Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Laboratory 1 - Water Quality Testing

Group No. 1/BSSE-4203
Dates Performed: February 8, 2023
Date Submitted: February 15, 2023
Group Members: SR-CODE Roles
Caiga, Samuel Paul P. 19-55554 Dissolved Oxygen
Espeleta, Baby Angel B. 19-06596 Temperature
Tanierla, Angelica Cherry Ubena D.19-08402 pH level
Vergara, Joemarc Nicolas L. 19-03117 Electrical Conductance
Villapando, Aziel Gem I. 19-00896 Turbidity

I. OBJECTIVES
● To determine the physical (Temperature, Turbidity, and Electricity Conductance)
and chemical (pH and Dissolved Oxygen) characteristics of the obtained water
sample from Sabang River; and
● To evaluate if the water sample meets the Water Quality Guidelines and General
Effluent Standards (DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08).

II. THEORY
Water quality analysis is also called hydrochemical analysis, that is to use
chemical and physical methods to determine the content of various chemical
components in water. It is vital to check the suitability of the water quality before its use.
The water quality parameters that are often sampled or monitored include pH level,
electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature.

pH testing measures the acidity of water. For electrical conductivity, it estimates

the total amount of solids dissolved in the water. Dissolved oxygen measures the
amount of oxygen dissolved in water. On the other hand, turbidity measures the amount
of particulate matter that is suspended in the water, or more simply, how clear the water
is. If high levels of turbidity are present, photosynthesis is affected as light is unable to
penetrate, increasing water temperature. Lastly, temperature testing helps determine
the rate of biochemical reactions in an aquatic environment and indeed whether they
are able to occur at all. If the water temperature is too elevated, this can limit the water’s
ability to hold oxygen and decrease organisms’ capacity to resist particular
pollutants.The presence of certain contaminants in our water can lead to health issues,
including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. In
order to prevent those, water quality testing is required.

III. MATERIALS
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Description Qty. Unit Material/Equipment/Apparatus

Water sampling and 3 pieces Sterile Glass Bottle

Collection
1 piece Marker

3 samples Sampled Water

1 piece ice box

pH 1 piece pH meter

3 pieces 250 mL Beaker

Dissolved Oxygen 1 piece DO Meter

4 pieces 250 mL Beaker

Turbidity 1 piece Turbidimeter

3 pieces Vial

1 piece Pipette

Temperature 1 piece Thermometer

1 piece Beaker

1 piece Multimeter
Electrical Conductivity
1 piece 1000 mL Beaker

Laboratory Kit 5 pieces Lab gown

1 bottle Wash Bottle

1 pack Rugs

10 liter Distilled Water

1 pack Tissue

1 roll Tape
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

1 piece Marker

1 box Gloves

5 pieces Goggles

IV. PROCEDURE
1. Water Sampling and Collection
Collection:
First, is to prepare a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) which describes the
sampling locations (Brgy. Sabang, Ibaan, Batangas), numbers and types of samples to
be collected (3 glass containers of wastewater samples), and the quality control
requirements during the process (wear face mask, gloves and eye protection during the
collecting process). After that, start collecting the water samples from the location and
get three water samples using the glass container (wear a face mask, gloves and eye
protection during the collecting process). Next is to submerge the whole container under
the surface of the water to prevent any floating matters and impurities being captured.
Then, open the lid to let the water flow in and put it back on if it is completely filled up.
After filling up the three glass containers, secured the samples in a styrofoam box filled
with ices to secure its pH level during the transportation hours from the location all the
way to the laboratory. And, the sample is ready for testing of the physical and chemical
characteristics (pH, Dissolve Oxygen, Turbidity, Temperature and Electrical
Conductivity).

2. Water Quality Testing

2.1. pH (pH meter)
Measuring pH:
Begin by turning on the pH meter and rinse the electrode with distilled water. Dry
it gently using a paper towel. After it dries, prepare the water sample into a beaker.
Now, place the electrode in the sample, press the measure button, and keep it for about
two minutes. Then repeat the process three consecutive times into three different water
samples each time. Take note of the result of the three trials then calculate for its
average pH level.

2.2. Dissolved Oxygen (DO meter)

Measuring DO:
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Start by turning on the DO meter by holding the on button for two seconds. Then
insert the probe into the wastewater sample. Move the probe in the sample to release
any air bubbles and to provide a fresh sample to the sensor cap. Continuous stirring is
not required using the DO sensor. Wait for approximately 25-35 seconds for the DO
readings to stabilize and record the reading in mg/L.

2.3. Turbidity (Turbidimeter)

Measuring the Turbidity:
Press the on button and wait until zero is displayed on the screen. Next is to
wash the vial gradually with the sample several times and fill it with a sample. Put the
vial into the holder of the turbidity meter then press the read button and wait for a
second for the reading to show up. Record the collected data. Also repeat the process
three consecutive times into three different water samples each time and get the
average of the three trials.

2.4. Temperature (Mercury Thermometer)

Measuring the Temperature:
First step is to prepare the thermometer by washing the tip with distilled water
and drying it using a paper towel. After that put the sample into a beaker then soak the
thermometer in the sample for two minutes. Repeat the process two more times to get
three (3) runs, replacing the water with a new effluent sample from the container each
trial. Last step is to record the collected data and compute the average temperature of
the three samples.

2.5. Electrical Conductivity (Multimeter)

Begin by measuring three samples of water to be tested into the beaker. Turn on
the multimeter and pick the right mode (0.76). Hold again the on button to set, then it is
ready for the reading. Now, submerge the two probes located at the tip of the meter into
the water samples while swirling it around in a slow manner. Afterwards, the readings
will be stabilized and you could get the reading for the sample EC. Make it three trials to
get three (3) runs. Lastly, record the collected data

V. OBSERVATIONS & DATA

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Parameters Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

pH Level 7.35 6.52 7.03

Turbidity 2.14 NTU 2.12 NTU 2.09 NTU

Temperature 23 °C 22 °C 23 °C

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 4.73 mg/L 4.20 mg/L 4.75 mg/L

Electrical Conductivity (EC) 478.6 µS/cm 490.6 µS/cm 487.6 µS/cm

The table presented shows the different water quality parameters that are being
tested. Three trials were conducted to illustrate the procedure and observe if the prior
findings repeat in similar conditions. And it reveals that the values obtained for the three
trials of the parameters (pH, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and electrical
conductivity) fluctuate, whether they go up or down. Nevertheless, the values are still
precise. Furthermore, there are some errors encountered in the gathering of data during
the experiment due to its equipment itself.

VI. ANALYSIS OF DATA/RESULTS

After all the water quality parameters were tested, the average of the three trials
was attained below. Average value for each parameter such as pH level, turbidity,
temperature, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity are as follows:

Trial 1+Trial 2+Trial 3 7.35+6.52+6.97

ave ph= = =6.97
3 3

Trial 1+ Trial 2+Trial 3 2.14 NTU +2.12 NTU +2.09 NTU

ave turbidity = = =2.12 NTU
3 3

Trial 1+Trial 2+Trial 3 23 ° C+22 ° C +23 ° C

ave temp= = =22.67 ° C
3 3

Trial 1+Trial 2+Trial 3 4.73 mg /L+ 4.2mg /L+ 4.75 mg/ L

ave DO= = =4.56 mg/ L
3 3

Trial 1+Trial 2+Trial 3 478.6 µS /cm+ 490.6 µS /cm+ 487.6 µS /cm

ave EC = = =485.6 µS /cm
3 3
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Parameters Average DAO 2016-08 Water Quality Control

Water Quality Standards Department
(Class C) (Class C)

pH Level 6.97 6.5-8.5 -

Turbidity 2.12 NTU - 5 NTU (min)

Temperature 22.67°C 25°C-31°C -

Dissolved Oxygen 4.56 mg/L 5.0 mg/L (min) -

(DO)

Electrical 485.6 µS/cm - 800-2500 µS/cm

Conductivity (EC)

It revealed the three average results obtained by three specific parameters (pH,
DO, Turbidity) passed the water quality standard for Class C waters set by the DENR
Administrative Order (DAO) 2016-08 WQG (Water Quality Guidelines) and guidelines
from the Water Quality Control Department (WQCD). Apparently, the result obtained by
water samples’ EC also passed the WQG but it turns out to be short at the minimum
value of the Class C waters standard. In addition, the remaining parameter which is the
temperature of the water sample does not meet the WQG indicated in the DAO 2016-
08.

VII. CONCLUSIONS

Water quality analysis is to measure the required parameters (pH level, dissolved
oxygen (DO), turbidity, temperature and electrical conductivity) of water in accordance
with the standard methods indicated in Water Quality Guidelines (WQG) and General
Effluent Standards (GES) of the DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08.
From the obtained average results of each parameter, the water sample value of
pH, DO, turbidity, and EC meet the standard set by DAO 2016-08 WQG and WQCD
standards. However, one of the parameters which is the temperature of the sample
does not meet the standard. Considering the output values, the study shows that
Sabang River does not show signs of a poor aquatic environment and can sustain large
scales of aquatic life because of its appropriate concentration of dissolved oxygen, pH,
turbidity and electrical conductivity.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Concept questions in each of the report include the following:

1. What is your set control? Why is it necessary to have that as control?
The set of control used in the experiment is the three trials of every experimental
set up. It is necessary to have this control as it will help to determine the certain average
of the obtained data for specific parameters. With that, the physical and chemical
characteristics of water could be precisely identify if it passed the standard regulated in
the country.

2. What are the sources of error in your experiment?

The sources of error during the experiment were the equipment that was used.
There are some parts that were not calibrated well like turbidimeters.

How can they be improved?

Calibrate the equipment to minimize any measurement uncertainty by ensuring
the accuracy of test equipment. Check the battery if it is working properly if not buy and
repair it for proper readings.

How have you made adjustments to cope up with the sources of errors
encountered during the conduct of the lab?
Depsite of having uncalibrated turbidimeter, we were able to get the accurate data by
means using the same initial turbidity reading on the three trials.

3. Where will you recommend a large scale of this experiment? Or what are
the potential applications of this activity?
This has already been used by our agency, the Environmental Management
Bureau, where they indicated how to get samples and different Procedures used to
identify the physico-chemical properties of water. They need to obtain these parameters
in order to identify the classification of water bodies in the Philippines and monitor its
quality. This is also applied to different industries, businesses, and establishments
which release effluent to regulate the discharge of pollutants to the bodies of water
abiding with the parameters set in the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent
Standards (DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08).
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

REFERENCES:
Environmental Sciences | How To Collect Water Samples. (2021). Www.youtube.com.
Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://youtu.be/tiiwWYDrVT0.
Introduction to Water Sampling. (2020). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved February 12,
2023, from https://youtu.be/yqlUsWOi3XI.
WQM-303 Pentype Multi-Paramater 5-in-1 Water Quality Tester (pH / TDS / EC /
Temp / Salinity). (2020). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2EUNDYb3WWlCQ2G7S-
w2pHFO6yGegBMLu7GgU5OSgrtg-jLH_BDx_RLBI&v=h6-
eazrNbhM&feature=youtu.be.
How to Use a pH Meter to Test Water? (2020, January 21). Cannon Water Technology.
https://cannonwater.com/blog/how-to-use-ph-meter-to-test-water/.
Standard Operating Procedures for Measuring Dissolved Oxygen A Guide to Field
Measurements Using an Optical Dissolved Oxygen Meter and other Handheld
Meters Wastewater Management Program. (2018).
https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//337-160.pdf?
fbclid=IwAR3CLOxXdn2onVyeln0V45X-
0gMzpxQQFBc8oHC5bXiiM0wgDFejQFUHH3Y.
Determination of Turbidity of Water Sample | A Complete Procedure | Turbidity Meter |
HI93703. (2022). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AWR_xfwfi4.
Thermometer to measure temperatures | Measurement | Physics. (2015, July 22).
Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLB5hNe_IBY.
Using Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids Meters to Field Test Water
Quality. (2019, August 20). NDSU Agriculture and Extension.
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/using-electrical-
conductivity-and-total-dissolved-solids-meters-field-test.