Name: Ivan Matras

Student Number: 215398971

Water Engineering I
ECWEN1A
Group Fourteen (14)
Submission Date: 19 October 2018
EXPERIMENT ONE
Objective
To determine water and wastewater pH

Theory (Background)
Determination of pH plays an important role in the waste water treatment process.
Extreme pH levels, presence of particulate matters, accumulation of toxic chemicals and
increasing alkalinity levels are common problems in waste water. This becomes a
serious environmental concern in recent years and hence municipal and industrial
waste water treatments are critical before it enters to lakes, rivers, canals and other
water bodies. The pH analyses are important for neutralization, precipitation,
coagulation and other biological treatment process. pH analyses are probably the most
recommended method for waste water treatment.

Apparatus
pH meter

pH meter

Methods
1. Stir water sample vigorously using a clean glass stirring rod.
2. Pour a sample into the glass beaker using the watch glass for a cover.
3. Rinse the electrodes of the pH meter well with distilled water and immerse them
into the water sample and turn the beaker slightly to obtain good contact between
the water and the electrodes.
4. The electrodes require seconds in the sample to allow the meter to stabilize
before reading can be read.
5. Read and record the pH value.
6. Rinse the electrodes well with distilled water, then dab lightly with tissues to
remove any film formed on the electrodes.
Significance of Monitoring the pH
In anaerobic treatment of waste water, determination of pH is a critical factor, if the pH
reduces below 5 is indicative of accumulation of acidic substances thus affecting the
waste water treatment process. Similarly, the shifting of pH beyond 10 also upsets the
waste water treatment. Disinfection, coagulation of water, softening of water is
controlled by the pH adjustments. Moreover, the higher pH levels in the water results in
the formation of trihalomethanes, which is a major reason for causing cancer in
humans.

Recommendations
Before measurement, pH meter should be calibrated by using at least two buffers. Also,
it is recommended to use hydrated silica gel for the glass electrode, and the electrodes
must be soaked with water or in suitable buffer followed by rinsing in water. Electrode tips
should be cleaned after use of wiping with tissue paper to remove adhering substances.
Potassium level in the calomel electrode is maintained and the cap should be removed
during measurement. For the accurate measurement of pH, the temperature of the buffer
should be maintained for standardization of pH meter is same.
Conclusion
The pH of the water and wastewater samples conform to the set standards as both the
sample are not below 5, and does not exceed 7.5 which means the treatment has a high
chance of being successful. A pH of 7 is considered as neutral. Every whole unit in pH
represents a ten-fold increase in or decrease in hydrogen ion concentration. Most natural
waters possess the pH values ranging from 5.0 to 8.5. Rain water have a pH value of 5.4
to 6.0 which then reacts with the soils and minerals causing the reduction in H+ ion
concentration and thus the water may become alkaline with a pH 0f 8.0-8.5