FKA UiTM PAHANG (LAB MANUAL ) ECW351

TITLE Level 0: Jar Test

1.1 Introduction
In this lab , students will be exposed on how to carry out a jar test in order to determine the
optimum coagulant dose in the flocculation tank.
1.2 Objective
To determine the optimum alum dosage and pH of water using Jar test experiment.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
i. Carry out and determine the optimum dose of alum in flocculation process.
ii. Analyse data and present in technical format.
PREAMBLE
1.4 Theory.
Jar test is a method of stimulating a full scale water treatment process , providing system
operators a reasonable idea of the way a treatment chemical will behave and operate with a
particular type of raw water. It entails adjusting the amount of treatment chemicals and the
sequence in which they are added to samples of raw water held in jars. The sample is then
stirred so that the formation, development and settlement of floc can be watched just as it would
be in full scale treatment plant. The tests are therefore used to determine the most effective
doses of coagulant for a specific water in the control of coagulation and flocculation at a water
treatment plant, especially when water quality fluctuates rapidly.

2. Problem Statement
PROBLEM Each group is required to test and determine the correct amount of coagulant (alum) dose
STATEMENT (mg/l) for removing the solid contents from raw water sources; (i) river (ii) pond

3.1 Apparatus

3.2 Procedures
i. Using 1 liter graduated cylinder , add 1 liter of raw water to each jar test beakers. Record
the pH and turbidity .
ii. Next , prepare a stock solution by dissolving 10.0 grams of alum into 1,000 mL distilled
water. Each 1.0 mL of this stock solution is equivalent to 10 mg/L (ppm) .
iii. Dose each beaker with increased amounts of the stock solution, see Table below for an
WAYS & example of increment.
MEANS
Ja mL Alum Stock Added mg/L Alum Dosage
r
1 1.5 15.0
2 2.0 20.0
3 2.5 25.0
4 3.0 30.0
5 3.5 35.0
6 4.0 40.0

iv. Lower the stirring paddles , start the stirrer and operate it for 1 min at a speed of 80 rpm
and reduce to 30 rpm for 15 min. ( Note how long it takes before flocs begins to form
and how well it withstands stirring without breaking up.)
v. Stop the stirrer and note how long it takes for the floc to settle to the bottom of the beaker.
vi. Allow the flocs to settle for 20 min. Determine the turbidity of the supernatant.

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FKA UiTM PAHANG (LAB MANUAL ) ECW351

(Note: Jar tests using coagulation aids and test for optimal pH These tests can be
performed accordingly by the addition of polyelectrolytes and making pH adjustment for the
determination of optimum pH.)

3.3 Data Acquisition

Collect all the data from the above procedure and results for a comparison.

4. Result, Analysis and Conclusion

Discuss and comment based on obtained results. Your report should highlight results,
discussion and conclusion. Your discussion should answer the following questions.

RESULTS 1. Plot graph turbidity vs. pH and turbidity vs. alum dose. Get the optimum pH and alum dose
2. Suggest alternative chemicals that can be used as coagulants.
3. Discuss the differences of mixing rotational speed in jar test.

Date :
Raw water source : Turbidity : __________NTU
Color : __________
pH : __________
Hardness : __________
Iron : __________

FLOC SUPERNATANT
Jar Alum Floc Form Settling rate 20 min
mg/L pH min min Settled Turbidity
NTU
1
2
3
4
5
6