CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER Professional Report Mentor: Ana Mihičinac, prof. Authors: Ljubljana, November 2013 -Primož Centa -Matic Mlinarič -Matic Štrukelj -Gregor Trobec Instructions Water is of critical importance for life. It is a natural treasure for which we have to be responsible. Chemical analysis of water greatly contributes to the precision of the measurement of water quality. Chemical analysis of water is done using a special briefcase for water analysis and by following the included instructions. While analyzing we measure a specific kind of parameters (pH, temperature, NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, thickness of water) and grade the color, purity and the smell. The measured values of specific perimeters are compared to legally required maximum acceptable values and with this technique the pollution and purity of the water is determined respectively. Task: Using the field briefcase chemically analyze water (from the spring of Sava Dolinka in Zelenci, spring of Nadiža, nearby stream) Critically evaluate the measured values of parameters and set the grade of pollution Write a professional report in electronic form (help yourself with instructions) Instructions on how to make the professional report This kind of text contains a lot of professional expressions (terms). It is objective and narrative, written in the past tense, it is important to correctly list the sequence of events and phases. While doing that, the lingual correctness is very important. If the report is written using a computer, it is mandatory to use the Times New Roman font, font size 12; line spacing of 1.5 and page border should be 2.5 cm. Components of the report: official school name / logotype type of article (e.g. Professional report; Labor report in practical classes; Report on fieldwork) Front page with information regarding the students (name and surname, class) and the mentor (name and surname); while working in pairs or groups the name of the group may be stated (do not forget to list every member of the group) title of the report or assignment (e.g. Sequential binding of resistors; Chemical water analysis) date objective of the experiment definitions and explanations of the concepts, that concern the experiment and measurements description of fieldwork, measurements (describe the sampling site – look after the data that you have to list (date, place, position, ground, name, altitude, …) and mark the extraction point on the map which you will find using the world wide web results of the measurements (compare the measured values in a chart with maximum allowed values, you could also compare them in designed graphs) analysis of the results and findings, conclusions, answers to the questions asked Task questions: 1. Explain why it is more suitable to perform both chemical and biological analysis. 2. Why is the extraction point description primary data for explaining the results? 3. List some examples of measurements where you got qualitative and some, where you got quantitative data. Which are the most reliable? Justify your answer. 4. Which of the concentrated parameters (NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, PO43+), that you have been measuring with the chemical analysis can be increased? Why? What is the source of those substances in the water? 5. Which quality classes of water are known to us? 6. How do we properly extract the sample which we wish to examine? Bonus questions You will be working in teams. Every group / team must have a leader who will take care of the task layout for every member of the group. Every member of the team is responsible for their own task and contributes to the success of the whole team. Make sure that your team has at least one laptop and one camera at disposal. You also need a pen and a notebook to take notes. Do not forget to bring appropriate footwear and clothing with you. Purpose of the Task The main purpose was to test the quality of water around Planica while getting familiar with tools, used for testing. Our teamwork depended on the performance of every individual, however the goal was reached collectively and with trust in our teammates. While working we became familiar with electronic devices such as Vernier LabQuest interface, and new chemical ways of testing with the briefcase for water analysis. We also obtained a quality water grade and data regarding the pollution of individual sources and watercourses. Tools, Equipment and Material We performed analysis of three different types, of which none was good enough to provide all the data by itself. Therefore the implementation of all three was essential. On the very spot of the extraction we could already verify the turbidity, color and scent of the water, which provided us with information about foreign objects and consequently the pollution level. Electronic analysis: we used the Vernier LabQuest interface with various sensors. The device, based on the sensors that we connect to it automatically calculates the desired data, draws a graph and compares the results with other data if necessary. We used a pH sensor to determine the pH value in the sample. For our temperature-measuring needs we had a sensor for temperature at our disposal. However, we could not measure everything electronically; hence we helped ourselves with the briefcase for water analysis, which contained the required reagents that we added into the sample. We then compared the sample to the color chain and so determined the ion content. Tools: -Vernier LabQuest interface -pH sensor -temperature sensor -water analysis briefcase -specifications sheet -bottle for taking samples Description and Work Course Before we set course to the waterways we made ourselves some improvised bottles, which we later used to sample the water. The cleanliness of the sample bottles was very important, as it could affect the test results, so it was advisable to clean them right next to the extraction point. While extracting the sample we tried our best to follow the rules, which state that the sample must be taken 1m away from the bank and half a meter under the surface as this ensures that the sample contains only the things we wish to test. After the sampling we described the surroundings, bank type and the circumstances of the extraction (temperature, weather, appearance of the sample, altitude, pollution level). Afterwards, we took the sample into our living quarters and proceeded with the analysis. To evaluate the callousness of water we used the Vernier LabQuest interface and the pH sensor. We were simultaneously writing the results on the list we were given and compared them to the MAA (maximum allowed amount). While we were determining the amount of ammonium ions (NH4+), nitrate ions (NO3-) and nitride ions (NO2-) we helped ourselves with the reagents from the briefcase for water analysis. We mixed the reagents with samples of dispossessed water in the smaller bottles and with the included color scale determined the quantity of said ions. Slovenia, Planica After the sample analysis we discussed the results and determined the pollution level. We compared it to our predictions which we quoted earlier and came to almost identical results. Places, where we took water samples Measurements, Data Processing, Results and Conclusion We extracted the samples on two different spots. The first extraction point was Zelenci, where we expected to get a pure water sample. The second extraction point was a pond, whose sample was not clear; therefore we predicted that this water was slightly polluted. There was also the possibility of incorrect sampling because we could not reach the appropriate distance (1 meter away from the bank). Thus we took the sample from the surface and half a meter from the bank. While sampling, we predicted that the water would be pure and reach all standards. The samples did not show any extraordinary signs of pollution or effects of foreign substances. The color was neutral, which pointed out, that the water was pure and there was no pollution. We found out that both water samples were fully clear of pollution, because none of the value exceeded the allowed amounts. The results were expected due to the protected environment and large distances that separated it from civilization. CHEMICAL WATER ANALYSIS (Zelenci) Unit Reading MAA ammonium ions (NH4+) mg/l 0,2 0,5 nitrate ions (NO3-) mg/l 10 50 nitrite ions (NO2-) mg/l 0,02 0,1 phosphate ions (PO43-) mg/l iron ions (Fe2+, Fe3+) mg/l oxygen mg/l total callousness °d carbonate callousness °e / mg/l pH 6,95 8 6,5 – 9,5 CHEMICAL WATER ANALYSIS (pond) Unit Reading MAA ammonium ions (NH4+) mg/l 0,2 0,5 nitrate ions (NO3-) mg/l 25 50 nitrite ions (NO2-) mg/l 0,02 0,1 phosphate ions (PO43-) mg/l iron ions (Fe2+, Fe3+) mg/l oxygen mg/l total callousness °d carbonate callousness °e / mg/l pH 6,95 8 6,5 – 9,5 Conclusions, Comments and Answered Questions Based on the measurements we found out that the water in Zelenci is completely clean and appropriate for drinking. The sample form the pond is slightly polluted and therefore not appropriate for consumption. However, we predict that the water under the surface is slightly cleaner. QUESTIONS 1. Explain why it is most appropriate to execute both the chemical and biological analysis at the same time. Because the chemical analysis shows the current condition of waterway and the biological analysis the long-term condition, therefore they complement each other. 2. Why is the description of the extraction point considered valuable data, while explaining the results? Because of the effect that circumstances can have on water quality (coniferous forest = higher water acidity…). 3. List some examples of measurements where you got qualitative and some, where you got quantitative data. Which are more reliable? Justify your answer. We got qualitative data while describing the vicinity and appearance of the water (water plant-life, clearance…) and quantitative while chemically analyzing the samples where we obtained precise measurements (pH value, collusiveness of the water). The quantitative data is more reliable as it tells us the precise value. 4. Which concentrations of individual parameters (NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, PO43+), that you have been measuring with chemical water analysis can be increased? Why? What is the source of such substances in the water? Because of external factors e.g. urbanization, the bank, fauna and flora, as well as the proper and improper extraction of the sample. 5. Which quality classes of water are known? We know four of them; I. perfectly clean water, II. slightly polluted water, III. highly polluted water and IV. completely polluted water. 6. How do we properly extract a sample that we wish to test? According to the rules, the sample must be taken 1 meter away from the bank and half a meter below the surface. This prevents the effects of other factors, which could provide us with incorrect data. The sample must be taken with a clean bottle to prevent the water mixing with foreign objects. Sources and Literature -http://www2.arnes.si/~fperdi/VKI_3.html, 1. 10. 2013 -http://www.kii3.ntf.uni-lj.si/analchemvoc2/file.php/1/html/slo/SPEKTRA/okoljske2.htm, 1. 10. 2013 -http://www2.arnes.si/~breber1/zg/Analiza_voda/dobnik_potocnik_ribnik07.pdf, 1. 10. 2013 -http://www.jablaniskadolina.si/vodamenebriga/aktivnosti/pomen-prisotnosti-kemijskih-parametrov-vvodi/144, 1. 10. 2013 Attachments: -Dictionary of concepts -Register list, Zelenci -Register list, mlaka Glossary of Terms ammonium ions (NH4+) - Ammonium is greatly dissolvable in water and if it reacts with water we get ammonium ions (NH4+), which we define by water testing. High amounts of ammonium are consequences of communal, agrarian and industrial pollution. Concentrations in subterranean and surface water is commonly below 0,2 mg/l, in anaerobic conditions they can be above 3 mg/l. We can find it in drinking water even after the disinfection with chloramines; it can even migrate from concrete pipes. It can even tell us that the water was in recent contact with dissolving organic matters (e.g. animal droppings) nitrate ions (NO3-) - They are a sign of water being polluted with sewage or that the rain is washing them off naturally (manure) or artificially (fertilizers) composted ground. Industrial waste waters also contain them. Increased concentrations can lead to increased amounts of algae blooming which leads to low oxygen levels in water. They are also the cause of stomach cancer. nitrite ions (NO2-) - Nitrites are extremely poisonous as they can be the reason for many cancer infections. They appear in the process of organism dissolution and are often present in meat additives, especially in fast food. phosphate ions (PO43-) - Phosphates are a common ingredients of detergents, fertilizers and soaps. iron ions (Fe2+, Fe3+) - Iron is one of the most frequently found elements in earths’ crust. In many natural waterways we can find it concentrations between 0,5 and 50 mg/l. In our tap water iron is mostly present because of the corrosion of the pipeline system. oxygen - Oxygen in water is very important for all types of aerobic organisms, especially for those, who contribute to the self-cleaning process. Concentration of oxygen in water depends on the physical, chemical and biochemical processes in water and can change depending on the temperature, saltiness, photosynthetic activity of primary productive organisms etc. total callousness - (lasting callousness or non-carbonic callousness), is the amount of every dissolved type of salt in the water. The said salts are mostly combine from calcium and magnesium. carbonate callousness - (temporary callousness), which represent carbonate acids (H2CO3) carbonates, whose source is dissolution of carbonate dioxide (CO2) in the water. Carbonate callousness also greatly affects the pH value of water. pH - pH is a criterion for the concentration of hydroxide ions in a solution.. MAA - maximum allowed amount Vernier LabQuest interface – an electronic device that helps us measure different attributes of various factors. We can also plug different gadgets and sensors in it, whih will allow us to measure a specific event. pH sensor - it is a sensor of the LabQuest interface, which allows us to measure the exact pH value. Before we start the procedure we must make sure, the the sensor was stabilised in a special lyquid, otherwise we could get faulty data. temperature sensor - another sensor for the LabQuest device. It can mesure temperature in any given place at any given time. . EXTRACTION OF SAMPLE FROM THE ZELENCI SPRING REGISTER LIST SAMPLING POINT 2 Name and surname of the cataloguers: Date: Primož Centa, Matic Štrukelj, Gregor Trobec, 19.9.2013 Matic Mlinarič Name of sampling point: Site, altitude: Zelenci Zelenci reservoir, 837m Extraction site description (position, industry and urbanization vicinity, ground, growth on the banks…): Its position was on a plain, the extraction of the sample was performed in a basin. There was no urbanization in the vicinity. The water fauna was very developed. The banks were overgrown, The main ingredient of the soil was calcium. Water color: Water scent: Water clearness: Transparent. Neutral. Very clear. Water temperature: Water pH level: Pollution grade (if noticed): 5°C 8 Very clean. CHEMICAL WATER ANALYSIS Unit Reading MAA ammonium ions (NH4+) mg/l 0,2 0,5 nitrate ions (NO3-) mg/l 10 50 nitrite ions (NO2-) mg/l 0,02 0,1 phosphate ions (PO43-) mg/l iron ions (Fe2+, Fe3+) mg/l oxygen mg/l total callousness °d carbonate callousness °e / mg/l pH 6,95 8 6,5 – 9,5 EXTRACTION OF SAMPLE FROM THE POND REGISTER LIST SAMPLING POINT 1 Name and surname of the cataloguers: Date: Primož Centa, Matic Štrukelj, Gregor Trobec, 19.9.2013 Matic Mlinarič Name of sampling point: Site, altitude: Pond Tamar valley, 1050m Extraction site description (position, industry and urbanization vicinity, ground, growth on the banks…). It lies on a plain, surrounded by forest and overgrown with grass. There is no urbanization in the vicinity. The composition of the ground allows the pond to dry up. Water color: Water scent: Water clearness: Turbid yellow. Scent of soil. Slightly muddy. Water temperature: Water pH level: Pollution grade (if noticed): 6°C 8 Slightly polluted. CHEMICAL WATER ANALYSIS Unit Reading MAA ammonium ions (NH4+) mg/l 0,2 0,5 nitrate ions (NO3-) mg/l 25 50 nitrite ions (NO2-) mg/l 0,02 0,1 phosphate ions (PO43-) mg/l iron ions (Fe2+, Fe3+) mg/l oxygen mg/l total callousness °d carbonate callousness °e / mg/l pH 6,95 8 6,5 – 9,5