, which may be expressed in terms of the
physiochemical parameters of water analysis as follows:
For pH concentration,
CpH = Dd2 + Vd + k

(17)

For conductivity,
Ccond = Dd2 + Vd + k

(18)

For BOD concentration,

CBOD=Dd2 + Vd + k

(19)

Experimental Procedures
Experimental Method
Suction pipe
Meter rule

Soil
environment

Contaminate
Water
environment

Fig.1: Experimental Set-up to investigate the diffusion process of effluent contaminant in

water environment
Sample Collection
Five water samples were collected from stagnant water in the neighborhood of the Asphalt
Company Nigeria Limited located at Enito 3, a village located between Ahoada and
Mbiama in Ahoada West Local Government Area of River State. The study distance is
about 65metres from the company and samples were collected on a weekly basis.
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AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

The analysis of the sample covers the following parameters: pH, Hardness and
Conductivity. Samples were collected with the aid of a capillary tube and the depth at
which each samples were collected is determined using a meter rule. Thereafter, samples
were transported to the research laboratory of the department of chemical science, Niger
Delta University for onward analysis.
Materials: TDS, Burette and Pipettes, Beaker 10ml and 250ml, volumetric flask 50, 100,
250ml and 500ml
Determination of Turbidity
A calibrated turbidimeter was used to measure the turbidity of the water samples. The
equipment is zeroed with a blank and then the sample is placed in the bottle and in the
meter and turbidity read off directly from the read out as NTU units.
Determination of Total Dissolved Solids
This is determined by measuring 10ml of water sample in an evaporating dish and
evaporated to dryness on a steam bath. The evaporating dish was previously dried in an
hot air oven at 105 until a constant weight obtained. The dried evaporating dish and
residues were placed in a drying oven to dry further.
The crucible and residues were then weighed and the difference in weight is recorded as
the total dissolved solid expressed in parts per million (ppm).
Determination of Total Suspended Solids
100ml of the sample was filtered and the filter paper dried and weighed. The weight
difference between filter paper before and after filtration was taken as the total suspended
solid as ppm or mg/l.
Results and Discussions
The results obtained from the analysis of the water samples are presented in tables and
figures in terms of its physiochemical properties as well as turbidity, total dissolved solid
and total suspended solid.
Table 1: Experimental Determination of Physiochemical Parameters with Respect to Depth
Depth (cm)
0

15

30

45

60

WHO
Standard

NTU

21.72

36.80

28.54

28.76

27.80

5.00

T.Dsl.Solid (TDS)

mg/L

84.00

140.00

500.00

T.Sus.Solid (TSS)

mg/L

6.20

Parameters

units

Turbidity

125.00 122.00 143.00

7.30

5.40

7.68

6.74

Table 2: Comparison of Experimental, Theoretical, and Validated Turbidity concentration

Depth (cm)

Turbidity(Experimented) Turbidity(Theoretical) Turbidity(Validated)

0.00

21.72

24.53

27.9

15.00

36.80

30.00

28.305

30.00

28.54

32.09

28.71

45.00

28.76

30.81

29.115

60.00

27.80

26.15

29.52

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AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

Table 3: Comparison of Experimental, Theoretical, and Validated TDS concentration
Depth
(cm)

TDS(Experimented) TDS(Theoretical) TDS(Validated)

0.00

84.00

87.66

96.80

15.00

125.00

114.38

109.79

30.00

122.00

131.96

122.78

45.00

143.00

140.41

135.77

60.00

140.00

139.72

148.76

Table 4: Comparison of Experimental, Theoretical, and Validate TSS concentration

Depth
(cm)

TSS
(Experimented)

TSS
(Theoretical)

TSS (Validated)

0.00

6.20

6.39

6.37

15.00

7.30

6.51

6.51

30.00

5.40

6.65

6.64

45.00

7.68

6.80

6.78

60.00

6.74

6.97

6.91

40.00
35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00

y = 0.027x + 27.9
R = 0.014
Turbidity(NTU)
Linear (Turbidity(NTU))

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

Figure 2: Graph of experimental Turbidity concentration against Depth

The result in Figure 2 shows that the turbidity increases with increase in the depth of
water and starts to decrease after attaining a peak of 35NTU corresponding to a depth of
18cm. The polynomial of the relationship is established as C tur(val)=0.027D+27.9 with a
coefficient of determination given as R2=0.014. The theoretical developed model is given as
Ctur(theo)= -0.0075D2+0.4770D+24.5286.

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AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

40.00
30.00
Turbidity(Experimental)
20.00

Turbidity(Theoritical model)

10.00

Turbidity(Validated model)

0.00
0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

Figure 3: Graph of Experimental, Theoretical, and Validated Turbidity concentration

against Depth.
Figure 3 illustrate the relationship of the experimental, theoretical, and validated model of
turbidity concentration. A perfect match is seen for the experimental and validated model
at depth of 45cm and a very close match for the experimental, theoretical, and validated
model at a depth of 52cm. This shows that the model can be reliable to predict the
turbidity of contaminated water.

160.00
140.00
120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00

y = 0.866x + 96.8
R = 0.763
TDS
Linear (TDS)

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

Figure 4: Graph of Experimental Total Dissolved Solid concentration against Depth.

Figure 4 is a graph of the result obtained for the plot of Experimental Total Dissolved Solid
of a contaminated stagnant water environment against the depth. The concentration of the
Total Dissolved Solid increases as the depth of water increase. The polynomial of the curve
is given as Y=0.866x+96.8. The coefficient of determination is R2=0.763. The above
polynomial can be expressed as CTDS (val) = 0.866D + 96.8. The developed model is given as
CTDS(exp)= -0.0203D2 + 2.0857D + 87.6571.
160.00
140.00
120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00

TDS(Experimented)
TDS(Theoritical)
TDS(Validated)
0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

Figure 5: Graph of Experimental, Theoretical, and Validated Total Dissolved Solid

concentration against Depth.
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Figure 5 is an illustration of the relationship of the Experimental, Theoretical, and
Validated Total Dissolved Solid concentration plotted against the Depth of contaminated
stagnant water. The result presents a good match of the Theoretical and Experimental
model at concentration of 140mg/l. Other points of intersection are obtained at
concentrations of 105mg/l and 120mg/l which show that the developed model is reliable.
10.000
8.000

y = 0.009x + 6.372
R = 0.065

6.000

TSS ( Mg/L)

4.000

Linear (TSS ( Mg/L))

2.000
0.000
0.000

10.000

20.000

30.000

40.000

50.000

60.000

70.000

Depth (cm)
Figure 6: Graph of Experimental Total Suspended Solid concentration against Depth.
Figure 6 present an undulating nature of graph when the concentration of experimental
Total Suspended Solid of contaminated stagnant water is plotted against the depth. This
can be attributed to the dilution factor as well as the rate of contaminant deposition and
diffusion at the various depths of water. The polynomial of the curve is presented as
Y=0.009X+6.372, with a coefficient of determination given as R2=0.065. The curve can be
presented also as CTSS(val) = 0.009D+6.372. The developed model is presented as CTSS(theo) =
0.000032D2+0.0078D+6.3863
10.00
8.00
TSS (Experimented)

6.00

TSS (Theoritical)

4.00

TSS (Validated)

2.00
0.00
0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

Figure 7: Graph of Experimental, Theoretical, and Validated Total Suspended Solid

concentration against Depth.
Figure 7 illustrates the relationship of the Theoretical, Experimented, and Validated model
plotted against the depth of water. The result present a very good and perfect match for
the theoretical and validated model which shows that the model is reliable for predicting
the diffusion of total suspended solid in contaminated stagnant water environment.
Conclusion
The following conclusion can be drawn from the research work:
a) The turbidity increases as the depth of water increases and then decreases sharply due
to diffusion factor.
b) The concentration of Total Dissolved Solids increases as the depth of water increases
due to rapid rate of diffusion of contaminant.

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AEIJST - April 2016 - Vol 4 - Issue 4 ISSN - 2348 - 6732

c) The rise and fall in concentration of Total Suspended Solids can be attributed to the
dilution factor, as well as the rate of contaminant deposition and diffusion as the depth of
water increases. The points of intersection obtained for the three models are indication of
the reliability of the developed model.
d) The study provides an efficient tool for analyzing specific problems associated with the
discharge of effluents into surrounding water bodies. Amongst other potential
applications, the model is recommended to be used by environmental impact agencies, as
a real-time prediction tool for determining\ estimating water quality parameters. In
addition, the predicted model can be used for proactive management of the process and
for forecasting and evaluating water quality and the risk related to it. It can also serve as
an effective tool for providing data assistance.
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