What Chemistry will you use?
You will use various types of Chemistry!
pH is the measure of acidity of a substance. It is used in the measuring of the acidity/alkalinity of a river, lake or soil. The following is a review of the experiment conducted in the lab which is commonly used by Environmental Scientists/Protection Officers
Title
Determination of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Percentage Saturation (%Sat), temperature and pH in river water.
Date
30/11/2010
Objective
The purpose of this experiment is to examine two samples of river water. DO Meters are used to measure DO and %Sat. pH meters are used to measure pH and temperature. The two samples are compared.
Materials
- Two River samples: Sample A and Sample B (One upstream and one lower stream)
- Dissolved Oxygen Meter (DO and %Sat)
- pH Meter (pH and temp)
- Two samples of river water are taken. One is taken from upstream, another from lower stream.
- Beakers are labelled 'Sample A' and 'Sample B'
- DO Meters are put into Sample A to measure DO and %Sat.
- Record Data.
- A pH meter is used to to measure pH and temperature.
- Record Data.
- The same is done for Sample B.
Results
NOTE: The following results are examples and are NOT suitable results.
Sample | DO (mg/L) | %Sat | pH (6.5 → 8) | Temp (°C) |
Sample A | 9.84 mg/L | 89.10% | 7.45 | 10.1°C |
Sample B | 10.12 mg/L | 90.25% | 7.55 | 10.09°C |
Conclusion
From the results above we can tell that the river water quality in this river is quite good. From Sample A we can see that it is suitable for salmon. Salmon require 7-9 mg/L of Oxygen. The percentage Saturation is good. It is recommended that it is 100%. Because Sample A was taken from upstream with a low rate of flow therefore the percentage saturation is lower than the recommended. The pH is good. The temperature for this time of year is on average temperature is 12°C, this is below average. This can be because of the recent cold weather,snow and ice. Overall the quality of water in the river is quite good and meets EU regulations.
Discussion
What are the errors of under going this experiment?
From the minute of taking the samples to the conclusion of the experiment certain errors may have accord. When the samples are taken and placed into a beaker the temperature of the water may begin to change. Your hands slowly begin to heat the water. The Oxygen levels could change due to more oxygen being present in the new environment. It is very important that as soon as the samples have been taken that the experiment is undergone.
From the results above we can tell that the river water quality in this river is quite good. From Sample A we can see that it is suitable for salmon. Salmon require 7-9 mg/L of Oxygen. The percentage Saturation is good. It is recommended that it is 100%. Because Sample A was taken from upstream with a low rate of flow therefore the percentage saturation is lower than the recommended. The pH is good. The temperature for this time of year is on average temperature is 12°C, this is below average. This can be because of the recent cold weather,snow and ice. Overall the quality of water in the river is quite good and meets EU regulations.
Discussion
What are the errors of under going this experiment?
From the minute of taking the samples to the conclusion of the experiment certain errors may have accord. When the samples are taken and placed into a beaker the temperature of the water may begin to change. Your hands slowly begin to heat the water. The Oxygen levels could change due to more oxygen being present in the new environment. It is very important that as soon as the samples have been taken that the experiment is undergone.
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| DO Meter kit |
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