JAR TESTING

Objective:

As a result of this experiment, Students will be able to

1. Determine the optimum coagulant dose by conducting the coagulation study in

given primary effluent waste water sample.
2. Compare the performance of two coagulants (alum and ferric sulfate)
3. Effects of coagulation on measured water quality parameters

Apparatus and Regent:

1. Laboratory stirring equipment

2. Aluminum sulfate solution (10000 mg/L)
3. Ferric sulfate solution (10000 mg/L)

Procedures:

1. Determine the initial pH, alkalinity, and turbidity of the given sample (Primary
effluent).

2. Put 2 liters of primary effluent in twelve jar test beakers (six for alum and six for ferric
sulfate) and place on stirring apparatus.

3. Add aluminum sulfate solution 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 mL to one set of six jars

respectively.

4. Add ferric sulfate solution 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 mL to other set of six jars respectively.

5. Immediately after adding the coagulant, stir the samples at 100 rpm for 1 min.

6. Reduce the stirring rate to 30 rpm and continue mixing for 15 min.

7. Turn off the mixer and allow the floc to settle for 45 min.

8. After 45 min. of settling, carefully remove approximately 200 mL of supernatant from

each of the jars.

9. Measure the turbidity, pH and alkalinity.

 Analysis of Results:

1. Include in your analysis of results a summary table(s) of the results.

2. Graph % Turbidity removed vs. Chemical Dose, Alkalinity vs. Chemical Dose, and
discuss.
3. You should compare your results between the two coagulants.
4. Determine the optimum coagulant dose
5. Calculate the alkalinity consumed per mg/L of coagulant added, and compare with
the expected value.
6. Discuss possible and actual sources of error.

Table 4.1: Data Table for Initial Conditions of Samples

Volume of Acid
Initial pH Turbidity (NTU)
Added (mL)
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D

Table 4.2: Data Table for Ferric Sulfate

Volume of
Volume of Acid
coagulant added pH Turbidity (NTU)
added (mL)
(mL/L)
Trial 1 Trial 2
0
1
2
3
4
8

Table 4.3: Data Table for Aluminum Sulfate

Volume of
Volume of Acid
coagulant added pH Turbidity (NTU)
added (mL)
(mL/L)
0
1
2
3
4
8
Sample calculation:
Initial Turbidity − Turbidity after settling
Percent Turbidity Removed = ∗ 100%
Initial Turbidity

79.4 NTU − 41.7 NTU

Percent Turbidity Removed = ∗ 100%
79.4 NTU

Percent Turbidity Removed = 47.5%

mg mL
mL of Titrant Added ∗ Normality of Titrant ∗ 50 meq CaCO3 ∗ 1000 L
Alkalinity =
Volume of Sample

mg mL
13.2 mL ∗ 0.021N ∗ 50 CaCO3 ∗ 1000 L
meq
Alkalinity =
50 mL

mg
Alkalinity = 277.2 CaCO3
L

Change in Alkalinity
Alkalinity Consumed =
Coagulant dose

mg mg
288.8 L CaCO3 − 227.9 L CaCO3
Alkalinity Consumed = mg
80 L

mg mg
Alkalinity Consumed = .76 CaCO3 per
L L

Theoretical calculation we will discuss in the class.