7 WSSE Lab Manual
7 WSSE Lab Manual
LAB MANUAL
The samples of water and wastewater collected from different sources should be transported
at the earliest to the laboratory for, the purpose of analysis. There is a well-defined procedure
for collection, transportation and preservation of the sample so that the sample will be
truly) representative sample i.e. representing the characteristics of the whole sample. It
should be ensured that there should be no change in physical, chemical and bacteriological
characteristics during the period of transportation and preservation. Adequate quantity of the
sample should be collected depending on the specific purpose of analysis. Generally, five
litres of water or wastewater is adequate for routine analysis.
The procedure for collection, transportation and preservation of water and wastewater sample
are listed below.
• Utmost care and cleanliness a r e most important for collection of the sample. The
bottle used for collection of sample should be well stoppered good quality of
glass or polyethylene bottle. The bottle should be thoroughly c l e a n e d , sterilized
and rinsed with the sample to be collected. The stopper should be tight and properly
sealed with wax after collection of the sample.
• The collection bottle should be properly labeled with the information such as
name and location of the source, sample number, date and time of collection,
volume of sample, any specific information regarding analysis date and time of testing
• In case of highly polluted water i.e. wastewater and industrial wastewater, the exact
point of source should be mentioned.
• The sample collected from the source should ensure that it is a representative sample.
• In case of higher atmospheric/ambient temperature, the sample should be transported
i n ice bags and reach the laboratory preferably within six hours from the time of
collection.
• The sample should be preserved in the laboratory at a temperature of 10°C.
• The time interval between collection of sample and actual testing in laboratory
should be desirably within
(i) 72 hours for clear and unpolluted water sample.
(ii) 12 hours for polluted sample and wastewater.
(iii) 6 hours for septic sewage and industrial effluent.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN THE LABORATORY
Theory:
Measurement of pH is most frequently used in water chemistry. Practically, every phase of
water supply and wastewater treatment, e.g. water softening, precipitation, coagulation,
disinfection, acid-base neutralization is pH dependent. At a given temperature, the intensity
of acidic or basic character of a solution is indicated by pH
Alkalinity and acidity are the acid- and base-neutralizing capacities of a water and usually
are expressed as milligrams CaCO3 per litre. pH as defined by the Sorenson is – log[H+],
negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration. It is the intensity factor of acidity. Pure
water is slightly ionized and at equilibrium, the product is
Apparatus:
The apparatus consists of a pH meter with glass and reference electrode with temperature
compensation.
Procedure:
The pH meter is switched on and allowed it to warm for some period. Then the meter is
standardized by dipping the electrode in pH 4.00 & 9 buffer. The temperature of water is
measured and the temperature knob is kept at on that temperature. Now the instrument is
calibrated and ready for measuring the pH of unknown solutions.
Tabulation:
Sample pH Temp(°C)
Theory:
Conductivity is the capacity of water to carry an electrical current that varies both with
number and types of ions in the solution which is related to the concentration of ionized
substances in the water. Most dissolved inorganic substances in water are in the ionized
form that contributes to conductance. Conductivity measurement gives rapid and practical
estimate of the variations in the dissolved contents of water.
Environmental Significance:
Electrical conductivity measurement is useful for quantitative measurement of ions dissolved
in water, which are important for boiler feed water and cooling water etc. Conductivity data is
useful in determining the suitability of water and wastewater for disposal on land. Irrigation
waters up to 2 millisiemens/cm conductance have been found to be suitable for irrigation
depending on soils and climatic characteristics.
Requirements:
Conductivity Meter, Flask, Beaker, Wash Bottle
Reagents:
0.01 N, KCL solution: Dissolve 0.746 grams of potassium chloride in 1 liter of distilled water.
Procedure:
2. Then the electrode is immersed in 0.01 N KCL solution and the conductivity should be
1413 micro mhos at 25°C temperature. Now the instru ment is calibrated.
4. Then the cell is removed from KCL solution and washed it thoroughly with distilled water.
6. The instrument reading is noted down. If the cell constant is given on the cell itself, the
measured value of conductivity = Cell Constant X Screen reading.
Tabulation:
Theory:
Turbidity is a measure the extent to which light is either absorbed or scattered by suspended
material present in the water. Surface waters results from the erosion of colloidal material
such as clay, slit, rock fragments and metal oxides from soil, vegetable fibers and micro-
organisms may also contribute to turbidity. Drinking water supplies requires special
treatment by chemical coagulation and filtration before it may be used for public water
supply.
This turbidity can be brought down to required level by adding coagulants.
Coagulants when added to water it will form a geletaneous substance known as floc and this
will arrest the fine suspended and colloidal particles. These arrested particles will settle
down rapidly because of increase in their size.
Environmental Significance:
Turbidity water is displeasant and is accepted for domestic use. The colloidal matter
associated with turbidity provides adsorption sites for chemicals and biological organisms
that may be harmful or cause undesirable tastes and odour. Disinfection of the turbid waters
is difficult and unsatisfactory, since the colloids partially shield organisms from the
disinfectant. This IS values for drinking water is 10 to 25 NTU.
Apparatus:
Nephelo turbidity meter.
Reagents:
1. Turbidity free water: Pass distilled water through a lower turbidity than distilled water,
discard the first 200ml, collected. If filtration does not reduce turbidity use distilled water.
2. Stock turbidity solutions:-
i) Solution 1: Dissolve 1.0 grams hydrazine suplate (NH2)2.H2So4 in distilled water and
dilute it to 100 ml in a make up flask.
ii) Solution 2: Dissolve 10.0 grams hexamethylene tetramine (CH2)6N4 in distilled water and
dilute it to 100ml.
iii) Solution 3: In a 100ml flask, mix 5ml. each of solution 1 and 2. Allow it to stand 24 hours,
then dilute it to 100ml and mix thoroughly. The turbidity of this solution is 400 NTU.
iv) Standard Turbidity Solution: Take 10.0ml of solution 3 in a 100ml make up flask and
dilute it to 100ml. with turbid free water. The turbidity of this suspension is 40 NTU.
Procedure:
a) Calibration of Nephelometer:
i) Proper range of NTU on Nephelometer is selected.
ii) By placing distilled water in Nephelometer test tube, the Nephelometer reading to zero is
set using the knobs.
iii) Using the standard turbid solution (i.e. 40 NTU), the Nephelemeter (i.e. adjust the
Nephelemeter reading to 40 NTU using calibration knob) is calibrated.
Tabulation:
Theory:
Acidity of water is its quantitative capacity to neutralize a strong base to a designated pH.
Acidity of water is significant in many water supply systems, because acidity influences
certain chemical and biological process in water. Acidity of water is due to Hydrogen ions
(H+) present in a sample of water. As a result, dissociation of Hydrogen ions is neutralized
by titration with standard solution of a strong base in presence of an indicator. Dissolved
Carbon dioxide is usually the major acidic component of surface water.
Environmental Significance:
1. Acidic waters are of concern because of their corrosive char act er ist ics a n d the
expense involved in removing o r controlling t h e corrosion-producing substances.
The corrosive factor in most waters is carbon dioxide, but in many industrial
wastewaters, it is mineral acidity.
2. In the development of new public water supplies, the carbon dioxide acidity
is an important factor that must be considered in the treatment method and
the facilities needed.
3. Many underground supplies require treatment to overcome corrosive
characteristics resulting from carbon dioxide. The amount present is an important
factor in determining whether removal by aeration or simple neutralization with lime
or sodium hydroxide will be chosen as treatment method.
4. The quantities of chemicals, size of chemical feeders, storage space and cost of
treatment are determined from the laboratory data based on acidity.
5. When biological processes of treatment are used, the pH must be maintained in
between 6 to 8.5. This criterion often requires adjustment of pH to favorable levels
and calculation of the amount of chemical needed is based upon acidity values in
most cases.
Apparatus:
Titration Stand with Burette, Conical Flask, Beaker, Measuring Cylinder, Pipette, Funnel,
Wash Bottle etc.
Reagents:
0.02 N NaOH Solution: Dissolve 0.8 grams of NaoH in 1 liter of distilled water.
Phenolphthalein Indicator: Dissolve 0.5 gm of Phenolphthalein Indicator in 500 ml distilled
water.
Methyl orange Indicator: Dissolve 0.5 g of Methyl orange Indicator & dilute to 1000 ml with
distilled water.
Procedure:
A. Methyl Orange Acidity
1. 50ml of sample is taken in a conical flask (V).
2. 2 drops of methyl orange is added to it and the colour change is being observed. If color is
turned to yellow, methyl orange acidity is absent. If colour is turned to orange, sample is
titrated with 0.02 N NaOH till colour changes to faint orange. The volume of NaOH
consumed (A) is noted.
B. Phenolphthalein Acidity
1. Then suitable volume of sample (25, 50 or 100 mL) is taken in a Conical flask.(V)
2. 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator is added and the colour change is being observed,
If the sample is turned to pink color it means that, phenolphthalein acidity is absent and the
experiment is stopped.
3. If there is no color change, then it is titrated with 0.02N Standard NaOH solution till faint
pink color is appeared. The end point is colorless to faint pink color. Additional volume of
NaOH consumed (B) is noted.
Observation:
1. Titrant :
2. Indicators : Phenolphthalein and Methyl Orange Indicator
3. End Point : a) Yellow to Faint Orange b) Colorless to Faint Pink Color
Tabulation:
Calculations:
Methylorange acidity as CaCO3 in mg/l = (Volume of NaOH (A) x N x 50 x1000)/V
Phenolphthalein acidity as CaCO3 in mg/l = (Volume of NaOH (B) x N x 50 x1000)/V
Total acidity as CaCO3 in mg/l = (Volume of NAOH (A)+(B) x N x 50 x1000)/V
Results:
Theory:
Alkalinity of water is its quantitative capacity to neutralize a strong acid to a designated pH.
Alkalinity is significant in treatment of wastewater. It is significant in determining suitability of
water for drinking as well as irrigation purpose. Alkalinity is primarily due to salts of weak
acids and bicarbonates. Major part of alkalinity is because of the action of Carbon dioxide on
basic materials.
Environmental Significance:
1. Highly alkaline waters are usually unpalatable and consumers tend to seek other
supplies.
2. Chemicals used for coagulation of water and wastewater react with water to
form hydroxide precipitates. The hydrogen ions released react with the alkalinity of
the water. Thus, the alkalinity acts to buffer the water in pH range where the
coagulant can be effective. Alkalinity must be present in excess of that destroyed
by the acid released by the coagulant for effective and complete coagulation to
occur.
3. Alkalinity is a major item that must be considered in calculating the lime and soda
ash requirements in softening of water by precipitation methods.
4. Alkalinity is an important parameter involved in corrosion control.
5. Alkalinity measurements are made as a means of evaluating the buffering
capacity of wastewater and sludge. They can also be used to assess the ability of
natural water to resist the effects of acid rain.
Apparatus:
Titration Stand with Burette, Conical Flask, Beaker, Measuring Cylinder,Pipette, Funnel,
Wash Bottle etc.
Reagents:
0.02 N NaOH Solution: Dissolve 0.8 grams of NaoH in 1 liter of distilled water.
Methyl orange Indicator: Dissolve 0.5 g of Methyl orange Indicator & dilute to 1000ml with
distilled water.
Procedure:
A. Phenolphthalein Alkalinity:
1. Suitable volume of sample is taken in a conical flask.
2. 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator is added to sample and the colour change is
observed.
3. If the sample is turned to pink in colour, then it is titrated with 0.02 N H2SO4, till the pink
colour is disappeared. The volume of acid required as (A) is noted.
4. If the pink colour does not exist it indicates that, phenolphthalein Alkalinity is absent. Then
continue the titration with Methyl Orange indicator.
B. Methyl Orange Alkalinity:
1. 2-3 drops of methyl orange is added to the same flask and titration is continued till colour
becomes orange. The volume of H2SO4 consumed as (B) is noted.
2. If there is no pink colour after adding phenolphthalein, process is continued according to
step 3.
3. The alkalinity in mg/l is calculated as follows;
Observation:
1. Titrant :
Tabulation:
The values obtained from Phenolphthalein and Total alkalinity determination for a given
sample of water are used to estimate three forms of alkalinity shown below.
Results:
Sample Used :
Phenolphthalein Alkalinity (mg/L):
Methyl Orange Alkalinity (mg/L):
Total Alkalinity (mg/L) :
Hydroxide Alkalinity :
Carbonate Alkalinity :
Bicarbonate Alkalinity :
Theory:
Hardness of water is a measure of soap consuming capacity to produce foam or lather. Also
produce scale in hot water pipes, heaters, boilers and other units, precipitated by Calcium
and Magnesium ions commonly and by ions of other polyvalent metals such as Aluminium,
Iron, Strontium, Zinc etc. present in water. Calcium and Magnesium ions are usually present
in significant concentrations in natural water.
Temporary hardness is mainly due to presence Carbonate and Bicarbonate of Calcium
and Magnesium. Permanent hardness is mainly due to presence of Sulphate and Chlorides
of Calcium and Magnesium. The degree of hardness of drinking water has been classified in
terms of the equivalent CaCO3 concentration as follows:
Soft: 0 - 60 mg/L; Medium: 60 - 120 mg/L; Hard: 120 -180 mg/L; Very hard: 180 mg/L.
Environmental Significance:
Scales are formed as inner coating of the pipelines which prevents corrosion. Absolutely soft
waters are corrosive and dissolve the metals. Hard water is useful to growth of children due
to the presence of calcium. Hard waters cause excessive consumption of soap used for
cleaning purpose. Sodium soaps react with multivalent metallic cations to form a precipitate,
thereby lose their surfactant properties. Lathering doesn’t take place until all hardness ions
precipitate out. This precipitate adheres to surfaces of tubes, sinks, dish washer and may
stain clothing. Scales formed mainly due to carbonate hardness act as insulations and
cause enormous loss of fuel in boiler. Scales deposited due to increase in pH to 9 at which
bicarbonates are converted as carbonates are formed in distribution mains reducing their
carrying capacity.
Apparatus:
Titration Stand with Burette, Conical Flask, Beaker, Measuring Cylinder, Pipette, Funnel,
Wash Bottle etc.
Reagents:
Standard EDTA solution 0.01 M (0.02N): Dissolve 3.723 gm EDTA disodium salt and dilute
to 1000 ml distilled water.
Erichrome black T indicator: Mix 0.5gm dye with 100 gm NaCI to prepare dry powder. or 0.5
gm of indicator in 100 ml of Ethyl Alcohol.
Ammonium Hydroxide (N OH). Add 1.25 gm magnesium salt of EDTA and dilute to 250 ml
with distilled water.
Procedure:
50mL of sample is taken in a conical flask (V) and 1-2 ml of Ammonia buffer solution is
added to it. A pinch of Eriochrome black T is added and titrated with standard EDTA (0.01
M) till wine red color changes to blue color. The Volume of EDTA is noted down.
Then another 50 mL of sample is taken in a clean beaker and boiled for 20minutes to
remove precipitate form due to decomposition of temporary hardness. A reagent blank is run
with distilled water and above steps is followed. The volume of EDTA consumed is noted
down.
Observation:
1. Titrant :
2. Indicators : Eriochrome Black T Indicator
3. End Point : Wine Red to Blue
Tabulation:
Total Hardness:
Sample Initial Final Total Volume of Total
Burette Burette Burette EDTA(ml) hardness in
reading of reading of reading of mg/l
sample sample sample
Permanent Hardness:
Calculations:
Volume of hard water taken=
Sample Initial Final Total Volume of Permanent
Burette Burette Burette EDTA(ml) hardness in
reading of reading of reading of mg/l
sample sample sample
Result:
Discussions:
Theory:
Chloride in the form of chlorine ion is one of the major inorganic anions. The salty taste
produced by Chloride concentration is variable and dependent on the chemical composition
of water. The Chloride is higher in wastewater than in raw water. Along the sea costal,
Chloride may be present in high concentrations because of intrusion of salt water into the
water and sewage system. In this method, slightly alkaline solution is used. Potassium
chromate can indicate the end point of Silver nitrate titration of Chloride as quantitatively
precipitated before red Silver chromate is formed.
In Mohr's method, the acidity of the water sample is removed by adding calcium
carbonate. Potassium chromate acts as an indicator for titration. Preferential
precipitation of white silver chloride over red silver chromate is the principle of this
method. The change of colour from white to red indicates the end point. The reactions
are:
NaCI + AgN03 ~ AgCI + NaNO3
(white)
Ag2Cr04 + 2KNO3 (red)
Environmental Significance:
Chlorides associated with sodium (Sodium Chloride) exert salty taste when its concentration
is more than 250 mg/L. These impact a salty taste to water. Chlorides are generally limited
to 250 mg/L in water supplies intended for public water supply. In many areas of the world
where water supplies are scarce, sources containing as much as 2000 mg/L are used for
domestic purposes without the development of adverse effect, once the human system
becomes adapted to the water.
It can also corrode concrete. Magnesium chloride in water generates hydrochloric acid after
heating which is also highly corrosive and creates problem in boilers. Chloride
determinations in natural waters are useful in the selection of water supplies for human use.
Chloride determination is used to determine the type of desalting apparatus to be used and
to control pumping of ground water from locations where intrusion of seawater is a problem.
Apparatus:
Titration Stand with Burette, Conical Flask, Beaker, Measuring Cylinder, Pipette, Funnel,
Wash Bottle etc.
Reagents:
1. Standard silver nitrate solution, AgN03 (0.02 N)
Observation:
1. Titrant :
2. Indicator : Potassium Chromate Solution
3. End Point : Yellow to Brick Red
Tabulation:
Calculations:
Theory:
Chlorine will liberate free iodine from potassium iodide (Kl) solutions at pH 8 or less. The
liberated iodine is titrated with a standard solution of sodium thiosulphate with starch as the
indicator. The liberated iodine is directly proportional to the concentration of chlorine present
in sample. Titrate at pH 3 to 4 because the reaction is not stoichiometric at neutral pH due to
partial oxidation of phosphate to sulfate.
Select a sample volume that will require not more than 20mL of 0.01N sodium thiosulphate.
For residual chlorine concentration of 1 mg/L or less, 100mL sample for chlorine range 1-10
mg/L, 500ml for chlorine above 10mg/L and proportionally less as per chlorine concentration.
Apparatus:
Titration Stand with Burette, Conical Flask, Beaker, Measuring Cylinder, Pipette, Funnel,
Wash Bottle etc.
Reagents:
Procedure:
1. Titrant:
Tabulation:
Calculation:
Result:
Discussion:
Discuss about the potability of water based on the result obtained.