Amount Of Water In The Test Tubes example essay topic

Introduction During lab on Monday, April 9, 2002 our class conducted a lab on water chemistry and pollution. The two bodies of water that were choose as samples where, the Wall pond and the HGTC pond. Each group had to test the water for Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrate, Phosphate, pH, and Turbidity. Only two people where chosen to test the waters for Coliform bacteria. "Coliform bacteria are not pathogenic (disease causing) organisms, and are only mildly infectious.

For this reason these bacteria are relatively safe to work with in the laboratory". (Wilkes, 2001) This experiment is closely related to the study of science because it is a direct study of the environment. "The World Heath Organization estimates that 80 percent of all sickness and disease is lee-developed countries can be attributed to waterborne infectious agents and inadequate sanitation". (Environmental Science, 2002) Everything that lives needs to drink water and if all the world's water is polluted then something needs to be done.

The following summary will display how the lab executed and the results of each body of water. Materials and Methods During the water quality lab experiment there were many items needed to complete the process. The group was given the Wall pond as their testing subject. To complete the process we used the La Motte Water Monitoring Kit, which included: 1 large white canister containing all the test materials, 3 tall square-sided 10 mL test tubes with plastic press-on caps, 1 small glass test tubes with black screw-on caps, at least 1 large round glass test tube with black screw-on caps, containing a tablet inside the tube (not in every kit because not all groups will be performing this experiment), 1 plastic color chart for comparison of sample results (ph-coli form-turbidity-DO-nitrate-phosphate), foil packets of test tablets for various tests (labels are found on the packets), 1 sec chi disk sticker affixed to inside of canister, 2 thermometer strips, one high (normal) range and one low range, instructional sheets, and the La Motte mini-booklet for tables and other information. Temperature was the first thing that the group tested.

First put the High Range thermometer about 4 to 5 inches below the water for one minute. After the one- minute time frame had elapsed the thermometer was removed and the temperature was recorded. Next the group tested the wall pond for dissolved oxygen. First a small glass was submerged underwater to collect the water sample.

Next two Dissolved Oxygen Tes Tab where dropped into the test tube. After that screw the cap on the tube, make check to make sure there are no air bubbles present. Next invert the tube for a time limit of 4 minutes until the tablets and disintegrated. After a five minute time period as elapsed a color should start to develop, compare the color sample to the dissolved oxygen color chart and record the data. After the dissolved oxygen data was recorded, the group tested the Wall pond for Nitrate.

First, fill the square-sided test tube with 5 mL of the water sample. Next add one Nitrate WR CRA Tes Tab. Next, put the cap on the test tube and invert until the tablets have disintegrated. After the five-minute time-period has passed, wait for the red color to develop, compare the color of the sample to the Nitrate color chart, and record the results as ppm Nitrate. Next the group studied the wall pond for Phosphate.

First fill the tall square-sided with 10 mL of the water sample. Next, add one Phosphorus Tes Tab. Next, screw the cap on the test-tub and invert until the tablet has disintegrated, and after five minutes a blue color should start to develop. Lastly, compare the color to the sample to the Phosphate color chart and record the results has ppm Phosphate. Next the wall pond was tested for pH. First fill the square-sided test tube with 10 mL of the water sample.

Next add one pH tablet. Then screw the cap on the test tube and invert until the tablet has dissolved. After the tablet as disintegrated compare the color of the sample to the pH color chart, and record as pH. Lastly, the group tested the water for Turbidity.

The lab instructor did steps 1 and 2 before class begin, so the group continued on with steps 3 and 4. First, fill the white container jar to the turbidity fill line. Next, hold the Turbidity Chart (right edge) to the top edge of the jar. Looking downward into the jar, compare the appearance of the sec chi disk icon in the jar to the chart, and record the Turbidity in JU.

Each class did their experiments the same way, and with the help of the La Motte Water Monitoring Kit; there was little room for error. Discussion The above graphs displayed the results for each of the following test; temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, turbidity, and bacteria. Each of these pollutants were tested exactly the same to get the most accurate results possible. This experiment can be very helpful to a lot of individuals in the real world. How many times have you been swimming in a lake or pond, not knowing what kind of bacteria lies within? With these testing kit you can test the water for some type of pollutants before you dive it, that way you know what you are getting yourself into.

During the test there was little room for error considering that you had the La Motte Water Monitoring Kit that basically displayed all the materials, charts, and directions out for you. Although some error could have occurred it was very unlikely to happen. Each test was done at the same time of day because the water goes through a process everyday. This will be different result given at the 2: 30 class than the 6: 00 class.

This was done so that all the data can be as accurate as possible. Although the experiment was easy, there was still a little room for error, for example; the amount of water in the test tubes could have been measured wrong, the Tes Tabs may have not completely dissolved, and the time limit may have varied. Some of the pollutants tested were typical in a polluted stream such as, coli form bacteria, pH, and turbidity. These pollutants are less likely to be found in an unpolluted stream; tap water. Most of the pollutants tested were very important such as nitrates and phosphates, too much of these pollutants could damage both plants and people. "Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death".

(Suburban Water Testing Lab, 2001) This lab experiment was very enlightening, I always though of pollution being concrete or at least something that I could see or smell, but as this experiment has shown there are many pollutants that can't be touched or smelled, and they are still just as important as the one that are concrete. "Water usually dissolves all these completely. And almost always looking, tasting or smelling can't detect them. The only way to know in most case is reviewing the results of a water test". ( Water Testing, 1999-2001) Works CitiedCunningham, Mary Ann - William P. 2002. Principles of Environmental Science: 1221 Avenue of the Americans, New York, NY 10020.

McGraw-Hill. Pg. 244.4-21-02 Website web.