CE5170 – Physicochemical Processes for

Water and Wastewater Treatment

T-Statistics for Water Sampling and Ion-Balance - Classwork

Question#1
• The standard deviation of a chemical analysis for a given
concentration is 0.5 mg/L. If the acceptable level of
uncertainty is ±0.3 mg/L, estimate the number of replicate
measurement required at 90% and 95% confidence levels. If
only three replicate measurements can be made, estimate
the uncertainty at 90% confidence level. Comparing the
results of the computations, what conclusions can be
drawn..??
T-table
• T-value at given confidence level
Sample Analysis - Techniques
• Gravimetric
• Volumetric
• Physicochemical instrumental method of analysis
→ Turbidimetry
→ Colorimetry
→ Potentiometry
→ Spectrometry In Instrumental Analysis:
→ Fluorometry IDL – Instrumental detection limit
→ Spectroscopy LLD – Lower level of detection
→ Nuclear radiation, etc. MDL – Method detection level
LOQ – Level of quantification
Accuracy of Analytical Measurements
• As per electroneutrality, [Sum of Cations = Sum of Anions]
Checking the accuracy of analysis,
Σ 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 − Σ 𝐴𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
Diff. (%)= x 100
Σ 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 + Σ 𝐴𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
• The acceptable criteria are,
Σ 𝐴𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 (meq/L) Acceptable difference
0-3.0 ± 0.2 meq/L
3.0 – 10.0 ± 2%
10 - 800 ± 5%
Question#2
• The following analysis has been completed on a filtered
water from a surface water treatment plant. Check the
accuracy of the analysis to determine if it is sufficiently
accurate based on the standard criteria. The concentration (in
mg/L) of cations and anions observed in the sample are as
follows: Ca2+ - 42; Mg2+ - 8.6; Na+ - 10.0; K+ - 1.3; HCO3- -
115; SO42- - 29; Cl- - 26 and NO3- - 1.0.