Part A

1. In brief explain pH and significant of this parameter for water

characterization.

pH value is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions [h⁺]. pH

value affects chemical and biological reactions. pH scale for acidic,
neutral and basic are categorized in range value of 0-6, 7 and 8-14
respectively.

2. What is the DO concentration indicating the septic and what the

impact of septic condition to aquatic life

The concentration of DO in river is an indicator of the general health

of the river. All rivers have capacity for water purification. As long as
the discharge of oxygen demanding wastes is well within the self
purification capacity, the DO level remain high and a diverse
population of plants and animals. As the amount of waste increases,
the self purification capacity can be exceeded, causing detrimental
changes in plant and animal life. Then, the stream losses its ability to
clean itself and the DO level decreases. When the DO drops below 4
to 5 mg/L, most game fish will have been driven out. If the DO is
completely removed, fish and other higher animals are killed or
driven. The water become blackish and foul smelling as the sewage
and dead animal life decompose under anaerobic condition or without
oxygen.

3.

i. Explain the importance of BOD measurement to determine the

quality of water in terms of dissolved oxygen.

BOD is a measure of the quantity of oxygen used by microorganisms in

the oxidation of organic matter. BOD measures the change in dissolved
oxygen concentration caused by microorganisms as they degrade the
organic matter. High OD is an indication of poor water quality.
ii. Explain why is it important to have a water tight seal in the BOD
bottles?

The water must seal tight as precaution against drawing air into the BOD
bottle during the 5-day incubation to prevent possible contamination,
change in the volume of solution in the bottle and the bottle stopper from
stuck.

iii.Calculate the BOD5 for the water sample by using the data as
shown in Table Q3 (iii). Assume that the water sample, filled into
BOD bottle is 10 mL and a 300 mL BOD bottle is used.

Table Q3 (iii)

Day Concentration of DO (mg/L)

Initial day 7.2
Day 5 3.8

D ⅰ−Df
BOD₅ mg/L =
P
, P= volume of sample used
total volume

7.2−3.8
=
10/300

=102 mg/L
Part B

1. By referring to the video/power point, list TWO (2) steps for

measuring pH.

1. When ready to take measurement remove probe from holding position.

2. The pH probe must be rinsed every time it is moved from one solution to
another.

2. Is it possible to measure the DO concentration higher than 20 mg/L

from fresh water? Give your comment.

Possible. If the freshwater exposed to saturated atmosphere under a

pressure of 101.325 kPa, the saturation value of DO is 20.9.