9.

0 ADVANCED QUESTIONS

1. What does is mean by replicate? Discuss on the importance of doing replicates.

Replicate is the repetition of an experimental condition so that the variability associated with the
phenomenon can be estimated. Replication is important in an experiment as it show the consistency of
the result if research results can be replicated, it means they are more likely to be correct. It is also
important for a number of reasons including assurance that results are valid and reliable, application of
results to real world situation and as a inspiration to new research combining previous findings.

2. Why sample preservation must be done before sample storage?

Sample preservation must be done to prevent or minimize degradation or contamination. Analyse loss
can occur between sample collection and laboratory analysis because of physical, chemical and
biological processes that result in chemical precipitation, adsorption, oxidation, reduction and ion
exchange. Preservation stabilizes analyte concentrations for a limited period of time. Some samples have
a very short holding time.

3. Who is responsible for water supply maintenance/operation in Malaysia and what are their job
scopes?

Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara(SPAN). Their job scopes are plumbing, manufacturing and
supplies, water supplies contracting, sewerage services contracting, private water supply operating,
public and water supply operating, private sewerage operating, public sewerage operating and sewerage
service contracting.

4. What standard does Malaysia drinking water quality conform to?

National Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality 1983

5. Who set the drinking water standard parameters and how do consumers know whether the standards
are being followed or not?

The drinking water quality standard parameters set by the drinking water quality surveillance unit,
engineering services division, Ministry of Health Malaysia prepared a set of guidelines under the
guidance of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), Public Works Department (PWD),
Department of Chemistry (DOC) and Department of Environment (DOE).

The consumer can know whether the standards are being followed or not through water quality report
from Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) or do experiment to identify the water quality with
water quality parameters experiments.