Department of Civil Engineering

Balochistan University of Engineering &

Technology Khuzdar
SUBJECT: Environmental Engineering-I

Practical Workbook Of: Fifth Semester 2019

Name:

ROLL NO:

SUBMITTED TO ENGR. RANI NAZ

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.NO
Name of practical
1.
Introduction to Environmental Engineering lab

2.
Determination of pH value of drinking water by pH paper

3.
Determination of pH value of drinking water by Digital pH meter

4.
Determination of pH value of waste water by pH paper

5.
To Determine the conductivity of drinking water sample by
Digital Conductivity meter.

6.
To determine the Amount of Total suspended Solids in drinking
water sample by digital TDS meter.

7.
To determine the turbidity of water sample by turbidity meter

8.
Micro- organism test of water sample by a Microscope.

ii
 Experiment 01

INTRODUCTION

The activities in this set of experiments provide practical, first-hand experience

in the observation occur in the environment. A variety of techniques are used
which have wide application in laboratories, industries and research. This
experience will provide a sound basic for complementary theory of
Environmental Engineering.
The objective of this course of experiments are

 To develop the concept of monitoring and modeling of environmental

parameters by using software.
 To develop a practical understanding of some of the basis process which
occur in environment.
 To gain experience in the techniques used in Environmental Engineering
Laboratory.
 To gain experience in the collection, preservation and interpretation of
data on Environmental pollution.
The experiments have been divided into three parts

1. Computer Laboratory
It covers running of computer modelling.

2. Analytical Laboratory
It covers the laboratory analysis techniques available in the laboratory like
gravimetric, titrimetric / volumetric and instrumental techniques to
analysis of water and waste water samples.

3. Field Experiment
It covers the sampling preservation and field analysis techniques.
Students will obtain maximum advantages from this book by reading
the notes and having a clear understanding of the activity prior to class.
All the time student should exercise careful judgment and also follow
closely Laboratory safety procedures.
Results should be clearly written tabulated and graphed as appropriate.
The questions connected with the activity should be answered so that all
relevant points are covered. Out of experiments of this book. Ten
experiments will be conducted per year on the basis of availability and
need.
Analytical Method

Analytical method of water is a procedure to analyse a sample in order to

determine

 Identify
 Concentration

Steps of Experiments

Method includes information on

 Collection / Sampling
 Transport
 Storage of samples / preservation of samples
 Define Procedure
 Identity
 Quantity components contained in samples
 How to report the result the analysis

Types of Sampling

Sample can be divided into four groups.

Grab Sample

It is an individual sample collected at a particular time and place. Grab

samples represent the condition at the time of its collections.
Composite samples

It is a mixture of grab samples collected at different times but from the

samples point. In this type of sample a series of grab sample are collected
in individual containers form the same sport with a definite interval of time
and a composite sample is prepared by mixing equal
proportion of the individual grab samples. The composite sample reflects the
average characteristics during the sampling period.
Duplicate Samples

In order to check the preciseness of the sampling procedure duplicate

samples are collected.
Split Sample

The type of sample is taken in one container and mixed thoroughly and
halved into another container. Both halved samples represent the same
sampling point and are called spilt sample.

Sampling Techniques

The results are dependent upon the samples which have been taken.
Therefore, very special attention has to be paid to the organization of the
collection and the sampling techniques themselves.

Sample Collection Procedure

Surface water / Waste water collection

The collection of surface water samples normally presents no serious

difficulties. The choice of sampling techniques depends on the test goals,
Environmental contamination or quality control samples are normally
taken manually in a random manner. It is normally sufficient for collection
that the bucket or sample container is dipped into the water. In flowing
water, the container should be against the stream. During collection,
stoppers, or caps should be placed on a clean surface.
Drinking Water Sample Collection

The collection of drinking water samples for physical and chemical

examinations is generally problem free as taps as usually available. It is
recommended that several bottles be filled. For bacteriological test, the tap
must be of metal so that it may be flamed with a gas burner. Still water
container in the whole piping system must be removed before sample
collection. A running time of 15 to 30 minutes normally suffices for this
purpose sterile glass bottle of 100 to 1000 ml capacity are used and
contamination of the bottles necks as well as speaking and coughing during
collection are to be avoided.
Ground Water Samples Collections
Ground water samples are generally taken from tube wells or shafts with pumps
or buckets. The use of pump should be preferred.

Before the water samples are bottled, a minimum pumping time should be
allowed in order to a avoid filing of stationary well water. The conductivity
can also be continually monitored and filling begum after constant
conductivity is reached. During pumping where microbiological testing is
involved, the exit point must be cleaned, or, where possible, flamed with a
gas burner before filling. During collection after a running time of at least 5
minutes a sterile glass container of 100 to 1000ml capacity is filled in free
fall. The sample should position himself downwind of the container and
should avoid coughing or speaking. The open edges of the bottles or the
stoppers must not be contacted with the fingers.

Preservation Techniques

Preservation can be done by the following method.

1. Incubation
(a)Time
(b) Temperature
2. Protection from light
3. Addition of Chemical preservatives.
Analytical Method

Therefore are different analytical methods in laboratory.

o Gravimetric methods

o Titrimetric method/volumetric method

o Instrumental method

o Absorption Method

o Emission method

o Electrical method
o Chromatographic method
o Bacteriological Examination
Safety in the Laboratory

Typical sources of danger in the chemical laboratory are encountered when

using.
 Electricity
 Poisonous, flammable or explosive substances
 High temperature and pressure.
 Infectious materials.
Basic Rules for Laboratory Safety

 Work with laboratory chemicals and equipment becomes less dangerous

when the following basic rule are applied.

 Safety goggles must alwaysbe worn; in addition, protectivegloves and

other protective clothing should be worm where necessary.
 Working area must be well ventilated.
 Chemical should not be permitted to come into contact with the eyes or
skin.
 Know location of safety equipment.
 Always wash hands after handling chemical containers and test
apparatus and after handling any spent water sample.
 Never eat and smoke in Laboratory.
 Experiment 02

Object

To determine the pH of Water sample by pH paper.

Theory:

Determination of pH plays an important role in the waste water treatment

process. Extreme pH levels, presence of particulate matters, accumulation
of toxic chemicals and increasing alkalinity levels are common problems in
waste water. This becomes a serious environmental concern in recent
years and hence municipal and industrial waste water treatments are
critical before it enters to lakes, rivers, canals and other water bodies. The
pH analyses are important for neutralization, precipitation, coagulation
and other biological treatment process. pH analyses are probably the most
recommended method for waste water treatment.

The term “pH” refers to the measurement of hydrogen ion activity in the
solution. Since the direct measurement of the pH is very difficult, specific
electrodes are needed for quick and accurate pH determination. pH is
measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with lower values indicating high H+ (more
acidic) and higher values indicating low H+ ion activity (less acidic). A pH
of 7 is considered as neutral. Every whole unit in pH represents a ten-fold
increase in or decrease in hydrogen ion concentration. Most natural waters
possess the pH values ranging from 5.0 to 8.5. Rain water have a pH value
of 5.4 to 6.0 which then reacts with the soils and minerals causing the
reduction in H+ ion concentration and thus the water may become alkaline
with a pH 0f 8.0-8.5. More acid water (pH<5) and more alkaline (pH >9)
and other immediate changes in the hydrogen ion concentration (pH)
suggest that the quality of the water is adversely affected due to the
introduction of some toxic contaminants in water bodies.
Equipment

o pH paper
o Beakers 50 ml
o Wash Bottle
o Colour strip (1 to 14)
o thermometer
Procedure
o Collect the water sample from a water source by water sampler.
o Then put the water into the beaker of 50 ml.
o Check the temperature.
o Dip the colorimetric paper in water sample.
o Then compare the colour of paper with the colour strip.
o This is the pH value of water sample.

Result and discussion:

_
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 Experiment 03
Object
To determine the pH of Water sample by digital pH meter

Scope
1. The pH value of a water sample expresses, its tendency to accept or
donate hydrogen ions on a scale O (very acidic) to 14 (very basic).
2. It is used in the calculation of carbonate, bicarbonate and carbon
dioxide, corrosion & stability index, & other acid base equilibria of
importance to water & waste water analysis and treatment control.
Equipment

 pH meter
 pH electrode
 Beakers 50 ml
 Wash Bottle
 Thermometer

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Reagents

 Buffer solution pH 4
 Buffer solution pH 7
 Buffer solution pH 9

Sampling & Preservation

1. Before collecting samples from distribution systems, flush lines

sufficiently.
2. Before filling, rinse sample bottle two or three times with the water
being collected.

3. Analyse sample as soon as possible or preserve it 24 hours at 4oC.

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Procedure

1. Prepare buffer solutions of pH 4 and pH 9. The temperature of the

buffer solutions should be the same as that of test solution.
2. Connect the pH electrode to the input connection on the panel.
3. Insert the pH meter scale and press the pH switch.
4. Rinse the probe thoroughly with de-mineralized water and place it in the
pH 9 buffer.
5. Adjust the standardize control for a meter reading of pH 2.
6. Rinse the electrode with de-mineralized water and place it in the pH 9
buffer.
7. Adjust the span control for a meter reading of pH 7 and with
standardize control adjust meter reading at pH 9. The instrument is
now ready for pH measurement.
8. Rinse the electrode with de-mineralized water and place it in the test
sample, read the pH value from the meter and record the result.

Result and discussion:

 Experiment 04
Object

To determine the pH of Waste Water sample by pH paper.

Equipment

 pH paper

 Beakers 50 ml

 Wash Bottle

 Colour strip (1 to 14)

 thermometer

Procedure

 Collect the waste water sample from a water source by a sampler.

 Then put the water into the beaker of 50 ml.
 Check the temperature.
 Dip the colorimetric paper in water sample.
 Then compare the colour of paper with the colour strip.
 This is the pH value of water sample.
 After experiment wash and resins the water sampler thoroughly.
Result and discussion:
 Experiment 05
Object:
To determine the conductivity of drinking water sample by Digital
Conductivity meter.

Scope

The procedure applied to determine the dissolved solid in a drinking water

supply system.

Equipment:

o Digital conductivity meter

o Water sample
o 50 ml beaker
o Thermometer
Procedure

 Collect the water sample from a water source by a water sampler.

 Then put the water into the beaker of 50 ml.
 Check the temperature.
 Check the conductivity meter, before inserting in water the reading
should be zero.
 Dip the digital conductivity meter up to maximum level in the
water sample.
 Note the reading.
 This is the conductivity value of water sample.
 After experiment wash and resins the water sampler thoroughly.
Unit of conductivity:
The Unit of conductivity is Siemens per centimetre.

2µ s/cm = 1.0 ppm = 1.0 ml/L

Note:
The conductivity of domestic tap water should be 500-
800 µ s/cm. Potable water maximum limit is 1055 µ
s/cm.

Result and discussion:

 EXPERIMENT NO. 06

Purpose

To determine the amount of suspended solids in drinking water samples by

photometric method.

Scope

The procedure applied to determine suspended solid control of biological

and physical wastewater treatment processes and for assessing
compliance with regulatory agency water and wastewater limitations.

Equipment

1. Spectrophotometer
2. Samples cells
3. Magnetic Stirrer
4. Wash Bottle
Reagent: None

Calibration Procedure

1. The standard solution (distilled water) is placed in the cell holder.

2. Adjust the wavelength dial (IR) 810 nm.

3. Insert the meter scale
4. To zero check position while he zero adjust control is used to obtain
a zero transmittance reading.
5. The instrument is standardized by setting the light switch to On and
using the light contract to obtain a meter reading equal to value of
the standardizing solution normally we use distilled water and the
meter is adjusted for a zero mg/l.

Sampling and Preservation

1. Use glass or plastic bottle

2. Begin analysis as soon as possible
3. If preservation is required refrigerate sample at 4oC up to analysis to
minimize micro- biological decomposition of solids.
4. Bring at room temp before analysis.
Sampling and Preservation

5. Use glass or plastic bottle

6. Begin analysis as soon as possible
7. If preservation is required refrigerate sample at 4oC up to analysis to
minimize micro- biological decomposition of solids.
8. Bring at room temp before analysis.
Procedure

1. Pour the well-mixed sample immediately into a clean sample cell.

2. Place the sample cell containing the samples in the cell holder.
3. The reading is taken in mg/l
4. If the meter reading is greater than 300 mg/l the sample should be
diluted with an appropriate volume of distilled water and results
multiplied by proper dilution factor.

Observations / Result:

1.
2.
3.
 EXPERIMENT NO. 07

Object:

To determine the total dissolved solids in water by digital TDS meter.

Scope

The procedure applied to determine the dissolved solid in drinking water

supply system.

Equipment:
 Digital TDS meter
 Water sample
 50 ml beaker
 Thermometer
Procedure:

 Collect the water sample from a water source by a water sampler.

 Then put the water into the beaker of 50 ml.
 Check the temperature.
 Check the TDS meter, before inserting in water the reading should be
zero.
 Dip the digital TDS meter up to maximum level in the water sample.
 Note the reading.
 This is the value of Total Dissolved solid in water sample.
 After experiment wash and resins the water sampler thoroughly.

Unit of TDS meter:

The Unit of TDS meter is mg/L or ppm.

Result:
1.

2.
 EXPERIMET NO. 08
Object:

Micro- organism test of water sample by a simple Microscope.

Scope:

This is instrument is used to check the microorganism in a drinking water

sample.

Equipment:
 Water sample
 Slide glass
 Microscope
 Procedure:

Rotate head into position.

Plug in wire and switch on the power.
Remove the dust cap and switch on the light.
Place the specimen on the stage and swing the 4x or 10x object lens into
position. Focus on specimen.
Adjust the objective and dioptre distance.
Carryout the centring procedure for the condenser.
Adjust the light intensity and move the
specimen into light path. And swing the objective
and see the specimen.

Result and comment:

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