Testin the Quality of Water

Introduction

During lab on Monday, April 9, 2002 our class conducted a lab on water chemistry and pollution. The two bodies of water that were choose as samples where, the Wall pond and the HGTC pond. Each group had to test the water for Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrate, Phosphate, pH, and Turbidity. Only two people where chosen to test the waters for Coliform bacteria. “Coliform bacteria are not pathogenic (disease causing) organisms, and are only mildly infectious. For this reason these bacteria are relatively safe to work with in the laboratory”. (Wilkes, 2001) This experiment is closely related to the study of science because it is a direct study of the environment. “The World Heath Organization estimates that 80 percent of all sickness and disease is lee-developed countries can be attributed to waterborne infectious agents and inadequate sanitation.” (Environmental Science, 2002) Everything that lives needs to drink water and if all the world’s water is polluted then something needs to be done. The following summary will display how the lab executed and the results of each body of water.

Materials and Methods

During the water quality lab experiment there were many items needed to complete the process. The group was given the Wall pond as their testing subject. To complete the process we used the LaMotte Water Monitoring Kit, which included: 1 large white canister containing all the test materials, 3 tall square-sided 10mL test tubes with plastic press-on caps, 1 small glass test tubes with black screw-on caps, at least 1 large round glass test tube with black screw-on caps, containing a tablet inside the tube (not in every kit because not all groups will be performing this experiment), 1 plastic color chart for comparison of sample results (ph-coliform-turbidity-DO-nitrate-phosphate), foil packets of test tablets for various tests (labels are found on the packets), 1 secchi disk sticker affixed to inside of canister, 2 thermometer strips, one high (normal) range and one low range, instructional sheets, and the LaMotte mini-booklet for tables and other information. Temperature was the first thing that the group tested. First put the High Range thermometer about 4 to 5 inches below the water for one minute. After the one- minute time frame had elapsed the thermometer was removed and the temperature was recorde...

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...s are less likely to be found in an unpolluted stream; tap water. Most of the pollutants tested were very important such as nitrates and phosphates, too much of these pollutants could damage both plants and people. “Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death.” (Suburban Water Testing Lab, 2001)

This lab experiment was very enlightening, I always though of pollution being concrete or at least something that I could see or smell, but as this experiment has shown there are many pollutants that can’t be touched or smelled, and they are still just as important as the one that are concrete. “Water usually dissolves all these completely. And almost always looking, tasting or smelling can't detect them. The only way to know in most case is reviewing the results of a water test.” (AAA Water Testing, 1999-2001)

Works Citied

Cunningham, Mary Ann - William P. 2002. Principles of Environmental Science: 1221 Avenue of the Americans, New York, NY 10020. McGraw-Hill. Pg. 244.

4-21-02

Website

http://wilkes.edu/~eqc/coliform.htm

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Website

http://www.aaawatertesting.com

4-21-02

Website

www.h2otest.com

4-21-02