Chapter 2

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

The experiment entitled Water Characterization and Determination of Physical and

Chemical Water Quality Parameters aims to obtain and characterize each groups water sample

in their respective sample point in Asin Galiano and to determine its physical and chemical water

quality parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity and total dissolved solids.

There were two phases in doing the experiment. Phase one illustrated the proper way of

getting the water sample and preparation of the apparatus needed. Phase two shows the

determination of the temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity and total dissolved solids of the

water sample. Each phase was done with caution and alertness for the results to be as precise and

accurate as possible.

Phase 1: Water Sampling and Preparation of Apparatus

Preparation of water sample. Each group went to their assigned sampling points with

two 2-L absolute plastic bottles with them. The bottles were washed three times with the water

sample before filling it up. The water sample was obtained in the middle part of the sampling

point. The experiment was conducted on site in order to get an accurate data. After the

experiment, the bottles were placed in the refrigerator to preserve and to be used for the

succeeding experiments.

Preparation of the apparatus. Before and after each test, the apparatus was washed with

deionized water. Different devices were used to determine the physical and chemical water

quality of the water sample. It was also washed before and after obtaining the values needed.
Phase 2: Determination of Physical and Chemical Water Quality Parameters

Determination of the Temperature of the Water Sample. 10 mL of the water sample

was put in a 100 mL beaker and the thermometer was dipped. The reading from the thermometer

was then recorded.

Determination of the pH of the Water Sample. Another 10 mL of the sample water was

put in a 100 mL beaker that was washed with deionized water. A pH meter was used and it was

also washed with deionized water. Before using the pH meter, it was first calibrated using pH 4,

7 and 10. The electrode of the pH meter was dipped in the water sample and the value displaced

was recorded.

Determination of the Conductivity of the Water Sample. The electrode of the

conductivity meter was washed with deionized water and then dipped in the beaker containing 10

mL of the water sample. The conductivity of the water sample was then determined from the

value displayed in the conductivity meter.

Determination of the Turbidity of the Water Sample. To determine the turbidity of the

water, colorimeter was used. It measures the amount of light that passes through the sample. The

cuvette was washed with deionized water two times and half-filled with the water sample. It was

made sure that the outside of the cuvette was dry before placing it in the colorimeter. The value

displayed in the colorimeter was then recorded.

Determination of the Total Dissolved Solids of the Water Sample. The total dissolved

solids (TDS) meter was washed with deionized water and calibrated to zero. The TDS meter was

pressed when it was dipped in the water sample put in a beaker. The value displaced was then

recorded.
Clean- up of Apparatus

After the experiment, all the devices and apparatus used was washed properly with

deionized water and dried. All the waste water was properly disposed.