ESPECIALLY CURATED FOR 1ST YEAR

BTECH CSE GGSIPU 2023

BS-161 EVS LAB

Viva Question
BS-161 EVS LAB
VIVA QUESTION

Affan Alam
BS-161 EVS LAB VIVA QUESTION AFFAN ALAM

Table of
Contents

1. Determination of PH in some drinking water sample 01

2. Determination of conductivity of some drinking water 02

sample

3. Determination of pH of some soil samples 03

4. To determine the conductivity of the given soil sample 04

5. Determination of total dissolved solids in water 05

6. Determination of ammonia in water 06

7. Estimate soil moisture content in the given soil sample 07

8. Determination of free CO2 in a given sample of water 08

9. Determination of dissolved O2 in given water sample 09

10. Determination of total residual chlorine in the water 10

AFFAN ALAM
 1. Determination of pH in some
drinking water sample:

Q: What is pH?
A: pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14.
Q: Why is it important to measure pH in drinking water?
A: Measuring pH in drinking water is important because it can help determine if the
water is acidic or alkaline. The pH of water affects the taste, the effectiveness of
disinfectants, and the potential for corrosion.
Q: How is pH measured in drinking water?
A: pH is measured using a pH meter or pH indicator paper. The pH meter measures
the electrical potential of the solution, while the pH indicator paper changes color
depending on the pH of the solution.
Q: What is the acceptable range of pH for drinking water?
A: The acceptable range of pH for drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5.
Q: What are the sources of acidity or alkalinity in drinking water?
A: Acidity in drinking water can be caused by acid rain or the presence of acids in the
soil. Alkalinity can be caused by the presence of minerals such as calcium and
magnesium.
Q: What are the health effects of drinking water with a low pH?
A: Drinking water with a low pH can cause corrosion of plumbing fixtures and leaching
of metals such as lead and copper into the water, which can be harmful to health.
Q: What are the health effects of drinking water with a high pH?
A: Drinking water with a high pH can cause a bitter taste, skin irritation, and
gastrointestinal problems.
Q: How does temperature affect the pH of water?
A: Temperature can affect the pH of water, as pH is dependent on the concentration of
hydrogen ions. As temperature increases, the concentration of hydrogen ions
decreases, causing the pH to increase.
Q: How does the pH of water affect the treatment process?
A: The pH of water can affect the effectiveness of disinfection and coagulation, which
are important steps in the treatment process.
Q: What is the role of pH in environmental monitoring?
A: pH is an important parameter in environmental monitoring, as it can indicate the
presence of pollution or contamination in water bodies. For example, acid rain can
lower the pH of lakes and streams, affecting aquatic life.

AFFAN ALAM
 2. Determination of conductivity of
some drinking water sample

Q: What is conductivity?
A: Conductivity is a measure of the ability of a substance to conduct electricity.
Q: Why is it important to measure conductivity in drinking water?
A: Measuring conductivity in drinking water can help determine the presence of dissolved
salts and minerals, which can affect the taste and quality of the water.
Q: How is conductivity measured in drinking water?
A: Conductivity is measured using a conductivity meter, which measures the electrical
conductivity of the solution.
Q: What is the acceptable range of conductivity for drinking water?
A: The acceptable range of conductivity for drinking water is generally between 50 and
1500 microsiemens per centimeter (µS/cm).
Q: What are the sources of conductivity in drinking water?
A: Conductivity in drinking water can be caused by dissolved minerals such as calcium,
magnesium, and sodium.
Q: What are the health effects of high conductivity in drinking water?
A: High conductivity in drinking water can cause scaling and corrosion of plumbing
fixtures, as well as a bitter taste and potential health effects from high levels of dissolved
minerals.
Q: How does temperature affect conductivity?
A: Temperature can affect conductivity, as higher temperatures can increase the mobility
of ions in the solution, leading to higher conductivity.
Q: What is the role of conductivity in environmental monitoring?
A: Conductivity is an important parameter in environmental monitoring, as it can indicate
the presence of pollutants or contaminants in water bodies. For example, high
conductivity can indicate the presence of saltwater intrusion or agricultural runoff.
Q: How does the level of conductivity in drinking water affect the treatment process?
A: The level of conductivity can affect the treatment process, as high conductivity can
interfere with the effectiveness of disinfection and membrane filtration.
Q: How can conductivity be reduced in drinking water?
A: Conductivity in drinking water can be reduced through the use of ion exchange or
reverse osmosis treatment, as well as through the use of water softeners to remove
dissolved minerals.

AFFAN ALAM
 3. Determination of pH of some soil
samples

Q: What is pH?
A: pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with values ranging from 0 to
14.
Q: Why is it important to measure pH in soil?
A: Measuring pH in soil can help determine the availability of nutrients to plants, as well
as the potential toxicity of certain elements.
Q: How is pH measured in soil?
A: pH in soil is measured using a pH meter or pH test strips, by mixing soil with distilled
water and then measuring the pH of the resulting solution.
Q: What is the ideal pH range for most plants?
A: The ideal pH range for most plants is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Q: What are the sources of acidity in soil?
A: Acidity in soil can be caused by factors such as acid rain, organic matter
decomposition, and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers.
Q: What are the sources of alkalinity in soil?
A: Alkalinity in soil can be caused by factors such as limestone or other alkaline rocks, or
by the use of alkaline soil amendments such as lime.
Q: How does pH affect nutrient availability in soil?
A: pH can affect the availability of nutrients in soil by influencing the solubility of certain
elements, such as iron and manganese.
Q: How does pH affect plant growth?
A: pH can affect plant growth by influencing the availability of nutrients and the ability of
plants to take up water.
Q: How can soil pH be adjusted?
A: Soil pH can be adjusted by adding soil amendments such as lime or sulfur, or by using
fertilizers specifically formulated for acidic or alkaline soil.
Q: What are the environmental implications of soil pH?
A: Soil pH can affect the mobility and toxicity of certain elements in the soil, which can
have implications for plant and animal health as well as environmental quality.

AFFAN ALAM
 4. To determine the conductivity of
the given soil sample

Q: What is soil conductivity?

A: Soil conductivity is a measure of the soil's ability to conduct electrical current.
Q: Why is it important to measure soil conductivity?
A: Measuring soil conductivity can provide information about the soil's ability to hold and
transport water and nutrients, as well as its overall fertility.
Q: What factors affect soil conductivity?
A: Soil conductivity can be influenced by factors such as soil texture, organic matter
content, and the presence of minerals such as clay or sand.
Q: How is soil conductivity measured?
A: Soil conductivity can be measured using a conductivity meter or probe, which
measures the electrical conductivity of the soil.
Q: What is the unit of measurement for soil conductivity?
A: Soil conductivity is typically measured in units of electrical conductivity (EC),
expressed in decisiemens per meter (dS/m) or millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm).
Q: How does soil conductivity relate to soil salinity?
A: Soil conductivity is often used as an indicator of soil salinity, as salts in the soil can
increase the electrical conductivity of the soil solution.
Q: What are the environmental implications of high soil conductivity?
A: High soil conductivity can indicate the presence of excess salts in the soil, which can
limit plant growth and affect the quality of groundwater and surface water.
Q: How can soil conductivity be managed?
A: Soil conductivity can be managed through strategies such as improving soil drainage,
reducing salt inputs, and using appropriate irrigation practices.
Q: What are some limitations or sources of error in measuring soil conductivity?
A: Sources of error in measuring soil conductivity can include variation in soil moisture
content, soil temperature, and the presence of other conductive materials such as rocks
or metallic objects.
Q: What are some other soil properties that can be measured using electrical
conductivity?
A: Electrical conductivity can also be used to measure other soil properties such as soil
water content and the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals.

AFFAN ALAM
 5. Determining the total dissolved
solids in water:

Q: What are total dissolved solids (TDS)?

A: Total dissolved solids refer to the total amount of inorganic and organic substances
that are dissolved in water, typically measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per
liter (mg/L).
Q: Why is it important to measure TDS in water?
A: Measuring TDS can provide information about the water's quality and potential for
human consumption, as high levels of TDS can indicate the presence of dissolved
pollutants or minerals that can affect taste, odor, and health
Q: How is TDS measured in water?
A: TDS can be measured using a TDS meter or probe, which measures the electrical
conductivity of the water and converts it into an estimate of TDS.
Q: What are some common sources of TDS in water?
A: Common sources of TDS in water include dissolved minerals such as calcium,
magnesium, and sodium, as well as pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, and
industrial waste.
Q: What is the maximum acceptable level of TDS in drinking water?
A: The maximum acceptable level of TDS in drinking water varies by country and region,
but in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a
maximum level of 500 mg/L for TDS in drinking water.
Q: How does TDS affect the taste and odor of water?
A: High levels of TDS can affect the taste and odor of water, making it taste salty, bitter,
or metallic.
Q: What are some health implications of high TDS in drinking water?
A: High levels of TDS in drinking water can have negative health effects, including
increased risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and digestive issues.
Q: What are some methods for reducing TDS in drinking water?
A: Methods for reducing TDS in drinking water include reverse osmosis, distillation, and
deionization.
Q: What are some limitations or sources of error in measuring TDS in water?
A: Sources of error in measuring TDS in water can include the presence of suspended
solids or air bubbles, variation in temperature and salinity, and the accuracy of the TDS
meter or probe.
Q: What are some other water quality parameters that can be measured in addition to
TDS?
A: Other water quality parameters that can be measured include pH, dissolved oxygen,
turbidity, and specific pollutants such as heavy metals and pathogens.

AFFAN ALAM
 6. Determination of ammonia in water

Q: What is ammonia?
A: Ammonia is a colorless, pungent gas that is highly soluble in water.
Q: What are some sources of ammonia in water?
A: Ammonia can be naturally present in water, but it can also come from human activities
such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and wastewater treatment plants.
Q: Why is it important to measure ammonia in water?
A: Measuring ammonia in water can provide information about the water quality and
potential for human consumption, as high levels of ammonia can indicate pollution and
harm aquatic life.
Q: How is ammonia measured in water?
A: Ammonia can be measured using colorimetric methods or ion-selective electrodes.
Q: What is the maximum acceptable level of ammonia in drinking water?
A: The maximum acceptable level of ammonia in drinking water varies by country and
region, but in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
recommends a maximum level of 1.5 mg/L for ammonia in drinking water.
Q: How does ammonia affect the taste and odor of water?
A: High levels of ammonia in water can make it taste and smell like ammonia.
Q: What are some health implications of high ammonia in drinking water?
A: High levels of ammonia in drinking water can have negative health effects, including
irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and possible damage to the liver and kidneys.
Q: What are some methods for reducing ammonia in drinking water?
A: Methods for reducing ammonia in drinking water include aeration, biological treatment,
and adsorption using activated carbon or other materials.
Q: What are some limitations or sources of error in measuring ammonia in water?
A: Sources of error in measuring ammonia in water can include interference from other
substances, variations in temperature and pH, and the accuracy of the measurement
method.
Q: What are some other water quality parameters that can be measured in addition to
ammonia?
A: Other water quality parameters that can be measured include pH, dissolved oxygen,
turbidity, and specific pollutants such as heavy metals and pathogens.

AFFAN ALAM
 7. Estimating the soil moisture content
in a given soil sample:

Q: Why is it important to estimate the soil moisture content in soil?

A: Estimating the soil moisture content in soil is important because it provides information
about the availability of water for plants, soil structure, and potential for erosion.
Q: What is the method used to estimate soil moisture content?
A: The gravimetric method is commonly used to estimate soil moisture content.
Q: How does the gravimetric method work?
A: The gravimetric method involves weighing a sample of soil before and after drying it in
an oven at a high temperature to remove all the water. The difference in weight is used to
calculate the soil moisture content.
Q: What is the ideal soil moisture content for plant growth?
A: The ideal soil moisture content for plant growth varies by plant species, but generally
falls between 50-75% of the soil's water holding capacity.
Q: What factors affect soil moisture content?
A: Soil moisture content is affected by factors such as rainfall, temperature, soil type, and
vegetation cover.
Q: What are the units used to express soil moisture content?
A: Soil moisture content is typically expressed as a percentage of the weight of water in
the soil sample compared to the weight of the dry soil.
Q: How can soil moisture content be managed to promote healthy plant growth?
A: Soil moisture content can be managed by using irrigation, mulching, and other
techniques to maintain adequate water levels for plant growth.
Q: What are some sources of error in estimating soil moisture content using the
gravimetric method?
A: Sources of error in estimating soil moisture content using the gravimetric method can
include incomplete drying of the sample, sample contamination, and variability in the
distribution of moisture in the soil.
Q: What are some alternative methods for estimating soil moisture content?
A: Alternative methods for estimating soil moisture content include using electrical
resistance probes, neutron probes, and tensiometers.
Q: How does soil moisture content affect soil structure?
A: Soil moisture content affects soil structure by influencing the aggregation of soil
particles and the formation of soil pores. Too little moisture can result in hard, compacted
soil, while too much moisture can cause soil to become waterlogged and lose its
structure.

AFFAN ALAM
 8. determination of free CO2 in a
given sample of water

Q: Why is it important to determine the amount of free CO2 in a water sample?

A: Determining the amount of free CO2 in a water sample is important because excess
CO2 can lower the pH of the water and make it unsuitable for consumption by humans
and aquatic organisms.
Q: What is the principle behind the determination of free CO2 in water?
A: The determination of free CO2 in water is based on the principle of acid-base titration,
where a standard solution of base is added to the water sample until all the CO2 has
been neutralized.
Q: What are some common sources of free CO2 in water?
A: Common sources of free CO2 in water include decomposition of organic matter,
respiration of aquatic organisms, and dissolution of atmospheric CO2.
Q: What is the standard unit for expressing free CO2 in water?
A: The standard unit for expressing free CO2 in water is parts per million (ppm).
Q: How is the sample of water prepared for the determination of free CO2?
A: The sample of water is typically degassed to remove any dissolved CO2 before the
determination of free CO2.
Q: What is the role of an indicator in the determination of free CO2?
A: An indicator is used to signal the endpoint of the titration when all the CO2 has been
neutralized.
Q: How does temperature affect the determination of free CO2 in water?
A: Temperature can affect the solubility of CO2 in water and therefore the accuracy of the
determination of free CO2. It is important to keep the temperature of the water sample
constant during the titration.
Q: What are some potential sources of error in the determination of free CO2 in water?
A: Some potential sources of error in the determination of free CO2 in water include
incomplete degassing of the sample, contamination of the sample with atmospheric CO2,
and variability in the amount of CO2 in the sample.
Q: How can the determination of free CO2 in water be useful in the treatment of drinking
water?
A: The determination of free CO2 in water can help water treatment facilities optimize
their treatment processes to remove excess CO2 and maintain safe pH levels for drinking
water.
Q: What are some techniques used to reduce the amount of free CO2 in water?
A: Techniques used to reduce the amount of free CO2 in water include aeration, addition
of lime or other alkaline substances, and filtration through activated carbon.

AFFAN ALAM
 9. Determination of dissolved oxygen
in given sample of water

Q. What is the principle of the Winkler method for determining dissolved oxygen in water?
Answer: The Winkler method is based on the principle that dissolved oxygen reacts with
manganese(II) ions in alkaline solution to form a brown precipitate of manganese(III)
oxide. The amount of oxygen present is then determined by titration with standardized
iodine solution.
Q. What are the two types of dissolved oxygen present in water?
Answer: The two types of dissolved oxygen present in water are molecular oxygen (O2)
and dissolved oxygen (DO).
Q. What factors affect the dissolved oxygen level in water?
Answer: The dissolved oxygen level in water is affected by temperature, pressure,
salinity, and biological activity.
Q. How does temperature affect the dissolved oxygen level in water?
Answer: As the temperature of water increases, the solubility of oxygen in water
decreases, leading to lower dissolved oxygen levels.
Q. What is the acceptable dissolved oxygen level for aquatic life in freshwater and marine
water?
Answer: The acceptable dissolved oxygen level for aquatic life in freshwater is 6-8 mg/L,
while in marine water, it is 5-7 mg/L.
Q. What is the role of dissolved oxygen in water?
Answer: Dissolved oxygen is essential for the survival of aquatic organisms as it is used
for respiration.
Q. How is dissolved oxygen measured in water?
Answer: Dissolved oxygen can be measured in water using various methods such as the
Winkler method, electrochemical sensors, and optical sensors.
Q. What are some common sources of dissolved oxygen in water?
Answer: Some common sources of dissolved oxygen in water include atmospheric
diffusion, photosynthesis by aquatic plants, and aeration by waterfalls and rapids.
Q. Why is dissolved oxygen important in wastewater treatment plants?
Answer: Dissolved oxygen is important in wastewater treatment plants as it is required for
the growth and activity of aerobic bacteria that degrade organic matter in the wastewater.
Q. How can low dissolved oxygen levels in water be remedied?
Answer: Low dissolved oxygen levels in water can be remedied by increasing aeration,
reducing pollution sources, and adding oxygen to the water through artificial means such
as oxygenation systems.

AFFAN ALAM
 10. Determination of total residual
chlorine in the water

Q. What is the principle of the DPD method for determining total residual chlorine in
water?
Answer: The DPD (N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) method is based on the principle
that residual chlorine in water reacts with DPD to form a pink color. The intensity of the
pink color is proportional to the amount of residual chlorine present, and this can be
measured using a colorimeter or a spectrophotometer.
What is total residual chlorine in water?
Answer: Total residual chlorine in water is the sum of both free chlorine and combined
chlorine present in the water.
What are the sources of residual chlorine in water?
Answer: Residual chlorine in water is added as a disinfectant during water treatment, and
it can also be present due to the reaction of chlorine with organic matter in water.
What is the acceptable range of residual chlorine in drinking water?
Answer: The acceptable range of residual chlorine in drinking water is 0.2-2.0 mg/L.
What are the effects of excess residual chlorine in water?
Answer: Excess residual chlorine in water can lead to taste and odor problems and can
also cause health problems such as skin irritation and digestive issues.
How can residual chlorine be removed from water?
Answer: Residual chlorine can be removed from water by aeration, dechlorination with
chemicals such as sodium thiosulfate, or through activated carbon filtration.
What are some common interferences that can affect the measurement of residual
chlorine in water?
Answer: Interferences that can affect the measurement of residual chlorine in water
include high levels of oxidizing agents, high pH, and high turbidity.
How can the accuracy of residual chlorine measurements be ensured?
Answer: The accuracy of residual chlorine measurements can be ensured by using high-
quality reagents, calibrating the instruments regularly, and following the manufacturer's
instructions.
Why is it important to measure residual chlorine in water?
Answer: Measuring residual chlorine in water is important to ensure that an adequate
disinfectant level is maintained to protect public health.
What are some alternative disinfectants to chlorine for water treatment?
Answer: Some alternative disinfectants to chlorine for water treatment include ozone,
ultraviolet light, and chlorine dioxide.

AFFAN ALAM