WATER CHARACTERIZATION AND DETERMINATION OF PHYSICAL AND

CHEMICAL WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

An Experimental Study Presented to the

Faculty of the Department of Chemical Engineering

School of Engineering and Architecture

Saint Louis University

In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

by:

Trisha Mae Abbague

Shaine Badongen

Glydelle N. Bartolome

Louie K. Lungao

Kimberly U. Padlan

February, 2017
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to thank the Good Lord for the

Guidance and knowledge that led for the completion of the experimental paper.

Also to our beautiful, kind and approachable teacher, Engr. Katelyn G. Gabon

For guiding and teaching her students informations

regarding the experiments.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
ABSTRACT iv
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 1
Chapter 2: DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 3
Chapter 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5
Chapter 4: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 8
REFERENCES 9
APPENDIX 10
APPENDIX A List and Uses of Apparatus 11
APPENDIX B Definition of Terms 12
APPENDIX C Computations 13
APPENDIX D Documentations 14
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1 Physical and Chemical water quality parameters 5-6

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 ABSTRACT

The experiment presents the water characterization. Able to characterize and obtain a
representative water sample. Identify some physical water quality parameters such as
temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity and total dissolved solids. Water sampling and
analysis involve the collection of water samples and measurement for chemical and
biological characteristics to determine its quality. The type of samples collected was grab
samples which were singly collected at a specific spot at the site over a period of time .From
the datum gathered, the average pH value of the river is 7.69, which denotes that the river is
generally slightly basic with the presence of carbonates and hydroxides. Conductivity values
are very low but they still reflect the salt content or dissolved inorganic solids such as
magnesium, iron and calcium. Conductivity varies directly with total dissolved solids.
Turbidity values are quite unbalanced from datum. Low turbidity levels indicates a better
quality of water, suspended solids content may affect the turbidity of water. Water samples
are obviously not a healthy one according to the water quality standards.

Keywords: water sample, turbidity, conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids.

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 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Water has many properties. One of its properties is the ability to dissolve many

substances and was therefore is known as the universal solvent and is seldom found pure in

nature. In fact, natural waters may contain hundreds or even thousands of chemicals, and in

some cases, an equal number of biological biological life forms (such as microorganisms).

All forms of life depend on water. Water helps to dissolve chemicals in foods and the n

transports these chemicals to cells in our bodies. However, sometimes harmful substances

can dissolve in water. Substances that harm the quality off water known as pollutants or

contaminants which can be harmful living things and the environment.

On the other hand, water is classified as surface waters, wetlands, estuaries and

groundwater. Focusing on surface waters, these are primarily in streams, rivers, lakes and

reservoirs. Surface water supplies are not as reliable as groundwater sources because

quantities often fluctuate widely during the course of a year or even a week, and the quantity

of surface water is easily degraded by various sources of pollution.

In these experiment, one of its objectives was to learn the technique for evaluating

water quality in term of physical and chemical parameters. Physical parameters includes,

Suspended solids, Temperature, Turbidity, Color and Taste and Odor. While on the other

hand, chemical parameters includes Total Suspended Solids, Alkalinity, Hardness, Flourides

and Metals.

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The sample used was from the Asin-Galiano River of Benguet Philippines. The type

of samples collected was Grap samples which were singly collected at a specific spot at site

over a short period of time. A sample can represent only the composition of its source at the

time and place of collection.

 Chapter 2

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This experiment was done on-site. The researchers went to their respective sampling

point. The water samples used for the testing procedures are freshly obtained from the

sampling points. The apparatuses used are TDS meter, pH meter, colorimeter, conductivity

meter and beakers. This experiment used a qualitative approach. The data obtained are

based on the quality of the water sample and mathematical approach are not used in

obtaining these data.

A. Water Sampling

The researchers went to their assigned sampling points. The researchers washed two

1-liter plastic bottles using their water sample thrice. They carefully filled the bottles with

their water sample. They get their water sample in the middle part of their sampling point for

them to get their representative water samples. They make sure that their container is filled

completely with the sample. After that, the water samples are brought in the laboratory

where different tests are conducted. These tests should be done not beyond 48 hours after the

time the water samples are taken. Then, the remaining water samples are stored inside the

refrigerator.

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B. Determination of Physical water quality parameters

a. Determination of the Temperature of the water sample

10 ml of the water sample are placed in a 100-ml beaker. Then, the

thermometer was dipped in the water sample and waited for the reading.

b. Determination of the pH of the water sample

10 ml of water sample are placed in a 100-ml beaker. The electrode of the pH

meter was dipped in the water sample. After that, the reading was recorded.

c. Determination of the Conductivity of the water sample

10 ml of the water sample are placed in a 100-ml beaker. Then, the electrode

of the conductivity meter was placed in the water sample. Reading was them

recorded.

d. Determination of the Turbidity of the water sample

The cuvette was washed with water sample twice. It is then filled with the

water sample until it is half-filled. Then, it is placed in the colorimeter. After

that, the reading was recorded.

 Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1 below shows the monitoring data for Asin-Galiano river. The measurements

were obtained on Feb. 25, 2017 at the different sampling points presented.

Table 3.1 Physical and Chemical Water Quality Parameter

Conductiv Turbidi TDS
pH
Sampling point Time ity ty (mg/L
(25C)
(s/ms) (FAU) )
#01 Orchids street 7:45 7.89 16.84 ms 0 184
#02 Asin bridge 2 8:01 7.52 18.06 ms 6 280
#03 Asin bridge 1 8:23 8.09 17.59 ms 2 260
#04 Dacag bridge 8:34 7.61 16.70 ms 0 185
#05 Cheska store 9:10 7.36 172 s 8 93
#06 Pacac bridge 9:37 6.71 15.45 ms 8 115
#07 Ayugad bridge 9:50 7.50 15.01 ms 0 96
#08 Irisan bridge 10:10 7.79 172 s 2 90
#09 Neverland resort 10:06 7.85 14.75 ms 2 78
#10 Lasong bridge 10:29 6.92 14.70 ms 3 76
#11 After tunnel 1 10:45 7.81 16.21 ms 5 167
#12 Bucan bridge 11:02 7.79 343 s 52 107
#13 River view 1:35 7.98 15.88 ms 5 151
#14 Asin hot spring 11:28 7.50 235 s 9 128
#15 Atad hanging bridge 12:02 7.91 15.56 ms 5 152
#16 Lumicneng creek/ Batuan
12:28 7.91 15 74 ms 3 138
bidge
#17 Coplo bridge 12:40 8.09 16.04 ms 14 157
#18 Upstream 12:58 8.17 16.01 ms 20 156

From the data above, the average pH value of the river is 7.69 which indicates that

the river is generally slightly basic with the presence of carbonates, bicarbonates and

hydroxides. Aside from human activities, another factor that may have contributed to this

alkalinity is the rock and soil composition through which the water flows. Rocks such as

limestone can neutralize acid. Only at the sampling points number 6 and 10 that the pH

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values were shown to be lower than 7 which indicates its acidity. Plant growth within the

area may have caused the acidity. When organic materials decompose, they release carbon

dioxide which can combine with water to form carbonic acid. The river is still vulnerable to

pH reduction since its resistance to pH change is low.

Although the conductivity values are very low, they still reflect the salt content of

the river or the dissolved inorganic solids such as chlorides, magnesium, sodium, iron, and

calcium. Conductivity may be a function of dissolved solids provided that the dissolved

solids can be ionized. Some sources of TDS are agricultural or residential runoff, clay soils,

and sewage discharge. With a little deviation, it can be observed that conductivity varies

directly with the total dissolved solids.

The turbidity values are quite unstable. Low turbidity levels may indicate a healthy

system or a better quality of water. Sampling points 1, 4, and 7 which even have zero

turbidity values indicate their very low content of suspended solids which are a significant

factor in

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determining the turbidity of water. On the other hand, sampling points 17, 18, and

12 have higher values of turbidity being 14, 20, and 52 FAU, respectively. These values may

actually cause problems especially when they get even higher. High turbidity can cause

temperature to rise because the suspended solids absorb more heat. Suspended solids also

interfere with light penetration thereby affecting the photosynthetic reaction and the amount

of dissolved oxygen in water which can now impose harm to aquatic life. Since Asin-

Galiano is a flowing body of water, turbidity is expected. The velocity of water also affects

turbidity. Faster water movement can stir up suspended solids from the water bedrock or soil

causing higher turbidities.

For Asin-Galiano river, it can observed that the TDS values are lower than 1500

mg/L, the pH ranges from 6.5 8.5, and the conductivity is very low at all sampling points

indicating that the river can be considered as fresh water.

 Chapter 4

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Datum collected are the physical and chemical properties of water. Physical

properties include temperature, turbidity, suspended solids, color and taste and odor.

Chemical properties have total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, hardness and quantities of

fluorides and some metals. Water sample collected is a bit basic which is far from its neutral

pH, since, it comes from different streams. A turbidity of 14 FTU is obviously not for

drinking water. The water sample comprise amount of inorganic salts and organic matter

based from its total dissolved solids.

Since modern gadgets/apparatuses are used to collect datum to be required, patience

and perseverance are the best way to measure datum accurately.

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REFERENCES

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater; APHA, AWWA,
st
and WEF, 21 Edition, 2005.
Methods for the Examinations of Waters and Associated Materials: General Principles
of Sampling and Accuracy of Results. 1980. Her Majestys Stationery Off., London,
England.

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APPENDICES
 APPENDIX A

List and Uses of Apparatus

TDS Meter indicates the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of a solution, i.e. the

concentration of dissolved solid particles. The only true way of measuring TDS is to

evaporate the water and weigh whats left. Since this is near impossible to do for the

average person, is it possible to estimate the TDS level by measuring the EC of the

water. Every digital TDS meter in the world is actually an EC meter.

pH Meter is a scientific instrument that measures the hydrogen-ion concentration (or

pH) in a solution, indicating its acidity or alkalinity. The pH meter measures the

difference in electrical potential between a pH electrode and a reference electrode. It

usually has a glass electrode plus a calomel reference electrode, or a combination

electrode.
A calorimeter is a device used to measure the quantity of heat transferred to or from

an object. A calorimeter is generally used to measure the amount of heat energy and

then uses that to calculate the specific heat of a substance or other heat related

information. Calorimeters include two vessels. One is known as an outer vessel and

the other is known as an inner vessel.

A conductivity meter measures an aqueous solution's ability to carry an electrical

current. As the number of dissolved ions increases, so does the solution's ability to

carry an electrical charge. This electrical charge is what allows a conductivity meter

to measure the conductance of a solution.

A beaker is a simple container for stirring, mixing and heating liquids commonly

used in many laboratories. Beakers are generally cylindrical in shape, with a flat

bottom.

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 APPENDIX B

Definition of Terms

Turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of

individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye, similar to smoke in

air. The measurement of turbidity is a key test of water quality.

Physical properties of water quality include temperature and turbidity. Chemical

characteristics involve parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen. Biological

indicators of water quality include algae and phytoplankton.

Conductivity (or specific conductance) of an electrolyte solution is a measure of its

ability to conduct electricity. The SI unit of conductivity is siemens per meter (S/m).
pH is a determined value based on a defined scale, similar to temperature. This means

that pH of water is not a physical parameter that can be measured as a concentration

or in a quantity. Instead, it is a figure between 0 and 14 defining how acidic or basic a

body of water is along a logarithmic scale.

A Grab sample our sample collected at a particular time and place can represent only

the composition of the source at that time and place. As the name implies Grab

samples are simple scoops of the wastewater being sampled and appropriate where

conditions are constant or well mixed and slow to change.

Composite samples are either amalgamated or made up of smaller sub samples, and

can be prepared in two ways. Automatic samplers can eliminate human errors in

manual sampling, reduce labour costs, provide the means for more frequent sampling,

and are used increasing.

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 APPENDIX C

Computations
No computations was performed.

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 APPENDIX D

Documentations

Sampling point: Caplo Bridge

C
o ll
e ct
i n
g

of samples in clean plastic bottle.

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