(Affiliated to T.U.)
A
PRACTICAL
REPORT
ON
WATER SUPPLY ENGINEERING
SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO:
Name: Rabindra Subedi Department of
Class: BCE III/I ‘C’ Civil Engineering
Roll no: 62109 Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
1
EXPERIMENT NO: 1 1st May
TURBIDITY TEST
1.1. OBJECTIVE:
TO DETERMINE THE TURBIDITY OF GIVEN WATER SAMPLES AND CHECK WHETHER IT CAN BE USED
FOR DRINKING OR NOT AS PER THIS TURBIDITY VALUE.
1.2. APPARATUS REQUIRED:
The apparatus for the turbidity test consists of following:
a) Digital Turbidity Meter: We are using digital turbidity meter of model 331E. It has dimensions of 275 mm 195
mm 105 mm and consists of a tungsten lamp light source, digital display, a photodiode detector and a power
supply cable. It has a range of 0 to 1000 NTU. It has further test tube holder to keep the test tube containing
solution and sample to be tested and a test tube holder cover to prevent external light to enter while sample is
under test. It has a range switch to select the probable turbidity range of the sample, a set zero switch to set
zero for the blank solution (distilled water), a calibration switch to calibrate the instrument while having
standard solution understand and on off switch to on off the instrument.
b) Standard Test Tubes: Clear test tubes to keep samples and standard solution under test.
c) Electronic balance: For accurate weighing of chemicals.
d) Temperature stabilizing device: To maintain test temperature.
e) Volumetric flasks: To prepare standard solution of known turbidity.
f) Membrane filter having holes of 0.2 mm: To filter the distilled water.
g) Measuring jars etc.
1.3. CHEMICALS AND SAMPLES REQUIRED:
a. Hydrazine Sulphate [(NH2 )2H2SO4]
b. Hexamamethylenetetramine [ (CH2)6N4)]
c. Distilled water
d. Water samples to be tested.
The sample should be true representative of the actual water. In taking out samples, care
should be taken that no further contamination or purification can be placed after collection and
before the analysis is completed. Well cleaned bottle should be used and it is cleaned by the
same water.
1.4. THEORY:
Water in not important for drinking and cooking only but also used for human consumable
manufacturing processes as breweries, food processing etc. quality of water is the degree of
goodness of characteristics (physical, chemical & biological) of water in all aspects.
Condensation of water vapor make rainfall but this water initially is pure containing two parts
of hydrogen and one part of oxygen only by volume. On the way of falling, it absorbs different gases,
dust & other impurities. Also during surface runoff, this water carries large number of impurities such
as silt, organic, non‐organic, minerals impurities, suspended matters etc. while moving on earth
surface. These substances not always be harmful but may be useful to human life. Again ground
water contains both harmful & useful gases and minerals. Before using water for drinking, water
treatment is needed. Total purification is difficult & costly and pure water only is not good for our
health hence treatment to some extent is done. To ensure whether the water from any selected
source is drinkable (wholesome) or not and to ensure the treatment needs water should be tested.
All undesirable substance containing in water in any form is called impurities in water. Water
from any source may have following three types of impurities.
a) Suspended Impurities:
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
2
These are those impurities, which normally remains in suspension due to same specific gravity
as that of water. E.g. Clay, algae, fungi, organic & inorganic matters & minerals etc. It causes
turbidity and suspended impurity is measured in terms of turbidity. It is measured by turbidity
test can be removed by sedimentation & filtration.
b) Colloidal Impurities:
These are the small, non‐visible with naked eye and electrically charged particles, which remain
in, continue motion. Their size is between 10‐3 to 10‐6 mm. the charge is due to absorbed ions on
the solid particles. E.g. Acids or neutral materials as silica glass & most organic matters have
negative charge in neutral water & basic materials as Al2O3 & Fe2O3 are positively charged.
Particles of similar charged materials repel each other which cause movement of the particles. It
causes color in water and these impurities cause epidemics because the organic matters contain
bacteria. It is measured by color test and difficult to remove by ordinary filters.
c) Dissolved Impurities:
Some solid, liquid and gas dissolves in the water when it moves over the rocks and soil etc
because water is the good solvent. Eg: non‐visible organic compounds, inorganic salts & gases
etc. It makes bad taste, hardness and alkalinity. Its concentration is measured in PPM (parts per
million) or mg/l and obtained by weighing the residue after evaporation of the water sample
from a filtered sample.
Due to the presence of stated impurities in water, water should be analyzed to classify, prescribe
treatment, control treatment and purification processes and maintains public supplies of a
standard of organic quality and palatability. Examination of water may be divided into three as:
a. Physical Examination,
b. Chemical Examination &
c. Microbiological Examination.
Turbidity is the physical characteristics of water and this test comes in the physical
examination of water. It is caused by the suspended as well as colloidal impurities. Turbidity
is the degree of clarity of water and is the measure of the resistance to the passage of the
light through it. Turbidity is measured in terms in Silica Scale. One milligram of silica in one
liter of distilled water gives one PPM (Parts per million) or one mg/l or one JTU (Jackson
Turbidity Unit) or One NTU (Nephelometer Turbidity Unit) of turbidity.
The permissible turbidity for domestic water for ideal and safe supply may be between
5 to 10 NTU & as per W.H.O. standard, 2.5 NTU is accepted and rejected if value is greater
than 25 NTU.
It can be tested using Turbidity Rod, Jackson Turbidimeter, Baylis Turbidimeter,
Nephelometer and Digital Turbidity Meter. Among them the recent technology is Digital
Meter.
Turbidity in the lab is determined on the principle that a light passing through a
substance is scattered by the particles in the water. In the digital Turbidity Meter, a beam of
light is sent to the sample and suspended matter scatter the light and this scattered light is
received on the photoelectric cell and amplified to the electronic pulse and can be seen in
the digital display.
1.5. PROCEDURE:
The procedure was done in three steps are as follows:
Step1: Preparation of Reagent:
a) Preparation of Turbidity free distilled water:
Turbidity free water is difficult to obtain but the following method was adopted to make
turbidity free water.
i. The distilled water was passed through a membrane filter having holes of 0.2 mm.
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
3
ii. The collecting flask was rinse twice with the filtered distilled water and discard the
next 200 ml filtered distilled water.
b) Preparation of standard turbidity suspension:
i. Preparation of solution‐I: 1 gm Hydrazine Sulphate [(NH2)2H2SO4) was dissolved in 100 ml of
filtered distilled water in a volumetric flask.
ii. Preparation of solution‐II: 10 gm of Hexamamethylenetetramine [(CH2)6N4] was dissolved in 100
ml of filtered distilled water in a volumetric flask.
iii. Mix 5 ml of solution‐I and 5 ml of Solution‐II in the flask and let them stand for 24 hours at
25±3˚C. This suspension has turbidity of 400 NTU. Standard Solution of other known turbidity
Values can be made by mixing the following amount of distilled water to the following amount
of this 400 NTU solution.
S.No. To make standard Mix
solution of Amount of 400 NTU Filtered distilled
Solution water
1 200 NTU 50 ml 50 ml
2 100 NTU 25 ml 75 ml
Step 2: Calibration of Instrument:
i. The instrument was switch on and kept in on for 10 minutes.
ii. Appropriate range was selected depending upon the excepted turbidity of the sample.
iii. Filtered distilled water was put in the standard test tube and put it in the test tube
holder of the machine then cover it and adjust to 000 with the set Zero knob.
iv. Now in another test tube, appropriate standard solution was just prepared before was
taken and place it in the machine as before and set the values on the display of the
same standard solution using Calibrate knob.
v. Calibration was checked by removing and replacing the same test tube. Then the
instrument was ready to use.
Step 3: Testing the sample:
i. The sample was place in the test tube and was placed into the machine and it was fully
covered.
ii. The reading on the display for turbidity of that sample was taken.
iii. The test was similarly repeated for other samples.
1.6. OBSERBATIONS:
Name and place of sample collection: Kathmandu Engineering College, Kalimati, Kathmandu
Source of water: Boring Water and Tap Water inside K.E.C.
Date and time of sampling:
S.No. Sample No. Sampling Sampling Water Measured Average
Date and Place Source Turbidity Turbidity
time value (NTU) Value (NTU)
1 A. 2065‐01‐ K.E.C. Boring 20.8 20.8
18/12:15 Kalimati water
pm
2 B. 2065‐01‐ K.E.C. Tap Water 4.0 4.0
18/1pm Kalimati
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
4
1.7. RESULT:
Hence from the experiment we found that the turbidity of water sample taken from boring water
is 20.8 ppm or NTU or mg/l and the turbidity of tap water is 4.0 ppm or NTU or mg/l (silica scale).
1.8. CONCLUSION & DISCUSSION:
By using digital turbidity meter we found the turbidity of the sample A and B i.e. 20.8 and 4.0
ppm respectively. And according to W.H.O. Maximum permissible limit of turbidity of the drinking
water should be 5 ppm (silica scale). The turbidity of the water sample taken from tap source i.e.
sample B is less than 5 ppm so it is safe for domestic water for ideal and safe supply only considering
the Turbidity of the sample. For the standard quality of the sample B only measurement of turbidity
is not sufficient but we should examine it’s all the physical, chemical and biological impurities and if
the value obtained is within the permissible limit according to W.H.O. then we can say that the water
is safe for drinking purpose.
Considering the turbidity value of water sample A taken from boring water which is
20.8 ppm i.e. more than 5 ppm according to W.H.O. Hence this water is not safe for drinking water
supply project, it needs purification to turbidity of water and other test is necessary for the good
water supply project.
Hence we conclude that the water sample B is safe in turbidity value and water sample A is not
safe according to turbidity value consideration. Sample A needs further purification for turbidity but
purification of sample B is not necessary for turbidity but on testing its other impurities, it may needs
purification.
1.9. PRECAUTIONS:
The following precaution should be taken during experiment:
a) Environment should be free from dust and instrument should be placed in vibration free
bench. Room temperature should be 5 ˚C to 45˚C and humidity shouldn’t be greater than
90%.
b) Inhalation, ingestion and skin contact to chemicals and standard solutions should be
avoided.
c) Suspension should be prepared weekly.
d) Dirty glassware should not be used. They should be cleaned both inside and outside. The
sides of the test tube should not be touch.
e) Appropriate range should be selected.
f) Allow sufficient time for test tube containing solution and sample to be air bubble free.
g) Since the instrument is dust sensitive, so it should be kept covered with dust cover when it
is not in use.
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
5
EXPERIMENT NO. 2 1st May
PH TEST
2.1. OBLECTIVE:
TO DETERMINE THE PH OF GIVEN WATER SAMPLES AND CHECK WHETHER IT CAN BE USED FOR
DRINKING OR NOT AS PER THIS PH VALUE.
2.2. APPARATUS REQUIRED:
The apparatus for the pH test consists of following:
a. Digital pH Meter: We were using Digital pH Meter of Model 101E. It has dimensions of 275mm 75 and a
power supply cable.
The front panel of this instrument consists of following parts:
1. A slope control
2. A digital display
3. A calibration control
4. Temperature knob
5. A functional control switch: it consists:
a. ATC (auto temperature control ) mode
b. pH mode
c. Stand by mode
d. mV mode
The back panel of this instrument consists of following parts:
1. A input socket for PH & mV
2. A input socket
3. A output when a recorder is used
4. On/off switch
5. A fuse.
b. Combined pH electrode
c. Temperature probe.
d. Electrode stand and clamp
e. Volumetric flasks
f. Measuring jars, Buffer bottles, beakers etc
2.3. CHEMICALS AND SAMPLES REQUIRED:
a. Buffer tablets (Glaxo make) or powder pack (Ranbaxy make). It may be of 4 pH and 7 pH.
b. KCL (Potassium Chloride) to make saturated solution of KCL for electrode.
c. Distilled water.
d. Water samples to be tested.
The sample should be true representative to the actual water. In taking out samples, care should be taken
that no further contamination or purification can be placed after collection and before the analysis is
completed. Well cleaned bottle should be used and it is cleaned by the same water.
2.4. THEORY:
In water, pH is the chemical characteristic and this test comes in the chemical examination of water.
The water found in nature may be acidic or basic depending on the nature of dissolved salts and
minerals. The acidity and alkalinity is measured in terms of pH value because pH value indicates the
hydrogen ion concentration in water.
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
6
Water (H2O) is the combination of positively charge of hydrogen ions (H+) or cations and
negatively charged Hydroxyl ions (OH‐) or anions. In pure water the concentration of H+ ions and OH‐ ions
are equal. When some substances is dissolved in pure water, the solution formed ionized (i.e. splits up
into H+ and OH‐ ions) and the balance between the concentration of the same are disturbed. If
concentration of H+ ion is greater then the water is acidic and alkaline if that of OH‐ ion is greater. For
example, if HCL is added, the water becomes acidic and if NaOH is added it becomes alkaline.
Acidic, if: Alkaline, if:
+ ‐
H2O H + OH H2O H+ + OH‐
HCL H+ + Cl‐ NaOH Na+ + OH‐
Applying the law of Mass action in physical chemistry, in a pure water solution, the hydrogen ion
concentration is found to be 10‐7 moles/liter. [Moles = molecular wt. in gram]. Also, the pH is defined as
the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen ion concentration. Mathematically,
1
pH = log10 = log 10 [H+]‐1 = ‐ log10 [10‐7] =7
H
The pH scale explains variation of types of alkalinity and acidity. The following fig explains it.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Max. Acidity Acidity Alkalinity Max. Alkalinity
Neutral Water
Fig. A PH Scale
Acidity in water is caused by the presence of minerals acids, free carbon dioxide; sulphates of iron,
aluminum etc, whereas alkalinity is caused by the presence of bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium or
carbonates of hydroxide of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. As per W.H.O. standard, a pH value
of 6.5 to 8.5 should be acceptable and rejected if pH is < 6.5 to > 9.2 for public water supply. Hence pH value
should be as closer to 7. The lower value of pH (acidic) causes corrosion and the higher value (alkalinity) may
produce sediment deposits, difficulty in chlorination etc.
The pH value of water can be measured by colorimetric method or by Electrometric method using pH
meter. Here we are using pH meter and it measures pH directly or in terms of mV (milivolts0. We are
concerned here with measurement of pH directly after calibration of instrument.
The principle of pH meter is that if two solutions are separated with pH sensitive glass (i.e. the bulb of
glass pH electrode, an electrode, an electrical potential will be developed across the membrane. If the
solution inside the bulb contains hydrogen ion concentration, the membrane potential will change as the
hydrogen ion concentration of the other solution varies. If electrical connections are made to these solutions
inside the glass bulb by the electrode’s ‘internal element’ and outside the glass by a ‘reference electrode’ the
membrane potential can be measured and displayed in the display as pH directly or as mV(millivolts).
2.5. PROCEDURE:
Procedure was done in four steps are as follows:
1. Connecting the electrode:
I. First the electrode stand was set up and pH electrode was fitted into it.
II. The protective rubber cap was carefully removed from the filling hole of electrode. The level of KCL
solution was made few mm below the hole and refilled with the standard KCl solution and the rubber
cap was placed back.
2. Preparation of Buffer Solutions:
I. To make solution of 7 pH, we dissolve one buffer tablet of 7 pH in 100 ml distilled water.
II. Similarly, to make solution of pH 4, we dissolve one buffer tablet of pH 4 in 100 ml distilled water.
3. Calibration of Electrode:
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
7
i. The pH electrode was connected into the input socket, it was washed with the distilled water and switch on
the instrument then dipped the electrode in 7 pH Buffer solution.
ii. Sated the ‘temperature’ knob to the buffer solution temperature and sated the instrument to ‘pH mode’
using ‘functional selector switch’ and adjust with ‘Calibrate’ switch till the digital display shows the precise
pH value of the buffer at that temperature.
iii. Now using ‘function selector switch’ to ‘standby’ mode.
iv. Them we remove the electrode from the buffer solution and washed it with the distilled water.
v. Then, dipped the electrode into another buffer solution (4 pH).
vi. Sated the ‘temperature’ knob to the buffer solution temperature and set the instrument to ‘pH mode’ using
‘Functional Selector switch’ and adjust with ‘slope correction’ switch until the digital display shows the
precise pH value of the buffer at that temperature.
vii. Now we check the correct readings obtained with both the buffer solutions without further adjustment.
(If the ‘function Selector Switch’ is selected as ‘ATC’ mode, there is no need to set ‘Temperature’ knob. At
this time connect the temperature probe at ‘Temperature input’ terminal and immerse it into the solutions
along with pH electrode for auto temperature compensation.)
Then the instrument was ready to check pH of sample.
4. Testing the Sample:
a. The electrodes were washed with distilled water and dipped the electrode (‘Temperature probe if’ATC’
mode is selected) in the sample under test.
b. The ‘temperature’ knob was set to the sample temperature (not required if ‘ATC’ mode is selected), the
display give the pH value of the sample in pH units.
c. The procedure was repeated for other samples.
2.6. OBSERVATIONS:
Name and place of sample collection: Kathmandu Engineering College, Kalimati, Kathmandu
Source of water: Boring water and Tap water
Date and time of Sampling: 2065‐01‐18/12:00pm
S.No. Sample No. Sampling Water Measured pH Average pH
time source value value
1 A 12:55 pm Boring water 6.75 6.75
2 B 12:15 pm Tap water 7 7
2.7. RESULT:
From the experiment we found that the pH of Tap water is 7 and the pH of boring well
water is 6.75.
2.8. CONCLUSION & DISCUSSION:
The pH vale 7 means that the water is neutral neither acidic nor basic which is safe for
drinking purpose. A pH value of 6.5 to 8.5 should be acceptable and rejected if pH is <6.5 to >9.2
for public water supply. According to W.H.O. pH value should be within 6.5 to 8.5. On considering
the sample B whose pH value is 7 which is safe for drinking purpose on considering PH. And on
considering sample A whose pH is 6.75 and it is also suitable for drinking purpose.
The lower the pH value more the water is acidic and higher the pH value more the
alkalinity in the water. Alkalinity is caused by hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates but
natural alkalinity is due to bicarbonates, which are produced by the action of ground water on
limestone or chalk. Acidity in water is caused by the presence of minerals acids, free carbon
dioxide, sulphates of iron, aluminum etc. The pH value should be as closer to 7. The lower the
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
8
value of pH (acidic) causes the corrosion and the higher value (alkalinity) may produce sediment
deposits, difficulty in chlorination etc.
Hence we conclude that the pH value of both the sample is good so it is suitable for
drinking water supply project on considering pH only.
2.9. PRECAUTIONS:
Following precautions should be kept in mind while measuring pH:
a) Strong acids and base are dangerous so should avoid inhalation, ingestion and skin contact to
chemicals.
b) The electrode should be soaked in distilled water for some hours before use it.
c) Mixing should be properly done by using two buffers and careful should be taken not to cross
contamination.
d) Dirty glassware should not be used. They should be cleaned both inside and outside.
e) The instrument is dust sensitive so it should be kept covered with dust cover when it is not in
use.
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
9
EXPERIMENT NO: 3
15thMay
DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO) TEST
3.1. OBJECTIVE:
TO DETERMINE THE DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO) CONTENT IN THE GIVEN SAMPLE OF WATER.
3.2. APPARATUE REQUIRED:
The apparatus for the DO test consists of following:
a) Digital DO Meter: It consists of a power input cable, power switch, input socket for temperature probe,
DO electrode in the back panel. Magnetic stirrer power output in the some instruments may be available.
The front panel consists of a digital display on ˚C for temperature in temperature mode and DO on PPM in
DO mode. A function (mode selector) switch, zero knob, calibration knob and temperature adjusting knob
are also available in the front panel.
b) DO electrode:
It consists of silver and gold electrode cells and an electrolyte tube with a ring so that DO membrane
and electrolyte can be kept. The electrode has a provision to fit in the DO socket at back panel.
c) Temperature probe:
It can be fitted in the temperature socket of the DO meter back panel for temperature measurement in
temperature mode.
d) Magnetic stirrer with capsule: It is used for stirring. The capsule is kept in the BOD bottle and the BOD
bottle is kept on the stirrer for stirring sample. Stirrer can get power either from DO meter or separate
power supply line.
e) DO membrane:
f) Electronic balance: For accurate weighing of chemicals.
g) Volumetric flasks: To prepare standard solution of known turbidity.
h) BOD bottles
i) Measuring jars etc.
3.3. CHEMICALS AND SAMPLES REQUIRED:
a. Potassium chloride [KCl]
b. Sodium sulphate [Na2SO3]
c. Distilled water
d. Water samples to be tested.
3.4. THEORY:
Dissolved oxygen is the content of oxygen in water. Surface water gets the dissolved oxygen either
from (i) Diffusion of oxygen from air, which is a physical phenomena depends upon solubility of oxygen and (ii)
Photosynthesis activity in water, which is the biological phenomena happened due to the activities of algae,
tiny aquatic plants etc.
The solubility of oxygen depends upon the temperature, water movement, and presence of oxygen
demanding organic matters. The organic wastes cause rapid depletion of DO from water. At higher
temperature water can hold smaller amount of DO.
The presence of oxygen in water is necessary to keep it fresh and sparkling. The quantity of 6 ppm of
dissolved oxygen is essential in water to be used for drinking purpose and 4 ppm for fish and aquatic life. Excess
of dissolved oxygen create corrosion of pipe material due to the oxidation.
3.5. PROCEDURE:
The procedure was done in four steps are as follows:
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
10
1. Preparation of reagent:
a. 7.5% potassium chloride (KCL) solution (i.e. mix of KCl in 100 ml of distilled water). It was used in
electrode as electrolyte.
b. Then we prepare 2% sodium sulphate (Na2So3) solution (i.e. mix of 2 gm of Na2So3 in 100 ml of distilled
water). It has zero DO.
2. Making instrument ready:
a. First the power leads was connected into the power socket and the instrument was put in switched
on condition at 15 minute for warm up.
b. Then the ring of the electrolyte tube was removed and fitted the DO membrane and then fixed the
ring to the tube to tighten the membrane.
c. The electrolyte tube was opened and filled with 7.5% KCL solution and then inserted the electrode
and screwed it tightly.
d. The terminals of electrode were connected to sockets at the back panel of the DO meter.
e. Connected the socket of temperature probe in the temperature input terminal at the back panel of
DO meter.
f. The calibration knob was set to extreme right position and zero knob to extreme left position. Then
the instrument was ready.
g. Then connected the power supply to magnetic stirrer.
3. Calibration of instrument:
a. The instrument was kept in temperature mode and 2% of Na2SO4 solution was taken in a flask then
dipped the temperature probe in this solution then noted the temperature after stability of reading
and set temperature knob for this temperature.
b. Then removed the temperature probe and kept instrument in DO mode then inserted DO electrode
in the 2% Na2SO4 solution. Being no DO for this solution adjusted reading to 0 using zero knob.
c. 250 ml of flask was taken and filled 2/3 rd of it with distilled water and putting stopper shake it for
20 seconds. Removed the stopper and swirl the water back and repeat this procedure 4 times for the
same. Magnetic stirrer used. Kept magnetic capsule in the flask and put in on the stirrer and then
switch it on.
d. Kept the function switch to temperature mode and measured the temperature of this sample as
described above after cleaning probe with distilled water then adjusted the temperature knob for the
same temperature. The value of DO for distilled water for 25˚C temperature was read from table i.e.
8.2 ppm.
e. Then the function switch was set to the DO mode and inserted cleaned DO electrode in the flask and
set reading to 8.2 ppm using calibrate knob.
f. Then the instrument was ready for measuring DO of water sample.
4. Testing the sample:
a. The probe and electrode were cleaned with tap water and then with distilled water.
b. Water sample was taken in the flask and measured the temperature as described above and set the
temperature knob at the measured temperature then taken the instrument in DO mode.
c. Water sample was taken in cocked BOD bottle (to avoid absorbing oxygen from atmosphere) then
shaken it well using magnetic stirrer and carefully un‐cock it and inserted the DO electrode into it.
d. The reading on display gave the DO content in ppm.
e. The procedure was repeated for other samples of water.
3.6. OBSERVATIONS:
Name and place of sample collection: K.E.C. Kalimati, Kathmandu
Source of water: Boring water and Tap water
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
11
Date and time of Sampling: 2065‐02‐01
Lab. temperature: 25˚C
Sample DO(ppm) Source
A 2.6 Boring water
B 8.21 Tap water
3.7. RESULT: Hence from the experiment we found that the DO value for Sample A i.e. Boring water is 2.6 ppm
and for Tap water is found to be 8.21 ppm.
3.8. CONCLUSION & DISCUSSION:
It is necessary to determine D.O. in natural water and water to be used for water supply. Aquatic life
depends upon the dissolved oxygen. It is vital for maintaining aerobic conditions. From the experiment we
found that the DO value for boring water is 2.6 mg/l whereas DO value for tap water is 8.21 mg/l, it signifies
that the boring water has less amount of oxygen than tap water. For the aquatic life DO value should be 4ppm
at least on considering this condition the boring water is unsafe for aquatic and fish life. For the drinking water
Do value should be 6 ppm. So the boring water is not suitable for drinking purpose. Tap water has DO value
greater than 6 ppm which is suitable for both aquatic and drinking purpose. 8.21 ppm DO value of tap water
signifies that the water is fresh but on considering the corrosion and oxidation effect it is not so good. The pipe
should be PVC type instead of metallic for the distribution of tap water sample because it is highly vulnerable to
corrosion effect on metallic pipe.
3.9. PRECAUTIONS:
a. The BOD bottle should be cleaned, sterilized and airtight.
b. Great care is required in collection of water samples for D.O. analysis special precautions are required to
avoid entrainment or dissolution of atmospheric oxygen.
c. The electrolyte tube shouldn’t contain air bubbles otherwise reading fluctuates and if other salts are
present in KCl solution, it may damage the electrode.
d. Magnetic stirrer shaking is efficient than hand shaking for diffusion process for distilled water.
e. As the reagents used are strong base and strong acid, the handling of these should be very careful.
f. There should be no delay in the determination of D.O. on all samples that contain an appreciable oxygen or
iodine demand.
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
12
EXPERIMENT NO: 4 15th May
JAR TEST
4.1. OBJECTIVE:
TO DETERMINE THE OPTIMUM DOSE OF COAGULANT (ALUM) FOR A GIVEN WATER SAMPLE.
4.2. APPARATUS REQUIRED:
The apparatus for the optimum dose of coagulant (alum) test consists of following:
a. Jar Test Apparatus: An electrically operated jar test apparatus consists of six stirring paddles of non
corrosive metal which can be rotated at any desired speed by gear and spindle system.
b. Six test beakers: Beakers of 1 to 2 liter capacity to keep water sample.
c. Electronic balance: For accurate weighing of coagulants.
d. Measuring cylinder: To measure water sample.
4.3. CHEMICAL REQUIRED:
Alum or aluminum sulphate [Al2 (SO4)3.18 H2O]
4.4. SAMPLE REQUIRED:
Water sample for which optimum dose of coagulant to be tested should be free from oil grease etc. and
taken after plain sedimentation so that suspended materials are removed from plain sedimentation.
4.5. THEORY:
After physical, chemical and biological examination of water, the degree of treatment required
and hence treatment process required is known. Different impurities can be removed by different process
as shown in table below.
S.No.
Impurities Process of treatment
1 Large suspended and floating matters like leaves, fish, living organism, Screening
dead bodies, tree branches, bushes, etc.
2 Suspended matters, few colloidal and dissolved impurities (silt, sand , Plain sedimentation
clay etc)
3 Very fine suspended and colloidal impurities Sedimentation with
coagulation
4
Microorganisms, very fine suspended and colloidal impurities filtration
5
Taste and odour, dissolved gases etc. Aeration
6 Pathogenic organisms by killing them
Disinfection
7 Hardness Softening
8
A
Excessive chlorine De‐chlorination
9 D
Iron, Manganese and other harmful constituents. Miscellaneous
If water contents suspended impurities, it can be removed by plain sedimentation but very
fine suspended particles such as silt <0.06 mm requires maximum detention time in the sedimentation tank,
which is impracticable. Also water containing electrically charged colloidal impurities in motion and never settle
down due to gravitational forces.
Hence to remove such very fine suspended particles not removed by plain sedimentation and
the electrically charged particles, a method is used which is called sedimentation with coagulation. When certain
chemicals such as alum (aluminum sulphate), chlorinated coppers, ferrous sulphate & lime, Magnesium
carbonate etc are added in to water it produces gelatinous (sticky) precipitates called floc which absorbs the fine
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
13
suspended and colloidal impurities then sedimentation can be done. This process also removes color, odour and
test in water. The chemicals added are called coagulants.
Coagulants feeding Mixing Flocculation Sedimentation
(In row water) (In mixtures) (In flocculators) (Sedimentation tanks)
It is generally done after plain sedimentation. In this process, the coagulants (chemicals like alum etc.)
are added in water by feeding devices then thoroughly mixed with mixing devices and send to flocculators (a slow
stirring mechanism which helps to produce floc) to produce precipitate or floc then send to the sedimentation
basin so that the floc may settle down due to force of gravity and it is then removed without disturbance. In fact
the sedimentation with coagulation requires the following processes.
Coagulation: A chemical process that involves the formation of chemicals flocs, which absorb, entrap
& bring together the suspended matters.
Sedimentation: The process to allow the particles settles down.
Aluminum hydroxide or alum [Al2 (SO4)3.18 H2O] is insoluble precipitate. Alum is found to be
most effective between pH ranges of 6.5 to 8.5. Its dose depends upon various factors such as turbidity, color,
pH, temperature etc. The common test, which is performed to determine optimum quantity of coagulant, is
known as jar test and it is the trial and error method.
4.6. PROCEDURE:
Following procedure was done for the jar test:
a. Six beakers with one liter of water sample were taken first.
b. Then chemical coagulant (alum) was added in each beaker in increasing quantity i.e. 2mg, 4mg, 6 mg, 8
mg, 10 mg, 12 mg.
c. The beakers was arrange in the apparatus containing stirrer in order.
d. Then mixed the chemicals at the speed of high speed (about 100 rpm) for 2 minutes and reduce the
speed 20 rpm for 10 to 15 minutes and stop the rotation.
e. The allow the floc to settle down for about 20 minutes.
f. Then we visualize the floc formed in each jar and we choose the beaker with minimum turbidity which
gives the best floc the clear water. The dose of coagulant on that beaker gives the optimum dose of
coagulants.
4.7. OBSERVATIONS:
Name and place of sample collection: Kathmandu Engineering College, Kalimati, Kathmandu
Source of water: Boring water inside KEC.
Date and time of sampling: 2065‐02‐01, 12.00 pm
Volume of sample taken: One liter in each beaker
Optimum dose of alum: Less than 2 mg/l (ppm)
4.8. RESULT:
Hence from the experiment we found that the optimum dose of alum is less than 2 mg/l (ppm).
4.9. CONCLUSION & DISCUSSION:
From the jar test we found that the optimum dose of coagulant alum is less than 2 mg/l. while
observing the beakers after floc settle we found that no beaker with the particles with zero velocity it
shows that the coagulant for each beaker is more than the optimum dose. For the correct dose analysis
we should further repeat the process by adding less than 2 mg alum in each beaker and we should visualize
the beaker again and when the beaker shows no particle movement and clear water with best floc
formation which is the optimum dose of coagulant.
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
14
4.10. PRECAUTIONS:
Following precaution should be taken in mind while doing jar test:
a. pH value of sample should be known before selection of coagulant.
b. The mixing of coagulant should be proper and through.
c. The turbidity of coagulated water should be measured accurately for the exact coagulant dose
determination.
d. The speed of paddles must be constant at the speed of 100 rpm up to 2 minutes and then
should be reduced to 20 minutes up to next 15 minutes.
e. Visualization should be accurately done so that correct jar with optimum dose can be
obtained.
Submitted by: Rabindra Subedi Water Supply Engineering Practical Submitted to: Department of
BCE 62109’C’ Civil Engineering
Er. Arun Prasad Parajuli
Fig. Jar test Apparatus setup