Experiment 1: Water Quality Test

1.1 Introduction
Water quality can be defined as the chemical, physical and biological
characteristics of water which usually respects to its suitability for a designated use
(Ritabrata Roy. 2012). Basically, this test is conducted to determine whether the water
quality is in compliance with the standard or not. Hence, some of the important water
parameters can be carried out at the laboratory. For example, colour, odor, turbidity, iron,
calcium, pH value and alkalinity are some common parameters that usually will be tested
in water quality test.
In this experiment, we only conduct physical characteristics of the water, which
include pH value, colour and turbidity. In water solution, pH value is refer to the
logarithm of reciprocal of hydrogen ion activity in mole per liter. While, turbidity of
water is refer to the reduction of transparency due to the presence of particularly matter
such as microscopic organisms. Regarding to the colour parameter, it may be consists
inorganic ions, humus and peat materials, plankton, weeds and industrial wastes. (HACH.
2012)

1.2 Objective
To determine the physical characteristics of sample water which taken from the drainage
at IUKL Block 9 and IUKLs Pond at Block 2.

1.3 Apparatus and Reagent

2 pH meter
3 Turbidity meter
4 Portable Spectrophotometer
5 Sample A (Water from drainage at IUKL Block 9)
6 Sample B (Water from IUKLs Pond Block 2)
7 Distilled water
8 Silicon oil
1.4 Methodology / Procedures
A) pH value and temperature
1

1. The pH meter is switched on.

2. The samples with pH value of 4.0, 7.0 and 10.0 are used to do the checking for pH
meter.
3. The distilled water is used to clean the pH meter probe.
4. Sample A is prepared and the magnetic bar is put inside the water sample.
5. The pH meter probe submerged into the sample and the reading of pH value and
temperature is recorded from pH meter.
6. Step 5 is repeated for another two times to get the average reading.
7. Step 3 until 6 are repeated for sample 6.
B) Colour
1. The Portable Spectrophotometer is switched on and the program code of 125 is
selected.
2. A blank sample that fill with distilled water is prepared.
3. The sample cell is wiped before it is placed into Portable Spectrophotometer. The
ZERO button is pressed to get the zero reading for blank sample.
4. Another sample cell is cleaned by using distilled water. Water sample A is filled into
this sample cell and the sample cell is wiped.
5. The sample cell that fill with Sample A is placed into Portable Spectrophotometer and
READ button is pressed. The colour reading for this sample cell is recorded.
6. Step 5 is repeated for another two times to get the average reading.
7. Step 4 to 6 are repeated for Water Sample B.

C)
1.
2.
3.

Turbidity
The turbidity meter is switched on and the program code of 210 is selected.
Sample cell is cleaned by using distilled water.
Water sample A is filled into sample cell. A drop of silicon oil is used to wipe the

surface of sample cell.

4. The sample cell is placed into turbidity meter and the READ button is pressed.
5. The first reading show on the turbidity meter is recorded.
6. Step 2 to 5 are repeated for Water Sample B.

1.5 Safety, Health and Precautions

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Food and beverages are prohibited in the lab.

Wear lab jacket, shoes and long pant at all time when inside the lab.
Use laboratory equipment for its designed purpose.
Long hair and loose clothing have to be confined.
Ensure the laboratory supervisor is informed of any dangerous condition.
2

6. Wear the safety gloves when using chemical preparation.

1.6 Result, Calculation and Discussion

1.6.1 Result
pH value

Sample
A
B

Sample
A
B

3
7.76
8.00

Temperature ( C)

1
7.73
8.06

2
7.75
8.01

Average
7.75
8.02

1
45
-12

Colour (PtCo)
2
3
Average
49
48
47.33
-12
-12
-12

1
26.2
26.3

2
26.3
26.3

3
26.3
26.3

Average
26.27
26.3

1
2.030
0.781

Turbidity (NTU)
2
3
Average
2.430
2.000
2.150
0.754
0.879
0.805

1.6.2 Calculation
Sample A

7.73 7.75 7.76

3
7.75

Average pH value for Sample A

26.2 26.3 26.3

3
26.27

Average Temperatur e for Sample A

45 49 48
3
47.33PtCo

Average colour for Sample A

2.030 2.430 2.000

3
2.150 NTU

Average Turbidity for Sample A

Sample B

8.06 8.01 8.00

3
8.02

Average pH value for Sample B

26.3 26.3 26.3

3
26.3

Average Temperatur e for Sample B

- 12 (-12) (-12)
3
12 PtCo

Average colour for Sample B

0.781 0.754 0.879

3
0.805 NTU

Average Turbidity for Sample B

1.6.3 Discussion
1. In this experiment, the average pH value for sample A and sample B is 7.75 and 8.02
respectively. Since the pH value for sample A and B are more than 7, hence, we these
samples classified as poor alkali. Based on the data given in Table 1, our sample
consider is Class I. This is because the average pH value for our samples is within the
ranges of 6.5 to 8.5. This kind of sample are not harmful to the natural environment.
Thus, we not need to do any treatment for it.
2. The temperature of sample A and B is 26.27 C and 26.3 C. We obtain these value
for samples temperature because we conduct this experiment in in the Environment
Lab at IUKL. Hence, it is consist as a rooms temperature for the lab.
3. The colour for sample A is 47.33 PtCo. Based on data given in Table 1, it is classified
as Class IIA. This is because the colour for sample A is more than 15 but less than
150 PtCo. Hence, the conventional treatment for water supply is needed for this kind
of sample. For sample B in experiment, the colour is -12 PtCo. It is classified as Class
I based on the data given in Table 1. This can be proved since the -12 PtCo of colour
from experiment is less than 15 PtCo from data given in Table 1. Hence, practically
no treatment necessary for this kind of sample.

4. The turbidity from the experiment for sample A and B is 2.15 NTU and 0.805 NTU
respectively. Based on the data given in Table 1, these two samples are classified as
Class I since the turbidity value for these two samples are less than 5 NTU from data
given. Hence, no treatment is necessary for these two samples.

1.7 Conclusion and Recommendation

Based on the National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (Table 1), we can
conclude that Sample A is dirtier than Sample B in term of colour parameter. This can be
proved since the colour for Sample A is classified as Class IIA from on Table 1. However,
this problem can be avoided by conduct conventional treatment. On the other hand,
Sample B is classified as Class I in term of pH value, temperature, colour and turbidity
parameters. Hence, no treatment necessary for this kind of sample.

1.8 Reference
Ritabrata

Roy.

INTRODUCTION.

22th

September
Viewed

2012.
on

WATER
1st

QUALITY

ANALYSIS:

December

AN
2015.

http://www.slideshare.net/mechydra/water-quality-analysis-introduction

HACH. 29th March 2012. Quality Testing of Drinking Water. Viewed on 1st December
2015. http://www.slideshare.net/bill16388/quality-testing-of-drinking-water

1.9 Appendixes

Appendix 1: Sample A and B are

Prepared.

Appendix 3: Testing of pH value and

temperture for water sample.

Appendix 2: pH meter probe is cleaned by

using distilled water.

Appendix 4: Test the colour parameter

for water sample.

Appendix 5: Sample water is filled

into sample cell.

Appendix 6: Silicon oil is wiped on the

surface of sample cell

before
test the turbidity.