NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCES
AND TECHNOLOGY
NUST INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
Environmental Engg-2
Measurement of Temperature, pH & Turbidity of Water
Experiment-1
Submitted By:
REHAAN KHAN CMS: 381193
UMER FAROOQ CMS: 374077
MUHAMMAD ZAIN CMS: 385732
SYED MUHAMMAD HUSSAIN CMS: 393186
SAAD MEHMOOD ABBASI CMS: 367780
Submitted To:
MA’AM ROMANA
COURSE : BECE-2021-C
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXPERIMENT 1 (A)
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................3
PROCEDURE..........................................................................................................................................3
OBSERVATIONS...................................................................................................................................3
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS.................................................................................................................3
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE .................................................................................................4
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................4
REFERNECES........................................................................................................................................4
EXPERIMENT 1 (B)
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................5
PROCEDURE..........................................................................................................................................5
OBSERVATIONS...................................................................................................................................6
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS.................................................................................................................6
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE..................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................6
REFERNECES........................................................................................................................................6
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EXPERIMENT # 1(A) (MEASUREMENT OF PH AND
TEMPERATURE)
INTRODUCTION:
pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the concentration of H+ ions. Therefore, the term "pH" is
aptly named, as it represents the "power/potential of hydrogen." The more the quantity of H + ions, the lower the pH.
The pH value for drinking water lies between the range of 6.5-8.5. Measurement of pH value is very significant in the
field of Environmental Engineering, as it provides help in water treatment processes (e.g chemical coagulation)
which require an optimum value of pH.
Principle: The working principle for the pH experiment is based on the use of sensing half cell electrode. The
sensing part us washed and dipped into the sample and left for some time (which is called stable time) and in return
it gives us reading of temperature and voltage (potential different) which is used as the pH value.
PROCEDURE:
The pH meter is turned on and the cap is removed
Using 3 buffer solutions of different known pH values (4, 7, & 10), the pH meter is calibrated. It involves
dipping the sensing electrode and manually entering the value of buffer solution each time.
Then using the calibrated pH meter, the pH value of tap water is measured, which turns out to be 7.28
OBSERVATIONS:
Sample pH Temperature
Buffer 1 7.008 25°C
Buffer 2 3.995 25°C
Buffer 3 9.998 25°C
Water 7.28 25°C
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS:
The pH values of the three buffer solutions[1] used were as expected, within the bounds of experimental uncertainty.
From this, we may deduce that the pH meter was calibrated successfully. The pH of water was obtained as 7.28,
cases was 25 ℃ as expected.
which lies very close to neutral pH and well within the range for safe drinking water. The temperature obtained in all
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ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE:
pH plays an extremely important role in many processes; hence it is essential to maintain it within optimum range by
monitoring it regularly. Temperature too vastly affects the rate of many pH-sensitive reactions, so it must also be
measured. Some applications where pH is a concern are outlined below:
1. Suboptimum pH may lead to scaling in pipes, resulting in clogging or even bursting.
2. A balanced pH is required for effective water and wastewater treatment processes.
3. pH also plays a role in water softening.
4. Hexavalent chromium is a carcinogen and toxin, which must be reduced to its trivalent form. This is only
possible at the correct pH level.
All these applications require the right temperature as well.
CONCLUSION:
While a very straightforward and simple experiment, the measurement of pH and temperature is very important as
outlined above. It must be carried out with utmost care and precision to ensure that procedures involved in
environmental engineering proceed as planned. The results obtained in this experiment are satisfactory, which can
be inferred from the pH values of the buffer solutions and the temperature readings.
REFERENCES:
pH value of primary reference buffer solutions - PTB.de. (2018, August 2). Www.ptb.de.
https://www.ptb.de/cms/en/ptb/fachabteilungen/abt3/fb-31/ag-313/ph-value-of-primary-reference-buffer-
solutions.html
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EXPERIMENT # 1(B) (MEASUREMENT OF
TURBIDITY)
INTRODUCTION:
Turbidity is the measure of the relative clarity of a liquid, an important parameter in water quality
assessment. It indicates the presence of suspended particles such as clay, silt, organic matter, plankton, and other
microscopic organisms that scatter and absorb light. High turbidity levels can affect aquatic life by reducing sunlight
penetration, thus disrupting photosynthesis, and may also indicate contamination.
There are two main methods for measuring turbidity:
The turbidity meter (Nephelometric method).
The Secchi disc method.
This experiment focuses on using these methods to evaluate the clarity of different water samples.
PROCEDURE:
1. Turbidity Meter (Nephelometric Method):
o Apparatus: Turbidity meter, distilled water, clean sample containers.
o Procedure:
1. Calibration: Begin by calibrating the turbidity meter using a standard solution, following the
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Sample Preparation: Collect water samples in clean containers, ensuring no air bubbles or
large particles are present.
3. Measurement: Place the water sample in the turbidity meter. Light is passed through the
sample, and the device measures the intensity of scattered light, which indicates turbidity.
4. Recording Results: Record the turbidity reading in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).
Repeat for different samples and take three readings for accuracy.
2. Secchi Disc Method:
o Apparatus: Secchi disc, water body (e.g., lake or pond).
o Procedure:
1. Lower the Secchi disc into the water until it is no longer visible.
2. Measure the depth at which the disc disappears. The greater the depth, the clearer the
water.
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3. Record the visibility depth for comparison.
OBSERVATIONS:
After using the turbidity meter on various water samples, the following observations were recorded:
Sample source Turbidity (NTU)
Tap water 0.47
Treated wastewater 1.68
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS:
The turbidity measurements indicate varying water clarity across different sources. Tap water has low turbidity (0.47
NTU), suggesting it is clean and safe for drinking, with minimal suspended particles. Treated wastewater, with
moderate turbidity (1.68 NTU), indicates the presence of suspended particles that may require additional treatment
for reuse or sensitive discharge.
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Turbidity measures the presence of suspended solids like organic matter and pollutants, affecting water clarity and
health. High turbidity disrupts aquatic ecosystems by reducing light penetration and can signal potential health risks
for humans. It is a crucial parameter in water treatment and environmental monitoring to ensure water quality and
compliance with regulations.
CONCLUSION:
Tap water has high quality and safety with low turbidity. Treated wastewater, while acceptable, may need further
treatment to meet specific standards. Regular turbidity monitoring is essential for maintaining water quality and
protecting public health and ecosystems.
REFERENCES:
Davies-Colley, Robert & Smith, D.. (2007). Turbidity, Suspended Sediment, and Water Clarity: A
Review. JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association. 37. 1085 - 1101.
10.1111/j.1752-1688.2001.tb03624.x.
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US EPA,OW. (2019, October 4). Water Quality Standards Handbook | US EPA. US EPA.
https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/water-quality-standards-handbook
