Norwich University

David Crawford School of Engineering

EG109 – Fall 2020

Lab #3

Introduction to Engineering I

Joe Hudak
Connor Greene
Angelita Madrid
Knyt Florence Javelosa
Pelayo M. Martinez Rodriguez Miaja

September 17, 2020

Professor Joseph Collins

 - Questions to answer following the data collection:
1. The optimum dose is 40 g/mL, pH (of tests) 7.7, and turbidity to be 0.01 NTU

2. I believe this is the case due to the final turbidity of the sample in all three trials
being the lowest when a dosage of 40 g/mL coagulant was used, a lower turbidity
meaning less contaminants, and logically being optimal, lastly ideal pH for
drinking water is about 7.4 – our closest result was 7.7.

3. I would first make the difference in coagulant amount lower, i.e. testing with 38,
39, 40, 41, and 42 g/mL, then I would also experiment using slight acids or bases
to change the pH of the water, measuring how the pH specifically affects turbidity
(single variable experiment).

4. Turbidity seems to be the most suspect, it is the result with the most deviation
and inconsistencies. It is also the end result, meaning that it has the highest chance
of being affected by error.

- Questions to answer while waiting (during settling):

1. I believe that we would be trying to remove would include cryptosporidium

parasites, lead/other mineral deposits, and diseases such as E. coli and tuberculosis

2. From 1989-1990 there were 12 outbreaks with a waterborne cause, 7 of which

were caused by the etiologic agent Giardia lamblia and were due to inadequate
chlorination/filtration. Approx. 697 persons were affected, as reported by New
York, Colorado, Vermont, and Alaska, contracting waterborne giardiasis. There
was also an E. Coli outbreak which occurred in a Missouri Community. The
outbreak affected 243 persons, causing a third to experience bloody diarrhea, 32 to
be hospitalized, and 4 to expire. The cause was traced to two breakages in water
transmission pipes, whose water was not properly treated and disinfected post
repair.

Source: Surveillance Reports for Drinking Water-associated Disease &

Outbreaks. (2019, April 25). Retrieved September 17, 2020, from
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/surveillance/drinking-surveillance-reports.html

3. To filter out micro-organisms using granular media we would use a biologically

active filter, which works by first creating a biofilm atop oxidants and reductants,
the layers typically consisting of anthracite coal, sand, and other granular
mediums. These layers, while also acting as a natural gravity filter, provide
nutrition to microbial cells in the biofilm, which in turn through the competition for
resources and natural Darwinian survival kills off unwanted micro-organisms.

Source: Zhu, I., & Bates, B. (2013, January 16). Conventional Media Filtration
with Biological Activities. Retrieved September 17, 2020, from
https://www.intechopen.com/books/water-treatment/conventional-media-filtration-
with-biological-activities

4. If involved in the analyzation of a drinking water treatment plant I would enlist a

trained Water Treatment Professional, a Microbiologist, a Biochemical Engineer, a
Mechanical Engineer, an Epidemiologist, and a Plumbing Professiona