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Objective 1: To determine the Turbidity Content of Wastewater Sample

Introduction
Turbidity, a measure of water clarity, is caused by suspended particles such as clay, silt, algae,
and organic matter. In sewage water, high turbidity can indicate poor treatment efficiency,
contamination, and potential health risks. Accurate measurement of turbidity is crucial for
monitoring water quality and ensuring effective treatment processes.

Apparatus
1. Nephelometer: A device used to measure turbidity by detecting the amount of light
scattered by particles in a water sample.

2. Turbidity standards: A set of solutions with known turbidity levels for calibration.

3. Sample bottles: Clean and dry bottles for collecting water samples.

4. Pipettes: For transferring water samples to cuvettes.

5. Cuvettes: Small transparent containers for holding the water samples during
measurement.

Procedure
➢ Prepare a series of turbidity standards according to the manufacturer's instructions.
➢ Set the nephelometer to zero using a blank (distilled water).
➢ Measure the turbidity of each standard solution and record the values.
➢ Create a calibration curve by plotting the measured turbidity values against the known
turbidity values of the standards.
➢ Collect a representative sample of Wastewater ensuring it is free of air bubbles.
➢ Avoid disturbing the sediment at the bottom of the sample container.
➢ If necessary, filter the sample to remove large particles that may interfere with the
measurement.
➢ Allow the sample to settle for a few minutes to reduce the number of suspended solids.
➢ Fill a clean cuvette with the prepared sample.
➢ Place the cuvette in the nephelometer and read the turbidity value directly from the
instrument's display.
➢ Record the measured turbidity value in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).
➢ Compare the measured turbidity value to regulatory standards or treatment plant
discharge limits.
➢ Analyze the results to assess the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process.

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Observation

Sno. Sample Turbidity(NTU)

1 Wastewater 300

Turbidity Range for Drinking Water

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the turbidity of drinking water should
not exceed 5 NTU. However, ideally, turbidity should be kept below 1 NTU to ensure effective
disinfection and minimize health risks.

Comments:
The water is not worth driniking as it exceeds WHO limits

MEHRAN UET JAMSHORO DEPT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

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Objective 2 & 3: To determine pH , TDS of prepared Wastewater sample

Introduction
pH Determination
The pH value of a solution is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. It is a logarithmic scale
ranging from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral, values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are
alkaline. pH is crucial in various applications, including wastewater treatment, as it influences
the effectiveness of chemical processes and the overall quality of the treated effluent.

TDS Determination
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refer to the amount of inorganic and organic substances dissolved
in water. These substances include salt, minerals, and other impurities. TDS is an important
parameter for assessing water quality, as it can affect its taste, conductivity, and suitability for
various uses.

Apparatus Required

For pH Determination:
• pH meter or pH paper

• Beaker

• Stirring rod

For TDS Determination:

• TDS meter

• Beaker

• Stirring rod

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Procedure:
pH Determination
1. Calibration: Calibrate the pH meter using standard buffer solutions of pH 4, 7, and 10.

2. Sample Preparation: Collect a representative sample of the wastewater. If necessary, filter

the sample to remove any suspended solids.

3. Measurement:

o Using a pH meter:
▪ Dip the pH electrode into the wastewater sample.

▪ Stir gently to ensure proper mixing.

▪ Read the pH value directly from the meter's display.

TDS Determination
1. Calibration: Calibrate the TDS meter using a standard solution of known TDS
concentration.

2. Sample Preparation: Collect a representative sample of the wastewater. If necessary, filter

the sample to remove any suspended solids.

3. Measurement:

o Dip the TDS meter's conductivity probe into the wastewater sample.

o Stir gently to ensure proper mixing.

o Read the TDS value directly from the meter's display.

Observation:
pH of distilled Water 7
PH of sample 6.48
TDS(mg/L) 121.5

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Objective 3: To determine the Taste and Odour value of Wastewater

sample

Introduction
Taste and odor are important sensory characteristics of water quality. While they may not pose
significant health risks, they can significantly impact water acceptability and usage. These
parameters are often influenced by the presence of organic compounds, inorganic substances,
and biological activity in water bodies.

Apparatus Required
• Hot Plate

• Erlenmeyer Flask 500ml

• Watch Glass

• Pipettes

• Activated Carbon Filter

Procedure:

1. Sample Preparation:
o Label three 100 mL breakers as Sample 1, Sample 2, and Sample 3.

o Measure 100 mL of distilled water into each beaker.

o Add the following volumes of wastewater to the respective beakers:

▪ Sample 1: 1 mL

▪ Sample 2: 2 mL

▪ Sample 3: 3 mL

2. Heating and Odor Assessment:

o Place the three beakers on the hot plate.

o Set the hot plate temperature to 60 degrees Celsius.

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o As the samples heat, periodically and cautiously sniff the vapors emitted from
each beaker.

o Important: Be cautious when sniffing the vapors, as they may contain harmful
substances.

Observation:

Sample Wastewater sample added Result

1 1ml Not observed
2 2ml Not observed
3 3ml Observed

Calculation:

A(ml of Sample)= 3ml

B(ml of distilled Water)= 100ml

❖ TON = A+B/A
3+100/3
34.334

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Objective 5: Determination of Jar Test (Alum Dose Selection) for Wastewater

Introduction
Jar testing is a laboratory-scale simulation of coagulation-flocculation processes used in water
and wastewater treatment. It helps determine the optimal dosage of coagulant chemicals, such as
alum, to effectively remove suspended solids, turbidity, and color from water.

Materials Required:

Apparatus Required
• Beakers 1-Liter or 400-ml, 7Nos.

• Graduated cylinder 100-ml, 7Nos

• Pipettes and cylinder or bulbs or burettes 25-ml, 2Nos.

• Stirrer

• Wastewater sample

Chemical Required
• Aluminum Sulphate Solution , 1000mg/L

Procedure:

1. Sample Preparation:
o Collect a representative sample of wastewater.

o If necessary, adjust the pH of the wastewater to the desired range (typically 6.5-7.5)
using acid or alkali.

2. Jar Test Setup:

o Label six beakers as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

o Pour 1 liter of wastewater into each beaker.

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3. Coagulant Dosing:
o Prepare a stock solution of alum.

o Add different doses of alum solution to each beaker:

▪ Beaker 1: 0 mg/L (control)

▪ Beaker 2: 5 mg/L

▪ Beaker 3: 10 mg/L

▪ Beaker 4: 15 mg/L

▪ Beaker 5: 20 mg/L

▪ Beaker 6: 25 mg/L

4. Rapid Mixing:
o Start the stirring apparatus and rapidly mix the contents of each beaker at a high
speed (around 100-150 rpm) for 1 minute.

5. Slow Mixing:
o Reduce the stirring speed to a slow rate (around 20-30 rpm) for 15-20 minutes. This
allows the formation of larger flocs.

6. Sedimentation:
o Stop the stirring and allow the flocs to settle for 30 minutes.

7. Observation and Analysis:

o Observe the clarity of the supernatant in each beaker.

o Measure the turbidity of the supernatant using a turbidity meter.

o Select the optimal alum dosage based on the clearest supernatant and lowest turbidity.

Observation:

Beaker No Aluminum Sulphate Solution Observation

added to turbid water(ml)

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1 3.3 Not formed

2 6.6 Not formed

3 10.0 Not formed

4 13.3 Formed not settled
5 16.6 Settled quickly
6 20.0 Settled quickly, bigger
flocculates

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