FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

BRANCH PAHANG CAMPUS JENGKA

BDY 511
FOREST AND AQUATIC HABITATS

EXPERIMENT TITLE: PRACTICAL 1 - MEASURING THE PH VALUE

PREPARED BY:

BIL STUDENT NAME ID GROUP

1. AMIRAH ADLINA BINTI JUMAT 2023301137 AS2553A

2. ANGEL AVIEGYAL VILLIE 2023368335 AS2553A

3. NUR AMIERAH SYAFIEQAH BINTI 2023389873 AS2553A

ABDUL HASSAN

4. NUR ATHIRAH BINTI KHAIRIL ANWAR 2023368133 AS2553A

5. SITTI ZULIANA BINTI ZULKIFLEE 2023513883 AS2553A

PREPARED FOR: DR MUHAMMAD FARHAN BIN ABD WAHAB

INTRODUCTION

The pH level of water is a significant indicator that determines its acidity or alkalinity, which in turn
influences its suitability for a variety of purposes, such as drinking, agriculture, and recreation (Judith,
2019). Unlike physical quantity, pH is a scale that ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 representing neutrality.
A pH value under 7 indicates acidity, while a value above 7 shows alkalinity. The logarithmic scale is
key to grasping how water quality affects ecosystems, human health, and the broader environment
(Fondriest, 2013). Aquatic species that live in water bodies are particularly sensitive to changes in pH.
Water with extremely high or low pH levels can lead to the death of these organisms. Most aquatic
species find a pH range of 6.5 to 9.0 ideal for their survival, although some may thrive in pH values
outside of this range. Moreover, the solubility and toxicity of chemicals and heavy metals in water are
also directly influenced by its pH. Acidic water can dissolve toxic heavy metals, increasing their threat
to living organisms. On the other hand, alkaline water can cause metal ions to leach from infrastructure,
leading to corrosion and damage. Therefore, it is important to regularly test the pH of water to maintain
its quality and ensure the safety and health of our water supplies (Know Your H2O, n.d.). The pH of
water is a key measure of its quality, impacting both the natural environment and human health. By
keeping an eye on and managing pH levels, we can ensure that water remains safe and beneficial for all
life forms.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the water pH value.

MATERIALS
The apparatus needed was a pH meter and 100 mL beaker.

The chemicals required for the experiment were water samples from lake (KTG), pond, tap water and
pond (HEP), pH buffer 4.0, 7.0 and 10.0.

METHOD
Sample collection

1. Water samples were collected at 20-30 cm beneath the surface or mid-way between the surfaces
using a bottle.
2. A representative natural water sample was collected using another bottle.

pH meter calibration

1. Meter was turned on. The on/off button was pressed for a few seconds to turn on the tester or
meter.
2. The buffer solution was prepared. To prevent contamination, the electrode was not dipped into
the bottle, the buffer was discarded after use, and not pour the buffer back into the bottle.
 3. The pH meter electrode from its storage solution and rinsed with distilled water.
4. The clean electrode was dipped into the pH buffer solution. The calibrate button was pressed
and the electrode was rinsed again with distilled water.
5. Stepsep 2-4 were repeated with other buffers such as pH 4.0 and 10.0 buffer.

Measurement of water pH

1. The water sample was poured into a clean beaker. The electrode tip was rinsed in deionized
water.
2. The pH meter electrode was dipped in the beaker containing the water sample. The red button
was pressed and waited until the reading became stabilized.
3. The reading of the pH meter was recorded.

RESULT
Water Sample pH using lab pH meter pH using portable pH
meter
Lake (KTG) 8.42 6.12
Pond 8.63 6.13
Tap water 8.18 6.37
Pond (HEP) 7.75 8.50

DISCUSSION
According to the result above, it can be seen that there are obvious differences between the water’s pH
by using a lab pH meter and by using a portable pH metre. The results should be close even when
calculated using different types of pH meters. There can be several reasons why the results from a
laboratory pH meter and a portable pH meter might differ. Variations in pH readings between laboratory
and portable pH metres can be caused by differences in calibration, electrode quality, temperature
correction, sample handling, ambient conditions, interference, or instrument stability. Laboratory pH
metres often have more stringent calibration methods and use higher-quality electrodes, resulting in
more exact and consistent results. They also frequently use complex temperature adjustment systems
and are employed in controlled surroundings, reducing variables that might affect accuracy. Portable
pH metres, on the other hand, may require less strict calibration and be more vulnerable to
environmental influences and interference due to their on-the-go nature (A. de Moraes, et al., 2022).
However laboratory pH metres, particularly older ones, may suffer from wear and tear with time,
compromising their accuracy and stability. For example, the lab pH meter that have been used in this
lab work is a bit old and defective hence the significant difference between the results. Due to its
condition, it can significantly impact the accuracy and reliability of pH measurements. Over time, pH
electrodes can degrade due to physical damage, chemical contamination, or wear and tear, leading to
decreased sensitivity and accuracy. Additionally, older pH meters may experience calibration drift,
where the meter's calibration settings become less accurate over time due to changes in internal
components or environmental factors. Electronic malfunctions can further compound the problem,
resulting in erratic readings or complete device failure (Ouyang, et al., 2023).

On the other hand, the pH readings of the water samples from different sources have a significant
different. The pH readings of the samples of KTG’s lake, the pond and tap water using portable pH
meter pH readings are 6.12, 6.13 and 6.37 respectively and can be noted as a bit acidic, while the pH
reading of the water sample from HEA’s pond using portable pH meter is 8.50 and can be noted as
alkaline. The water samples of tap water, lakes, and ponds differ due to various factors. Geological
conditions, such as the presence of limestone or acidic soils, influence water pH, with limestone areas
typically having higher pH levels. Human activities, like agriculture and urbanization, can introduce
pollutants and alter pH levels through runoff and discharges. Aquatic life, including plants and
organisms, also plays a role, with processes like photosynthesis and decomposition affecting pH.
Seasonal changes and algal blooms further contribute to fluctuations in pH. In brief, a combination of
geological, environmental, human-induced, and biological factors shapes the pH of water bodies,
highlighting the complexity of their ecosystems and the importance of monitoring and management
efforts (Bwire, et al., 2020).

There are two water sample that was taken from two different pond in this lab work and both samples
has different pH readings. The first water sample that was taken from pond has a reading of 6.13, while
the water sample that was taken from HEA’s pond has the readings of 8.50. This happen as one of the
pond is a natural pond while the other is a human-made pond. Human-made ponds and natural ponds
may have different pH levels due to various reasons. Human-made ponds, made with materials like
concrete or plastic liners, can release substances into the water that affect pH. They often use treated
tap water, which may have different pH levels than natural water sources. Natural ponds, formed in
geological formations and fed by rainfall or groundwater, can have minerals that affect pH. Human-
made ponds may be in areas with runoff from urban or agricultural activities, which can change pH
with pollutants. Natural ponds, usually in less disturbed areas, may have fewer pH changes from human
activity. Differences in plant and animal life can also affect pH, with human-made ponds often having
less biodiversity. Lastly, maintenance like chemical treatments can impact pH in human-made ponds,
while natural ponds may have more natural pH changes. Understanding these differences is important
for managing and protecting both types of ponds (Pavlis, 2017).

Other than using pH meter, the pH of a substance can also be determined with pH indicator sheets or
strips. These papers contain dyes that change colour in response to the pH of the substance being tested.
The pH of the material can be estimated within a specific range by comparing the colour of the paper
to a colour chart supplied by the manufacturer. In situations when a pH meter may not be practicable or
available, this quick and affordable method can be used for measurements in the field.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, comparing pH readings taken with laboratory and portable pH meters revealed significant
differences, highlighting the importance of paying attention to the numerous elements that influence
water pH determination. Calibration procedures, electrode quality, and ambient variables all lead to
differences in pH measurement results from different types of meters. While laboratory pH meters
normally provide more exact findings due to thorough calibration procedures and higher-quality
electrodes, their accuracy may be hampered by variables like as wear and tear over time. While portable
pH meters are useful for on-the-go measurements, they may be more vulnerable to environmental
influences and require less stringent calibration. Furthermore, the wide range of factors influencing pH
levels in water bodies, such as geological, environmental, and human-induced factors, complicates pH
measurement interpretation. The differences in pH readings between water samples from different
ponds demonstrate the intricate interplay of natural and anthropogenic influences on water pH,
emphasizing the significance of specialized management measures for maintaining water quality in both
natural and artificial ecosystems. Understanding these complexities is critical for efficient monitoring
and management efforts to protect aquatic habitats and ensure the accuracy of pH measurements.

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