Student Name: _________________ Dated: ___________________

Semester: _____________________ Session: __________________

Submitted to: _________________

AGEN-4216-Fundamental of Environmental Engineering

Lab No: 1

Title:

Demonstration of Environmental Engineering Lab and Layout of Different

Lab Equipments
 Lab No: 1

Title:

Demonstration of Environmental Engineering Lab and Layout of

Different Lab Equipments

Objectives:

 To familiar of the different lab equipments to students

 To understand the basic knowledge of environmental engineering equipments

Apparatus:

Sr. Apparatus and its usage Images

No.
1 Spectrometer
A spectrometer is a scientific instrument used
to separate and measure spectral components
of a physical phenomenon. Spectrometer is a
broad term often used to describe instruments
that measure a continuous variable of a
phenomenon where the spectral components
are somehow mixed.

2 Spectroscope
Spectroscopes are instruments that allow
scientists to determine the chemical makeup of
a visible source of light. The spectroscope
separates the different colors of light so that
scientists can discover the composition of an
object.
3 pH Meter
A pH meter is a scientific instrument that
measures the hydrogen-ion activity in water-
based solutions, indicating its acidity or
alkalinity expressed as ph.

4 Electrical Conductivity Meter

An electrical conductivity meter (EC meter)
measures the electrical conductivity in a
solution. It has multiple applications in
research and engineering, with common usage
in hydroponics, aquaculture, aquaponics, and
freshwater systems to monitor the amount of
nutrients, salts or impurities in the water.

5 Sound Level Meter

Sound-level meter, device for measuring the
intensity of noise, music, and other sounds. A
typical meter consists of a microphone for
picking up the sound and converting it into an
electrical signal, followed by electronic
circuitry for operating on this signal so that the
desired characteristics can be measured.

6 Dissolved Oxygen Meter

Dissolved oxygen meters use an
electrochemical,polarographic,amperometric,
galvanic, or optical sensor to measure the
amount of gaseous oxygen dissolved in a
water sample. DO is an important water
quality parameter that effects marine life, the
taste of drinking water, and the corrosiveness
of a water sample.
7 Incubator
An incubator is a device used to grow and
maintain microbiological cultures or cell
cultures. The incubator maintains optimal
temperature, humidity and other conditions
such as the CO₂ and oxygen content of the
atmosphere inside.

8 Centrifugal Machine
A machine for expelling water or other fluids
from moist substances, or for separating
liquids of different densities by centrifugal
action; a whirling table.

9 Oven
An oven is a tool which is used to expose
materials to a hot environment. Ovens contain
a hollow chamber and provide a means of
heating the chamber in a controlled way. In
use since antiquity, they have been used to
accomplish a wide variety of tasks requiring
controlled heating.

10 Water Distillation Unit

A water distiller is a machine that purifies
water by removing more than 99.9% of
contaminants, including chemicals, heavy
metals, microorganisms and sediment. While
design may vary, a typical water distiller
consists of a boiling chamber, a cooling
system and a separate storage tank.
Discussion:

Safety Data Analysis Performance Team Work Total

(PLO-6) (PLO-4) (PLO-5) (PLO-9)
Student Name: _________________ Dated: ___________________

Semester: _____________________ Session: __________________

Submitted to: _________________

AGEN-4216-Fundamental of Environmental Engineering

Lab No: 2

Title:

Determination of Basic Parameter i.e. pH and DO of Different Water Samples

Using Available Probes
 Lab No: 2

Title:

Determination of Basic Parameter i.e. pH and DO of Different Water Samples

Using Available Probes
Objective:
To determine the pH of the given sample of water using digital pH meter
Introduction:
The term pH refers to measure of hydrogen ion concentration in a solution and is defined as the
negative log of H+ ions concentration in water and wastewater. Values of pH, 0 to a little less
than 7 are termed as acidic and values of pH a little above 7 to 14 are termed as basic. When the
concentration of H+ and OH- ions are equal then it is termed as neutral pH.
In environmental engineering experiments, every stage of water treatment is dependent on the
pH value of the water. For example, coagulation, disinfection, control of corrosion, acid-base
neutralization, and water precipitation.
The pure water dissociates to yield a concentration of hydrogen ions equal to about 10–7mol/l.

H2O (l) H+ (aq) + OH- (aq)

The number of hydroxyl ions is equal to the hydrogen ions, so 10–7 mol of hydroxyl Ion is
produced simultaneously. The equilibrium equation gives

Kw = {[H+ ][OH- ] / [H2O]}

Where Kw= Equilibrium constant,
As the concentration of water is so extremely large and is diminished so much little by the slight
degree of ionization it may be considered as constant and the above equation can be written as:

KW = [H+][OH- ]

For pure water at 25°C,

 {H+} {OH–} = 10–7 × 10–7 = 10–14
This is known as the ion product or ionization constant for water. When an acid is mixed in
water it ionizes in the water and the H+ ion activity increases. Consequently, the OH- ion activity
must decrease according to the ionization constant.

Principle:

The basic principle of electrometric pH measurement is a determination of the activity of

hydrogen ions by potentiometric measurements using a glass electrode. Contact between the test
solution and electrode is achieved by means of a liquid junction. The electromotive force is
measured with a pH meter that is a high impedance voltmeter calibrated in terms of pH.

Environmental Significance:
The pH is important in almost every phase of environmental engineering and science.

 The acceptable value of pH for potable water is 7.0 to 8.5.

 Higher value of pH accelerates the scale formation in water heating apparatus and the
boilers.
 Higher values of pH reduce the germicidal potential of Chlorine.
 The pH value below 6.5 starts corrosion in pipes thereby releasing toxic metals like Zn.
  In the field of water supplies, it is a factor that must be considered in chemical
coagulation, disinfection, water softening, and corrosion control.
 In wastewater treatment employing biological processes, pH must be controlled within a
range favorable to the particular organisms involved. In biological treatment of waste
waters if the pH goes below 5 the decomposition is severely affected. There is a suitable
range of 5 to 10 pH for aerobic decomposition of organic matter present in the waste
waters. If the pH is beyond.
 This range then it has to be adjusted by addition of acid or alkali.
 Chemical processes used to coagulate wastewaters, dewater sludges, or oxidize certain
 Substances, such as cyanide ion, require that the pH be controlled within rather narrow
limits.
 The efficiency of the chemical coagulant like alum depends upon the pH of water and it
is most efficient in the pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.
 Similarly, chlorine is added to water to kill the bacteria and other microorganism and this
process is known as disinfection. The efficiency of chlorine is also dependent on the pH
of water. So, the determination and then the required adjustment of pH is a must for the
efficient use of coagulant and disinfectants.
For these reasons and because of the fundamental relationships that exist between pH, acidity,
alkalinity, and chemical speciation in general, it is important to understand the theoretical as well
as the practical aspects of pH.

Apparatus:

1. pH probe
2. Digital Display Tab
3. Beaker
Procedure:
Observations:
Sr. No Sample Temperature pH

Discussions:

Conclusions:

Safety Data Analysis Performance Team Work Total

(PLO-6) (PLO-4) (PLO-5) (PLO-9)
5 5 5 5 20
Student Name: _________________ Dated: ___________________

Semester: _____________________ Session: __________________

Submitted to: _________________

AGEN-4216-Fundamental of Environmental Engineering

Lab No: 3

Title:

Determination of Water Physical Parameters Color

 Lab No: 3

Title
Determination of Water Physical Parameters Color
Objective:
To analyze the water quality of a given water sample by measuring its color.
Introduction:
Pure water should not pose any color. Color in water may result from the presence of natural
metallic ions (iron and manganese), humus and peat materials, plankton, weeds, and industrial
wastes. Impurities in water may exist either in the colloidal form or in a suspended state. Color
caused by dissolved and colloidal substance is referred as "true color" and that caused by
suspended matter, is called "apparent color" as it can be easily removed by filtration.
Groundwater may show color due to the presence of iron compounds. The color value of water is
extremely pH-dependent and invariably increases as the pH of the water is raised. For this
reason, recording pH along with color is advised.
Environmental significance:
Though presence of color in water is not always harmful to human but in most cases it is. Even if
the water is not harmful, aesthetically people do not prefer to use water with color. Moreover,
disinfection by chlorination of water containing natural organics (which produces color) results
in the formation of tri-halomethanes including chloroform and a range of other chlorinated
organics leading to problems which is a major concern in water treatment. So it is important to
limit the color of water for domestic supplies.
Guideline:

According to Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules (1997), the drinking water

guideline value for color is 15 Pt-Co Unit.

Theory on experimental method:

Available method for determining the color of water:

Instrumental method (Spectrophotometric method)

Spectrophotometric method
The platinum-cobalt method is useful for measuring color of potable water and of water in which
color is due to naturally occurring materials. It is not applicable to most highly colored industrial
wastewaters. In the laboratory color of water is usually measured using spectrophotometer which
uses light intensity of a specific wavelength (455 nm). The color test measures (inversely) an
optical property of water sample which result from the absorption of light of specific wavelength
by the soluble color substances present in water, before measuring the color of water it is
necessary to perform standard calibration of the spectrophotometer.
Procedure:
Observations and calculations:

Sample No. Source of sample Wavelength Color

(nm) (TCU)

Discussions:

Conclusions:

Safety Data Analysis Performance Team Work Total

(PLO-6) (PLO-4) (PLO-5) (PLO-9)
5 5 5 5 20
Student Name: _________________ Dated: ___________________

Semester: _____________________ Session: __________________

Submitted to: _________________

AGEN-4216-Fundamental of Environmental Engineering

Lab No: 4

Title:

Determination of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

and Total Solids (TS) of Given Water Sample
 Lab No: 4

Title

Determination of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

and Total Solids (TS) of Given Water Sample
Objectives:
To find out the amount of dissolved and suspended solids present in a given sample of domestic
wastewater.
Introduction:

DS/TDS: Materials that are completely dissolved in water, filterable, residue upon evaporation of
filterable material.
SS/TSS: Materials which are not dissolved in water and are non-filterable in nature,
residue upon evaporation of non-filterable sample on a filter paper.
Units: mg/l, ppm, ppb

• Total solids (TS) are a measurement that includes the combination of total dissolved
solids and total suspended solids in a liquid.
TS = TDS + TSS
TSS = TS – TDS
Environmental Significance:

Dissolve minerals produce an aesthetically displeasing taste, color and odor. Deplete the oxygen
in the waterways. A high concentration (>3000mg/l) produces distress in livestock. Estimation is
useful to determine whether the water is useful for drinking, agriculture or industry. Suspended
material is aesthetically displeasing, and provides adsorption sites for chemical and biological
agents. Anaerobically degraded organic SS release obnoxious odors.

Biologically active SS may include disease causing organisms, toxic producing strains of
algae.
One of the parameters to measure the quality of WW influents and effluents
Principle

 A well-mixed sample is filtered through a standard glass fiber filter, and the filtrate is
evaporated to dryness in a weighed dish and dried to a constant temperature at 179-
181°C. The increase in dish weight represents the total dissolved solids.

 A well-mixed sample is filtered through a weighed standard glass fiber filter and the
residue retained on the filter is dried to a constant temperature at 103-105°C. The
increase in weight of the filter represents the total suspended solids. If the suspended
material clogs the filter and prolongs filtration, the difference between the total solids and
total dissolved solids may provide an estimate of the total suspended solids.

Determination of TS, DS and SS using Oven dry Method

Apparatus:

 Evaporating Dish
 Oven
 Desiccators
 Analytical Balance
 Graduated Cylinders
 Dish Tongs
 Gooch Crucibles
 Filter
 Vacuum Pumps
 Crucible tongs
 Forceps, Smooth-tipped
Determination of DS using oven dry method
Procedure:
Determination of SS using oven dry method
Procedure:
 OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:
Calculation of DS
Description Weight (g)

Weight of the clean porcelain evaporating dish (g) W1

Weight of the dish and the residue (g) W2

Weight of residue(g) W

Volume of the Sample (mL) V

Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) TDS

TDS= Weight of solids/volume of water (g/mL)

TDS = ×106 (mg/L)

Calculation of SS

Description Weight (g)

Weight of the clean filter paper (g) W1

Weight of the filter paper and the residue (g) W2

Weight of residue(g) W

Volume of the Sample (mL) V

Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) TDS

SS= Weight of solids/volume of water (g/mL)
TSS = ×106 (mg/L)

Environmental Significance:

Water Classification

Water can be classified by the amount of TDS per liters:

• Freshwater < 1500 mg/L TDS

• Brackish water 1500 to 5000 mg/L TDS

• Saline water > 5000 mg/L TDS

Discussions:

Conclusions:

PLO-6 PLO-9 PLO-4 PLO-5 Total marks

(safety) (Data analysis) (Teamwork) (Performance)
5 5 5 5 20
Student Name: _________________ Dated: ___________________

Semester: _____________________ Session: __________________

Submitted to: _________________

AGEN-4216-Fundamental of Environmental Engineering

Lab No: 5

Title:

Nitrate ion concentration determination in a water (waste water sample) using

UV-VIS spectrophotometer
 Lab No. 5

Title

Nitrate ion concentration determination in a water (waste water sample) using

UV-VIS spectrophotometer

Objective:
To measure the present concentration of nitrate ions in a given water sample (drinking
water/Irrigation water).

Introduction:
Nitrate (NO3) is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen and it is a salt. It is a colorless, odorless
and tasteless parameter. That’s why it is difficult to determine its amount simply. For its
determination we will use spectrophotometer. Nitrate ion should be lie between 6-10mg/L for
drinking and irrigation water.

There are following main parts of spectrophotometer

Light source – In the spectrophotometer three different sources of light are commonly used to
produce light of different wavelengths. The most common source of light used in the
spectrophotometer for the visible spectrum is a tungsten lamp. For Ultraviolet
radiation, commonly used sources are the hydrogen lamp and the deuterium lamp. Nernst
filament or global is the most satisfactory source of IR (Infrared) radiation.

Monochromatic – To select the particular wavelength, prism or diffraction grating is used to

split the light from the light source.

Sample holder – Test tubes or Cuvettes are used to hold the colored solutions. They are made up
of glass at a visible wavelength.

Beam splitter – It is present only in a double beam spectrophotometer. It is used to split the
single beam of light coming from the light source into two beams.

Mirror – It is also present only in a double beam spectrophotometer. It is used in the right
direction to the split light from the beam splitter.
Photo detector system – When light falls on the detector system, an electric current is generated
that reflects the galvanometer reading.

Measuring device – The current from the detector is fed to the measuring device the
galvanometer. The meter reading is directly proportional to the intensity of light.
How to Use the UV-VIS :

1. Check to make sure there is not a sample in the sample cell.

2. Turn on the instrument using the switch on the lower front right hand side of the instrument.
Let the instrument warm up at least 15 minutes before making any measurements. See section
1.1 on page 1-2 of the UN-1800 User’s Manual.

3. You will see a screen similar to that pictured in Figure 1.1 on page 1-3 of the UN1800 User’s
Manual.

4. Select ―1. Photometric‖.

5. Select ―1. Photometric‖ again by pressing F1.

6. Make sure the instrument is set on absorbance (Abs) as opposed to transmittance (%T) using
the F1 key.

7. Press GOTO WL to select the wavelength.

8. Set the wavelength to 220 nm.

9. Fill a sample cell with distilled water. This is your blank. Handle the cell only on the ridged
sides. Use a tissue to wipe any water and fingerprints from the sample cell. The sample cells
(called cuvettes) are made of quartz and are very expensive and should be handled carefully. DO
NOT drop or break the sample cells. DO NOT put a sample cell into the instrument while wet on
the outside.

10. Open the compartment on the upper left side of the instrument and insert the sample cell into
the cell holder so that the light beam passes through the clear sides of the sample cell.

11. Press the AUTO ZERO key.

12. Now fill a sample cell with the lowest concentration standard solution in the same manner as
you filled a cell with distilled water. Again, handle the cell only on the ridged sides. Use a tissue
to wipe any water and fingerprints from the sample cell. The sample cells are made of quartz and
are very expensive and should be handled carefully. DO NOT drop or break the sample cells. DO
NOT put a sample cell into the instrument while wet on the outside.

13. Press F3 to go to the measurement screen. See figure 4.3 on page 4.2 of the UN1800 User’s
Manual.

14. Press the SART/STOP key to make a measurement.

15. Make at least 3 measurements for each standard solution or sample.

16. Record the 3 measurement values.

17. Repeat steps 12-16 for the remainder of the standard solutions and/or samples. Always
measures standard solutions from the lowest to the highest concentration. This helps reduce
contamination of the sample cell.

18. Always clean the sample cells immediately after use.

19. ALWAYS remember to TURN OFF the instrument when you are finished using it

Environmental Significance:
What causes nitrate in water?

It is difficult to detect nitrate in water as it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. This is why it is
important to get it tested in an authorized laboratory. Decaying plant and animal residues leave
nitrogen in the soil. It is highly soluble and moves with water through layers of soil.

Several human activities like waste disposal, fertilizers, on-site sewage systems, wastewater
treatment effluent, animal wastes, urban drainage, septic tanks industrial wastes and food
processing are the major reasons for the contamination of water. The rampant use of nitrogen-
based fertilizer in agriculture and rapid urbanization are also major reasons behind the
contamination of surface water.

Level of Nitrate

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) our drinking water contains 10 parts
per million (ppm) of nitrate or less. Water consumption and diet are the major factors that
contribute to nitrate intake in the body. The high level of nitrate in the body clearly indicates that
nitrates in drinking water is higher than safe levels.

Effects of nitrate on Human health:

Nitrate becomes toxic primarily when bacteria in our digestive system convert it to nitrite. The
nitrite oxidizes iron in the hemoglobin of our red cells to form methemoglobin. Levels above 25
percent can lead to weakness, rapid pulse and breathing. Levels over 50 to 60 percent could be
life-threatening.

The most significant health effect associated with nitrate ingestion is methemoglobinemia in
infants under 6 months old. This condition results from high nitrate levels in the blood.
Untreated, severe methemoglobinemia can result in brain damage and even death.

Numerous studies have shown that long-time exposure to nitrates and nitrites can cause an
excessive discharge of urine, increased starchy deposits and hemorrhaging of the spleen.
Nitrates also lead to the build-up of algae and bacteria in water. These bacteria emit cytotoxins
that are toxic to humans leading to repeated diarrhea infections often lead to nutritional
deficiencies and stunted growth.

Apparatus
 Funnel
 Beaker
 Pipette
 0.45 microns filter paper

Procedure:
Discussions:

Conclusions:

Safety Data Analysis Performance Team Work Total

(PLO-6) (PLO-4) (PLO-5) (PLO-9)
5 5 5 5 20
Student Name: _________________ Dated: ___________________

Semester: _____________________ Session: __________________

Submitted to: _________________

AGEN-4216-Fundamental of Environmental Engineering

Lab No: 6

Title:

Measurement of Particulate and Fume Present in the Air

 Lab No: 6

Title:

Measurement of Particulate and Fume Present in the Air

Objective:
To determine the number of foreign air particles in a specific area.
Introduction:
Very small fragments of solid materials or liquid droplets suspended in air are called particulates.
They are characterized on the basis of size and phase (i.e., solid or liquid) rather than by
chemical composition. For example, solid particulates between roughly 1 and 100 μm in
diameter are called dust particles, whereas airborne solids less than 1 μm in diameter are
called fumes.
The particulates of most concern with regard to their effects on human health are solids less than
10 μm in diameter because they can be inhaled deep into the lungs and become trapped in the
lower respiratory system. Certain particulates, such as asbestos fibers, are
known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), and many carbonaceous particulates—e.g., soot—
are suspected of being carcinogenic. Major sources of particulate emissions include fossil-fuel
power plants, manufacturing processes, fossil-fuel residential heating systems, and gasoline-
powered vehicles.
These contribute to the formation of haze as well as acid rain, which changes the pH balance of
waterways and damages foliage, buildings, and monuments.
Irritation of breathing passages, aggravation of asthma, irregular heartbeat.

Particulate Matter Measurement Method:

TEOM
The Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) provides a real-time mass measurement
of selected size particles in ambient air samples. This instrument is used in national and local air
monitoring networks to provide continuous data on the mass concentrations of particulate matter
(PM) of 10μm aerodynamic diameter and less (PM10) or 2.5μm aerodynamic diameter and less
(PM2.5) in ground-level ambient air.
Working principal

Air is sucked in through a sampling head, which is designed to stop large particles from entering
the device (for instance a PM10 sampling head will only allow particles with a diameter less than
or equal to 10 microns). Some of the air then passes through the device and onto a filter that sits
on a vibrating quartz rod (this is the oscillating microbalance part).

As the number of particles deposited increases, the vibration of the quartz rod decreases. There is
a direct relationship between the change in the vibration and the collected particles on the filter.
The TEOM measures the number of particles in the air and can produce readings every 15
minutes; it’s very useful for tracking pollution incidents as they happen. The TEOM provides
readings expressed as micrograms of particles per cubic meter of air, this is written as µg/m-3.
Procedure:
 A pump draws a sample into the instrument at 16.7 liters per minute (L/min) through an
inlet designed to allow only particles of the required size range to pass through.
 This airstream is then split so that 3L/min of sample is directed to the tapered element
while the remainder is sent to the exhaust.
 The tapered element consists of a filter cartridge mounted on the tip of a hollow glass
tube. The base of the tube cannot move, but the tip is free to vibrate at its natural
frequency (in a similar way to a tuning fork).
 Any additional weight from particles that collect on the filter changes the frequency at
which the tube oscillates. The electronic circuitry senses this change and calculates the
particle mass rate from the magnitude of the frequency change.
 The instrument then returns the vibrating glass tube to its natural frequency ready for the
next measurement.
 The instrument maintains a constant temperature and flow rate and electronically
smooths the readings to reduce noise.
 Dividing the mass rate by the flow rate provides a continuous output of the particle mass
concentration.
Discussion:

Conclusions:

Safety Data Analysis Performance Team Work Total

(PLO-6) (PLO-4) (PLO-5) (PLO-9)
5 5 5 5 20