FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY

LABORATORY INSTRUCTION SHEETS

COURSE CODE BNP 21403

EXPERIMENT CODE EXPERIMENT 1

EXPERIMENT TITLE WATER QUALITY FIELD MEASUREMENTS

DATE 19/11/2019

GROUP NO. 2

(1) DR. NURAMIDAH

LECTURER/ INSTRUCTOR
(2) FAEQATUL NABILA BINTI ZUBIR

DATE OF REPORT SUBMISSION 28/11/2019

RECEIVED DATE AND STAMP

COMMENTS:

TOTAL MARK (FROM RUBRIC

ASSESSMENT)
 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY
LABORATORY RUBRIC ASSESSMENT

CLO: To Display the ability of working in group in accomplishing the tasks of water and wastewater
analysis and treatment technology effectively
(PLO2- P4) – 10%

Level of Achievement

Very Weak Weak Modest Good Excellent

Elements
1 2 3 4 5 Level Weight Score

Introduction Background Background Background Background Background

Content knowledge is information is information is information is information may information has the
accurate, relevant and missing or accurate, but overly narrow or contain minor appropriate level of
provides appropriate contains major irrelevant or too overly general (only omissions or specificity to provide
background for reader inaccuracies. disjointed to make partially relevant). inaccuracies that do concise and useful P1 4 /20
including defining critical relevance clear not detract from the context to aid the
terms. major point of the reader’s
paper understanding
Materials and methods No materials are Some materials are Some materials are Most materials are All Materials are
Appropriate materials and listed. listed. listed. listed. listed.
method are present and Procedure section Procedure is Procedure contains Procedure is P4 3 /15
explained is missing. Poorly explained / missing steps and most steps and is complete and easy to
indecipherable difficult to follow. easy to follow. follow. All steps are
present.
Measurement/Results All data are Most data are Most data are All data are taken All data are
Data are summarized in missing or missing or correctly taken, but minor data are correctly taken
a logical format. Table incorrect incorrect no missing data incorrect
P4 3 /15
or graph types are
appropriate. Data are
properly labelled
including units. Graph
Discussion Alternative Alternative Discussion Discussion of Discussion and
Alternative explanations are explanations are explanations are addresses some but alternatives is analysis of
considered and clearly not provided mentioned but not not all of the reasonably complete, alternatives is based
eliminated by data in a discussed or alternatives in a uses data where on data, complete and
persuasive discussion. eliminated. reasonable way. possible and results persuasive with a
P4 5 /25
in at least some single clearly
alternatives being supported
persuasively explanation
dismissed remaining by the end
of the discussion.
Respond to Q&A Minimum Limited ability to Able to respond Able to respond Unable to respond
Respond and answer to ability to answer and and answer and answer and answer to the
the question accordingly. respond and sometimes do not constructively constructively at question P3 2 /10
answer to the match the most of the time. all times. accordingly.
question. question.
Conclusion Conclusions have Conclusions have Conclusions have Conclusions are Conclusions are
Conclusion is clearly and no basis in data little basis in data some direct basis in clearly and logically completely justified
logically drawn from data provided provided the data, but may drawn from and by data.
P2 2 /10
provided. contain some gaps bounded by the data
in logic or data or provided with no
are overly broad. gaps in logic.
Report Quality Word usage is The report is The report has The report is written The report is written
Grammar, word usage and frequently written is not well several grammar in complete in complete sentences
organization facilitate the confused or written and contains and spelling sentences and (except materials
reader’s understanding of incorrect. many errors in mistakes, and many contains no personal section) and contains
the paper. spelling, grammar, sentence fragments. pronouns. Most of no personal P2 1 /5
and sentence the grammar and pronouns. Grammar
structure spelling are correct. and spelling are
correct.

Total
Mark: /100
1.0 OBJECTIVES

a) To introduce the modern engineering tools and instruments to be used in

measuring the water quality of water and wastewater on-site.
b) To determine the basic water quality parameter in water and wastewater
samples.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Field testing is a significant research system environmentalist use. Ecologist

gathers information to more readily comprehend the structure and capacity of the
particular territory of study. Biologist face the challenge of assessing nature and
normal capacities. Since it is almost difficult to gather, or figure densities of plants
in an enormous zone, environmentalists have created examining techniques. In
any case, unique testing strategies work superior to others in explicit natural
surroundings. In this manner, scientists must figure out what testing technique will
help acquire the most precise information, limit the potential predisposition, and
in what capacity can the examples taken be limited.

The pH term is utilized to demonstrate the alkalinity or sharpness of a

substance as positioned on a scale from 1.0 to 14.0. The causticity or alkalinity of
wastewater influences both treatment and nature. The pH is really the proportion
of the reverse centralization of hydrogen particles and is a logarithmic scale. As
pH esteems lower, it demonstrates expanding acridity; while a high pH shows
alkalinity (a pH of 7 is unbiased). The pH of wastewater needs to stay somewhere
in the range of 6 and 9 to secure advantageous life forms. Acids, cleaning
operators and different substances that modify pH can inert treatment forms when
they enter wastewater.

Conductivity is a proportion of the capacity of water to go through an

electrical flow. Conductivity in water is influenced by the nearness of inorganic
disintegrated solids, for example, chloride, nitrate, sulfate and phosphate anions
(particles that convey a negative charge) or sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron and
aluminum cations (particles that convey a positive charge). Natural mixes like oil,
phenol, liquor, and sugar don't lead electrical ebb and flow well overall and in this
way have a low conductivity when in water. Conductivity is additionally
influenced by temperature: the hotter the water, the higher conductivity. Thus,
conductivity is accounted for as conductivity at 25oC.

The examination of broke down oxygen (DO) is a key test in wastewater

process control. The DO test gives data about the state of the wastewater for the
administrator to settle on process control choices. A solitary DO test once in a
while mirrors the state of a waterway. A few examples taken at various occasions,
areas and profundities are prescribed for progressively solid data. Temperature is
one of the most much of the time stepped through exams in the wastewater
business. Exact water temperature readings are significant for chronicled purposes
as well as a result of its impact on synthetic response rates, natural development
and broke down oxygen fixation.
3.0 APPARATUS

3.1 a) On-site water quality checker

b) Dissolved oxygen
c) pH meter
d) Conductivity meter

3.2 Beaker

3.3 Distilled water

4.0 PROCEDURE
4.1. Field Observation
4.1.1. During every sampling event, observations of field conditions that
could assist in the interpretation of monitoring data are to be recorded.
This can provide useful information about the water being sampled,
which can help diagnose the source and potential impact of pollutants
found by chemical analysis.
4.1.2. Examples of such field conditions are as follows:
i. Recent rain can wash potential pollutants from surrounding land
into waterways.
ii. Winds may drive some constituents toward one side of the
waterbody or create mixing which might help dissipate them
more quickly.
iii. Shading from cloud and vegetation can influence the level of
dissolved oxygen.
iv. Any abnormalities that may indicate pollution or affect water
quality, such as absence of flow, presence of surface scum,
water colour or odours, excessive algal or plant growth, dead
fish or invertebrates should also be noted

4.2. Field Measurement

4.2.1 Surface Water Sample
4.2.1.1. Field measurements commonly are monitored within a
cross section of the surface-water body to help determine how
well mixed the stream is, consequently, the sampling method
to be used and to determine the field-property values of the
water body at the selected site.
4.2.1.2. In situ use of multiparameter instrument is the most
efficient means of obtaining such data.
4.2.1.3. Many instruments include a pressure transducer that
produces a value for water depth or level. For instruments
without pressure transducers, the approximate depth of the
sonde as it is lowered through a transect can be noted by
placing incremental marks along the instrument cable or be
connected to a pressure transducer.
4.2.1.4. We waited for at least 60 seconds for the sensors to
reach thermal equilibrium with the water temperature at each
new location.
4.2.1.5. At each measuring point, the field-measurement values
on the instrument display is allowed to stabilize within an
established criterion before recorded the final field
measurements.
4.2.1.6. Considered the field-measurement values stable if the
variability among three or more consecutive readings, spaced
some number of minutes apart, conforms to the designated
criteria.
4.2.1.7. Biological growth or debris in the water can foul
sensors, which will adversely affect sensor readings.
4.2.1.8. Avoid the areas that will result in having to stop and
clean algae, sediment, or debris from the sensors.
5.0 RESULTS & CALCULATIONS
Record all the readings for surface water sample in Table 5.1

Table 5.1: Data for Surface water sample

Dissolved Conductivity, Temperature,

Samples Trials pH
oxygen, mg/L µs/cm C
o

1 6.40 4.88 73 32.12

2 6.29 5.15 71 32.36
Point 1
3 6.11 5.43 73 31.68
Mean 6.27 4.82 72.33 32.05
1 6.16 4.86 72 32.42
2 5.81 5.12 74 30.96
Point 2
3 5.78 5.42 74 30.99
Mean 5.92 5.13 73.33 31.46
1 6.07 4.91 73.7 32.43
2 6.11 5.01 74 32.46
Point 3
3 6.13 5.10 75 32.43
Mean 6.10 5.01 74.23 32.44
1 6.16 5.00 79 32.47
2 6.20 5.42 77 32.34
Point 4
3 6.25 5.71 80 32.30
Mean 6.20 5.38 78.67 32.37
1 6.28 5.43 74 32.42
2 6.30 5.53 76 32.31
Point 5
3 6.32 5.60 80 32.30
Mean 6.30 5.52 76.67 32.34
1 6.26 5.85 73 32.59
2 6.31 5.87 75 32.60
Point 6
3 6.42 5.83 78 32.62
Mean 6.33 5.85 75.33 32.60
CALCULATIONS :

MEAN :-

䇅 䇅 ⺁ 䇅戴戴
a) pH =

= 6.27

䇅 䇅戴 䇅
b) Dissolved oxygen, mg/L =

= 4.82

戴
c) Conductivity, µs/cm =

= 72.33

䇅戴 䇅 戴䇅
d) Temperature, °C =

= 32.05

6.0 ANALYSIS

Based on the result obtained, we can say that dissolved oxygen will increase
proportionally with pH measurement. The temperature also effect the reading of
dissolved oxygen, when the temperature increase, the dissolved oxygen also
increase.
7.0 DISCUSSION

Water quality criteria are developed information about the effects of water
pollutants on a specific water use. They also describe water quality requirements for
protecting and maintaining an individual use. Numerous studies have confirmed that a
pH range of 6.5 to 9 is most appropriate for the maintenance of river or fish
commuities. Low concentrations of dissolved oxygen, when combined with the
presence of toxic substances may lead to stress responses in aquatic ecosystems
because the toxicity of certain elements, such as zinc, lead and copper, is increased by
low concentrations of dissolved oxygen From our result obtain, the dissolve oxygen
increase due to the temperature increase because high water temperature also
increases the adverse effects on biota associated with low concentrations of dissolved
oxygen.

Water quality criteria for phosphorus compounds, such as phosphates, are set at a
concentration that prevents excessive growth of algae. Criteria for total ammonia
(NH3) have been established, for example by the EPA, to reflect the varying toxicity
of NH3 with pH (EPA, 1985). Criteria have been set for a pH range from 6.5 to 9.0
and a water temperature range from 0 to 30 °C. From the result the temperature range
from 30 and above not related to the EPA criteria . the result obtain from pH range is
related to the criteria.
8.0 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

1. What does is mean by replicate? Discuss on the importance of doing

replicates.
Getting the same result when an experiment is repeated is
called replication. If research results can be replicated, it means they are
more likely to be correct. Repeated replication of investigations may turn
a hypothesis into a theory. On the other hand, if results cannot be replicated,
they are likely to be incorrect.
The importance of doing replicated is to assurance that results are valid
and reliable determination of generalizability or the role of extraneous
variables. Other than that, is application of results to real world situations and
inspiration of new research combining previous findings from related studies.

2. Why sample preservation must be done before sample storage?

Samples requiring preservation should be preserved as soon as possible
after collection to maintain the integrity of the sample.

3. Who is responsible for water supply maintenance/operation in Malaysia and

what are their job scopes?

Within the executive branch of the federal government, the Ministry of

Energy, Green Technology and Water is in charge of setting water supply and
sanitation policies. It is assisted by two technical agencies under its
supervision: The water supply department (JBA) and the sewerage services
department (JPP). The latter was established through the Sewerage Services
Act of 1994 as a regulatory agency for the private sanitation company IWK.
When IWK was taken over by the government in 2000, the sewerage services
department became responsible for the development of infrastructure while
IWK remained in charge of operation and maintenance as a publicly owned
company.
IWK is responsible for maintaining the network of public sewerage
pipelines for areas, which have a sewerage system that is connected to a public
 sewage treatment plant. The most common problem encountered is blockage
caused by rubbish or solid waste, grease, rubbles, grit, and occasionally
damaged pipes. IWK will rectify the problem within 24 hours depending on
the type of objects blocking the passage using high pressured water hose, high
powered vacuum and mechanical rodders. If there are broken pipes, IWK will
replace the pipes and ensures minimal inconvenience to customers
4. What standard does Malaysia drinking water quality conform to?
Malaysia Drinking Water quality conform to National Standard for
Drinking Water Quality (Second Version, January 2004) issued by
Engineering Services Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia. This is adopted
from the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water
quality.

Water quality supplied by water treatment plant (WTP) operators and the
treated water quality in the distribution system are both monitored by Ministry
Of Health (MOH) by way of sampling and testing. There are five (5) main key
parameters
(i.e.E.Coli & residual chlorine, turbidity, aluminium and residual chl
orine) covered and tracked under the MOH’s Quality
Assurance Programme (QAP). Samples are taken from the various sampling
stations (SPA) which are stationed at the treatment plants, service reservoirs
and also in the distribution system. In addition, the frequency of sampling
carried out through the designated sampling points (>1000 nos) is based on the
frequency that is stipulated in the National Standard Drinking Water Quality.

Chlorine is the most common disinfectant used. Chlorine has been added
to drinking water to kill germs since 1902.Chlorine is added to drinking water
at the water treatment plant. The drinking water standard allows chlorination
to be in the range of 0.2 to 5.0 mg/L. Any risk of harmful effects to humans
from by-products of chlorine (trihalomethanes) is small and difficult to
measure, especially when weighed against the real risks associated with the
lack of chlorine in water. There are strict parameter limits about the amount of
 trihalomethanes allowed in treated water and this is being monitored by the
Ministry of Health (MOH).

Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) are a group of bacteria that live in the intestines
of many animals, including humans. Most strains are harmless, but others can
cause illness ranging form diarrhoea to pneumonia. E. coli infections can be
life-threatening.

Fluoride is a mineral salt of fluorine, the most chemically active of all

known elements, are called fluorides. The most common fluorides in nature
are fluorite, cryolite and fluorapatite. Fluorite is a mineral of calcium fluoride,
cryolite is a mineral of sodium and aluminium fluoride, and fluorapatite is a
mineral of mixed calcium fluoride and calcium phosphate.

Although treated water currently complies with all the statutory

standards, the residual contents of Aluminium, Iron and Manganese and
turbidity value in treated water is still considered high causing it to precipitate
in the distribution network at sections of the pipe network where the flow
velocities are lower than self-cleansing velocity. Water might be affected by
iron, a commonly occurring constituent of drinking water. Iron tends to add a
rusty, reddish brown (or sometimes yellow) colour to water, and leaves
particles of the same colour. If the colour is more like black, it could be a
combination of iron and manganese. Both of these metals can cause staining
of plumbing fixtures or laundry, but they are not known to cause health
problems.

5. Who set the drinking water standard parameters and how do consumers know
whether the standards are being followed or not?

Despite the truth that every human on this planet needs drinking water to
survive and that water may contain many harmful constituents, there are no
universally recognized and accepted international standards for drinking
water. Even where standards do exist, and are applied, the permitted
concentration of individual constituents may vary by as much as ten times
from one set of standards to another.

Many developed countries specify standards to be applied in their own

country. In Europe, this includes the European Drinking Water Directive and
in the United States the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
establishes standards as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. For
countries without a legislative or administrative framework for such standards,
the World Health Organization publishes guidelines on the standards that
should be achieved. China adopted its own drinking water standard
GB3838-2002 (Type II) enacted by Ministry of Environmental Protection in
2002.

Consumers can know whether the standards of drinking water parameters

are being followed or not is by the appearance which is taste and odour of
drinking water. The drinking water that followed standard is the taste and
odour must be odourless and tasteless.
9.0 CONCLUSION

We have studied the quality of a lake at 6 points. The water quality is similar at
all 6 points which indicate the quality is almost constant throughout the lake we used
as sample. The data given is almost identical at all 6 points and give mean value of pH
value of 6.27, Dissolved oxgen of 4.82mg/L, conductivity of 72.33µs/cm, and
temperature of 32.05°C

Acceptable pH value for drinking water is 6 to 9 and dissolved oxygen is 1 to 20

mg/L, the water sample has reached the safe value based on MOH and WHO standard
of drinking water. However, healthy drinking water has conductivity of 200 to
800µs/cm, while the water sample is 72.33µs/cm which is outside of the range.

In conclusion, the water sample is not suitable to be drinking water as it

disobeyed the critirea of quality speified by the WHO and MOH. Although the water
sample is suitable for some algae and aquatic animals, the sample needed to be treated
and cleaned to be safe for us to drink.

Water quality standards include the following components:

• Beneficial uses – designation of the public uses and benefit

our water resources provide to people.

• Numeric standards – allowable concentrations of specific

pollutants in water, established to protect the beneficial uses.

• Narrative standards – descriptions or statements of

unacceptable conditions in and on the water.

• Nondegradation – extra protection for high-quality or unique

waters to keep them from being degraded.