Water Analysis Section: 21 Date Of Submission: 07 ✓ Solved

Title Water Analysis Section: 21 Date of submission: 07

Introduction & Purpose: Water is a vital part of both our environment and our body systems. It covers nearly three quarters of the earth’s surface and makes up between 60 and 70% of human body matter. It is an essential component of nearly everything we eat and drink. Water, food, and air are crucial for human life, making water a significant focus for many researchers. Water properties differ from one place to another depending on the source. Rivers, wells, and desalinated seawater each present unique characteristics, from pH to conductivity and the amount of dissolved solids. These properties determine the uses of water; for instance, water with a pH greater than 7 is basic and is used as cooling water in many industries due to its reduced risk of corrosion. However, water pollution is one of the most common problems globally. Pollutants such as nitrites and dissolved solids can render water dangerous for humans, animals, and plant life. Therefore, monitoring the properties of our drinking water is crucial to ensure it meets human consumption standards, as outlined by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), which publishes a table of drinking water properties annually.

The main goal of our experiment is to measure the alkalinity, nitrates, pH, conductivity, and total dissolved solids in drinking water to ensure its safety for human use.

Safety: Safety is paramount in any laboratory setting. Before conducting any experiment, one should review the procedure and the required materials thoroughly. Most chemistry laboratories handle dangerous and unfamiliar substances. The buffers and titrants used in this experiment can be hazardous without proper laboratory techniques. For example, hydrochloric acid is a corrosive and toxic substance; thus, avoiding direct contact with chemicals is crucial. In the event of a spill, wash the affected area with plenty of water and detergent. Always wear personal protective equipment, including safety goggles, and work under a hood to avoid inhaling toxic gases emitted by certain chemicals.

Samples: Our group collected four water samples, classified as follows:

• Sample 1: Tap water from Monroe, MI (Nicola Zochowski)
• Sample 2: Well water from Toledo, Ohio (William Higgins)
• Sample 3: Tap water from Toledo, Ohio (Najma Mohamed)
• Sample 4: Tap water from Sylvania, Toledo, Ohio (Abdulbaset Ali)

Chemicals and glassware utilized in the experiments included buffer solutions for calibrating the pH meter (pH 4, 7, 10), buffer solutions for the conductivity meter (0 mg/L, 100 mg/L), and testing solutions (HCl and sodium thiosulfate). Additional equipment such as a pH meter, conductivity meter, nitrate meter, burette, volumetric pipette, and Erlenmeyer flasks were also employed.

Procedure: The analytical procedures for all samples were uniform, although variations in data collection occurred. The steps for pH measurement involved calibrating the pH meter, inserting it into the sample, and recording stable readings. A similar process was followed for conductivity measurements, ensuring the meters were properly calibrated before use. Total alkalinity and total hardness were assessed using titration methods, recording the amount of acid used during titrations to analyze the gathered data.

Discussion: The analysis of the water samples revealed varying properties contingent upon their sources. For instance, the first sample from Monroe, MI exhibited a pH of 8.18, which exceeds the recommended drinking water range (6.5 to 7.5). This basic water is suitable for industrial purposes, as it mitigates corrosion risks; however, it may cause clogging in high-temperature systems due to calcium carbonate precipitation. The second sample, well water from Toledo, demonstrated elevated conductivity levels (930 micro Siemens/cm), well above the acceptable drinking water standard of 250-500 micro Siemens/cm, necessitating additional treatment before safe consumption.

The analysis further indicated that the third sample from the University of Toledo met acceptable drinking water standards, exhibiting a pH within neutral limits and a conductivity of 354 micro Siemens/cm. Low nitrate levels in this sample suggested minimal dissolved solids, contrasting the fourth sample from Sylvania, which had elevated nitrate concentrations (15.8 mg/L) due to nearby agricultural activities involving nitrogen fertilizers.

This analysis serves to highlight the importance of monitoring water quality to safeguard public health and inform communities about their drinking water standards. The data suggests areas that may require intervention to meet safety expectations.

Error discussion: Numerous potential errors may impact water analysis results. Calibration inaccuracies in the pH meter due to unclean buffers can lead to erroneous readings. Moreover, equipment contamination, improper sample handling, and failure to adhere to procedural requirements could significantly compromise assay integrity. It is crucial to minimize such variances by maintaining rigorous laboratory practices.

Conclusion: Comparing the different water sources indicates some samples, particularly those from Sylvania and Toledo, require treatment before human consumption due to high nitrate concentrations and conductivity. In contrast, the sample from the University of Toledo was deemed safe, likely due to advanced treatment processes. The ongoing analysis of water quality underscores the significant role of effective filtration technologies, such as reverse osmosis, that can yield healthier drinking water.

References

• Kipenhan, E. P. (2000). Chem 1290 Laboratory Manual. Cengage Learning.
• World Health Organization. (2017). Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
• Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
• American Water Works Association. (2019). Water Quality and Treatment.
• National Research Council. (2008). Estimated Costs of Contaminated Ground Water Cleanup.
• United States Geological Survey. (2020). Water Quality Information.
• Bell, R. (2016). Water Quality Testing for Beginners.
• Institute of Medicine. (2004). Dietary Reference Intakes: Water, 2004.
• Schreiber, A. (2018). Assessing Water Quality in Canada.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Water Pollution and Data Monitoring.