TECHNICAL REPORT

ON

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME

HELD AT

ONDO STATE WATER CORPORATION, ALAGBAKA, AKURE.

BY
OGUNDARE, TOMIWA ESTHER

(MATRIC NUMBER: 170408106)

SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, SCHOOL OF

SCIENCE, OLUSEGUN AGAGU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,
OKITIPUPA, ONDO STATE,

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (B.TECH) IN MICROBIOLOGY,

FEBRUARY, 2023.
 DECLARATION

I, TOMIWA ESTHER OGUNDARE with matriculation number 170804106, hereby declare that

this report was written by me, and that it is a record of activities carried out by me during SIWES

industrial attachment at ONDO STATE WATER CORPORATION, ALAGBAKA, AKURE.

All sources of information are clearly acknowledged by means of references.

…………………………… ………………………

Signature Date

ii
 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this report on SIWES industrial attachment was presented by TOMIWA
ESTHER OGUNDARE (Matric No: 170804106), and then submitted to the Department of
Biological Sciences of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology having met the
standard as to content and style of the Institution

DR. AFOLABI O. OSEWOLE _____________________

Supervisor Signature/ Date

DR. A. O. OJATULA ______________________

Departmental SIWES Coordinator Signature/ Date

DR. I. A. ADEYEMO ______________________

Head of Department Signature/ Date

iii
 DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to Almighty God who has mercifully saved me and has predestined me unto

good works in himself, also to my caring and loving parent and friends.

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All thanks and praises go to the Almighty, unquestionable God the most merciful and the most

beneficent for making this seminar a successful one.

I also give thanks to my loving parents Mr. and Mrs. I. S. OGUNDARE for their inexhaustible efforts

financially, and morally and their consistent prayer toward my success in life.

My profound gratitude goes to my very hardworking supervisor Dr. Afolabi O. Osewole for his

guidance during the course of this report. I pray that God blesses you and your family.

Though I cannot mention all, I regard all my friends and I pray that the most high continue to help

you in all you do.

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ……………………………………………………………………………ii

CERTIFICATION …………………………………………………………………………..iii

DEDICATION ………………………………………………………………………………iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT …………………………………………………………………...v

TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………………………………….vi

LIST OF TABLE ……………………………………………………………………………..ix

LIST OF FIGURES …………………………………………………………………………..x

SUMMARY…………………………………………………………………………………..xi

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………1

1.1 Historic background of SIWES …………………………………………………………..1

1.2 Objectives of SIWES ……………………………………………………………………..1

1.3 Importance of SIWES …………………………………………………………………….2

1.4 The rules of students on SIWES ………………………………………………………….3

1.5 The Roles of the Institution in the Siwes Program ……………………………………….3

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 History of Ondo state water Corporation, Alagbaka, Akure ……………………………..4

2.1 General Responsibilities of Ondo state Water Corporation ……………………………...4

2.2 Functions of Ondo state water Water Corporation ……………………………………….4

2.3 Water Quality Control Department Organogram ………………………………………...5

2.4 Equipment and function ………………………………………………………………….6

CHAPTER THREE
vi
3.0 General Knowledge of Water ……………………………………………………………9

3.1 Sources of water …………………………………………………………………………10

3.2 Factors affecting water quality …………………………………………………………..10

3.3 Chemical properties of water …………………………………………………………….11

3.4 Physical properties of water ……………………………………………………………...11

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Knowledge gained and Challenges encountered ………………………………………….12

4.1 Quality of water …………………………………………………………………………..12

4.2 Physical Analysis …………………………………………………………………………12

4.2.1 pH test …………………………………………………………………………………..12

4.2.2 Conductivity test ………………………………………………………………………..13

4.3 Chemical Analysis …………………………………………………………………………16

4.3.1 Free carbon test …………………………………………………………………………..16

4.3.2 Chloride test ……………………………………………………………………………...16

4.3.3 Alkalinity test …………………………………………………………………………….17

4.3.4 Total hardness …………………………………………………………………………….18

4.3.5 Calcium test ………………………………………………………………………………19

4.3.6 Chlorine test ………………………………………………………………………………19

4.3.7 Iron test ……………………………………………………………………………………20

4.4 Problems encountered ………………………………………………………………………2

4.4.1 Problem solution ………………………………………………………………………….21

CHAPTER FIVE

vii
5.0 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………….22

5.1 Recommendation …………………………………………………………………………...23

5.2 References …………………………………………………………………………………..24

viii
 LIST OF TABLE

Table 1: Recommended range of total hardness in drinking water is classified in mg/l or ppm ….13

ix
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Department Organogram ……………………………………………………. 5

Figure 2: Autoclave machine …………………………………………………………...7

Figure 3: Water distiller ………………………………………………………………...8

Figure 4: pH Meter ……………………………………………………………………..14

Figure 5: Conductivity Meter …………………………………………………………..15

x
 SUMMARY

This report centers on the various tests carried out to determine water quality. Ondo State Water

Corporation’s central laboratory focuses on the physical and chemical tests for water as this has

great effects on human health when taken ignorantly.

The physical tests carried out are as follows: conductivity test, total dissolved solids (TDS), and

pH test. The chemical tests carried out are free carbon test, alkalinity test, chloride test, hardness

test, and calcium test in water.

The above-mentioned tests help to check the physical and chemical properties of water that make

it unsafe for drinking and serve as the basis for water treatment based on the results of the analysis.

xi
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Historic background of Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme

As included in the National objectives stated in the second National development plan in 1970,

Nigeria felt the need for economic self-sufficiency and the need to have skilled indigenous

manpower.

As a result of this, the federal government established the Industrial Training Fund (I.T.F) in 1971

under the federal ministry of information, with 22 area offices and its headquarters located at Jos,

Plateau state.

In 1974, the Industrial Training Fund Board initiated and designed the students’ industrial work

experience scheme (SIWES) as part of its man-power development program and funded it until

1978 when it became obvious that the board cannot shoulder the financial responsibility due to the

increase in the number of students in the program, until 1984 when the federal government started

funding the program.

1.2 Objectives of SIWES

SIWES has indeed brought and is still bringing a lot of advantages to Nigerian society and

economy. Among these are;

I. Knowledge that may not be available in the educational institution, which provides opportunities

for students in Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education by impacting a great

deal of Industrial Skills and experiences in their different fields of study.

II. Exposes and prepares students for the Industrial working situations they are likely to meet after

graduation.

III. Bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical industrial work-life situations and

working experiences.

IV. It also exposes students to various equipment and tools of theoretical knowledge in real-world

situations.

V. Bridge the gap between college work and actual practical work.

VI. Provide a means for students in tertiary institutions to acquire industrial skills and experience

in their field of study, particularly in pure and applied science, engineering, and technology.

VII. Prepare students on the anticipated working situation after graduation.

VIII. Expose students to work methods, ethics, and techniques in handling equipment and

machinery that are not available in their institutions.

IX. Enlist and strengthen employer involvement in the entire educational process of preparing

student employment.

1.3 Importance of SIWES

I. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life

situations.

II. It exposes students to more practical work, methods and techniques.

III. It strengthens links between employers, universities, and the industrial training fund (ITF)

IV. It also prepares the student for the labour market after graduation.

2
1.4 The rules of students on SIWES

I. To keep regular records of the training activities and other assignments in the log book.

II. To comply with the employers rules and regulations.

III. To be regular and punctual at respective places of SIWES.

IV. To submit to ITF through their institution the evolution report form 8 dully completed by the

student, employer, and the department.

V. To ensure the employer completes the SPE-1 form and forwards it to the nearest ITF area office

1.5 The Roles of the Institution in the SIWES Program

Provide early enough Industrial Training application letters and logbooks so that students can

submit on time thereby ensuring placement.

Encourage and ensure students have submitted their application letters to various companies.

Organize a form of training or research program for students who are not able to secure placement

in industries.

3
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 History of Ondo State Water Corporation

Ondo State Water Corporation has its head office at Alagbaka, Akure, located at PMB 705

Alagbaka housing estate.

Ondo State Water Corporation was established by Edict No.2 of 1971 as body corporate with

perpetual succession and common seal and has the power to sue and be sued in its corporate name.

This Edict was replaced with Ondo State Water Board Law which came into effect on July 1, 2004.

2.1 General Responsibilities of Ondo State Water Corporation

I. To produce and distribute water to the people of Kaduna state for domestic, commercial and

industrial purposes.

II. To maintain the distribution system and also collect rates for water consumed by customers.

2.2 Functions of Ondo State Water Corporation

I. The production of water that meets the standard quality. To control and manage water works.

II. To ensure that water is supplied to consumers thereof at adequate quantity.

III. To increase the coverage, continuity and quality of a sustainable water supply service in Akure,

Ondo State, and improve the financial viability and governance of the sector.

4
Figure 1: Department Organogram

5
2.4 Equipment and Functions

I. Oven: it’s used for the heating of glassware at a very high range temperature above 100℃,

mostly for sterilization and disinfection.

II. Autoclave: It is used for sterilization and disinfectant of glassware.

III. Furnace: It is used for heating at a very high temperature above 100℃ for dry sterilization.

IV. Photometer: It is used to determine the value of metal/sample.

V. Weighing balance: For the determination of the actual volume of a sample to analyze.

VI. Water distiller: For the preparation of distilled water.

VII. Safety chamber: For the safe keeping of equipment.

VIII. Measuring cylinder: For the collection of actual volume required to analyze a given sample.

IX. Conical flask: Used for the collection of samples.

X. Mortar and pestle: It is used for grounding of soil sample

XI. Foil paper: It is used for covering conical flask

XII. Pipette: It is used for collection of a sample in small quantity

XIII. Conductivity meter: It is used for measuring the amount of nutrients, impurities or salt in

water.

6
Figure 2: Autoclave machine

7
Figure 3: Water distiller

8
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 General Knowledge of Water

Water is a compound with the chemical formula H2O. Water molecule contains one oxygen and

two hydrogen atoms bonded by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at standard ambient temperature

and pressure, but it often co-exists on earth with its solid state (ice) and gaseous state (water vapors

or steam). Water covers 71% of earth’s surface, and is vital for all known forms of life. Water on

earth moves continually through the hydrological cycle of evaporation and transpiration

(evapotranspiration), condensation, precipitation and round-off, usually reaching the sea.

Evaporation and transpiration contribute to the precipitation over land (Marriott, 2009).

Safe drinking water is essential to humans and other life forms even though it provide no calories

or organic nutrients. Access to safe drinking water has improved over the last decades in almost

every part of the world, but approximately one billion people still lack access to safe water and

over 2.5 billion lack access to adequate sanitation. There is a clear correlation between access to

safe water and GDP per capita. However, some observers have estimated that by 2025 more than

half of the world’s world population will be facing water-based vulnerability. A recent report

(November 2009) suggests that by 2030, in some developing regions of the world, water demand

will exceed supply by 50%, water plays an important role in the world economy, as it functions as

a solvent. For a wide variety of chemical substances and facilitates industrial cooling and

transportation. Approximately 70% of the freshwater used by humans goes to agriculture (Gleik,

2005).

9
3.1 Sources of water

The sources of water include;

I. River

II. Sea

III. Well

IV. Lake

V. Spring

VI. Stream

VII. Rain

3.2 Factors affecting water quality

The factors affecting water quality are as follows;

I. Turbidity: This is the degree of clarity of water. It is also the degree to which water loses its

transparency due to the Presence of suspended particle. The world Health Organization (WHO)

established a standard that the turbidity of safe drinking water should not be more than five (5) or

less than zero (0) nephelometric turbidity unit, (NTU).

II. Odor: is an unpleasant smell due to the presence of organic substances. Some odour indicates

an increase in biological activity while others originates from industrial waste product.

III. Taste: Quality drinking water should be tasteless even in the presence of dissolved minerals.

10
3.3 Chemical properties of water

Some of the major chemical properties of water:

I. Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O

II. It has a recommended pH of (7).

III. It has two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom, making an angle of

1050C.

IV. Water is one of the best-known ionizing agents

V. Water is a universal solvent.

3.4 Physical properties of water

Some of the major physical properties are;

I. It is a colorless liquid

II. The freezing point of water is 0℃ (320F) and its boiling point is 100℃ (2120F)

III. Water is transparent in the visible electromagnetic spectrum thus, the aquatic plant can live in

water because sunlight can reach them.

11
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Knowledge gained and Challenges encountered

4.1 Quality of water

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water. It is a

measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or

to any human need or purpose. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against

which compliance, generally achieved through the treatment of the water, can be assessed

(Debenedetti, 2001).

The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to the health of ecosystems, the

safety of human contact, and drinking water.

Ondo state water corporation (central laboratory) analysis water samples, treated or raw water

through Physico-chemical analysis to meet up the recommended range of drinking water. The

physic-chemical analysis comprises physical and chemical analysis.

4.2 Physical Analysis

The physical analysis comprises of the following test;

4.2.1 pH test

The acidity and alkalinity of water are known as pH and the aim of conducting this test is to

determine the Alkalinity or Acidity of various water samples such as raw water and treated water.

The pH ranges from 0-14, and 7 is neutral meaning that there is a balance between acidity and

alkalinity. Measurement below 7 means acid is present and measurement above 7 means it is basic.

12
Procedures

 Rinse the beaker using the treated water and allow it to dry.

 Measure 100 ml of a water sample using a measuring cylinder and transfer it into a beaker.

 Switch on the pH meter and insert it into the beaker containing the sample.

 Record the reading.

Observations

The recommended Nigerian standard for drinking water quality maximum permissible level

(NSDWQ*MPL) of pH is 6.5-8.5 and if the corresponding value is below 6.5 and above 8.5, the

water is unfit for drinking and can pose a threat to our health.

4.2.2 Conductivity test

A conductivity meter is used to measure the amount of nutrients, impurity, or salt in water and it

also measure the electrical conductance of water.

Procedure

A measuring cylinder and transfer into a beaker. Switch on the conductivity meter and insert it

electrode into the beaker containing the sample. Record the reading.

Observations

The recommended Nigerian standard for drinking water quality maximum permissible level

(NSDWQ*MPL) of conductivity is 1000 microsiemen/cm

13
Figure 4: pH Meter

14
Figure 5: Conductivity Meter

15
4.3 Chemical Analysis

The chemical analysis comprises the following tests;

4.3.1 Free carbon test

A free carbon test is carried out to know the amount of carbon present in the water sample. Free

carbon and water react chemically to produce carbonic acid, which is a weak acid that stimulates

the same nerve receptors in your mouth as mustard.

Procedures

 Measure 100 ml of the sample using a measuring cylinder and transfer it into a beaker.

 Add 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein as indicator into the beaker and shake carefully.

 Titrate immediately with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) until a pink colour is obtained.

 Record your reading and calculate the carbon content by multiplying the result by 10.

Observation

The pH of carbonated water is 3-4, which means it is slightly acidic and however drinking

carbonated water does not make your body more acidic because the kidney and lungs remove

excess carbon dioxide which in turn keep your blood at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.35-7.45

regardless of what we eat and drink.

4.3.2 Chloride test

A chloride test is carried out to know the amount of chloride in the water sample. This can be

achieved by titration.

16
Procedures

Measure 100 ml of the sample using a measuring cylinder and transfer it into a beaker. Add 2-3

drops of potassium dichromate as an indicator into the beaker and shake carefully. Titrate with

silver nitrate until a brown color is obtained. Record your reading and calculate the chloride content

by multiplying the result by 0.0141 and 35450 and divide all by volume of sample used (100 ml).

Observation

The recommended Nigerian standard for drinking water quality maximum permissible level

(NSDWQ*MPL) range of chloride content in water is 250 mg/l, If the corresponding value is

above 250 mg/l, it means that the chloride content present in the sample is in excess and can pose

a high risk to the health.

4.3.3 Alkalinity test

Alkalinity test is carried out to neutralize the content of acid present in the water sample. This can

be achieved by titration.

Procedures

Measure 100 ml of water sample using the measuring cylinder and transfer it into a beaker. Add

2-3 drops of mixed indicator and shake carefully. Titrate with tetraoxosulphate(vi) acid (H2SO4)

until a golden yellow color is obtained. Record your reading and calculate the total alkaline present

in the sample by multiplying the result by 10.

17
Observation

The recommended Nigerian standard for drinking water quality maximum permissible level

(NSDWQ*MPL) range of alkaline in drinking water is 100 mg/l and if the corresponding value is

above 100 mg/l, it means the water is not safe for drinking and can pose a high risk to the health.

4.3.4 Total hardness (CaCO3)

A total hardness test is carried out to know the amount of CaCO3 and to also know how hard the

water is.

Procedures

Measure 100 ml of water sample using the measuring cylinder and transfer it into a beaker. Pipette

2 ml of buffer solution into the beaker and add few drops of Eriochrome black as indicator. Titrate

with ethylene dimethyl tetraacetic acid (EDTA) until blue color is obtained. Record your reading

and calculate the total hardness of the water sample by multiplying the result by 10.

Observation

Table 1: Recommended range of total hardness in drinking water is classified in mg/l or ppm

Classification Mg/l or ppm

Soft 0-17.1
Slightly hard 17.1-60
Moderately hard 60-120
Hard 120-180
Very hard 180 and over

18
4.3.5 Calcium test

A calcium test is carried out to know the amount of calcium present in the water sample and it is

achieved by titration.

Procedures

Measure 100 ml of water sample using a measuring cylinder and transfer it into a beaker. Pipette

2 ml of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) into the beaker and add few drops of Murexide as indicator.

Titrate with ethylene dimethyl tetraacetic acid (EDTA) until a purple color is obtained. Record

your reading and calculate the calcium content present in the water sample by multiplying the

result by 10.

Observation

The recommended Nigerian standard for drinking water quality maximum permissible level

(NSDWQ*MPL) range of calcium in drinking water is 75 mg/l.

4.3.6 Chlorine test

A chlorine test is carried out to know the quality, effectiveness, and how good it is when purchasing

it.

Procedures

Dissolve 1 g of chlorine in 100 ml of distilled water in a conical flask. Dissolve 3.25 g of sodium

thiosulphate in 125 ml of distilled water in a conical flask. Weigh 2 g of potassium iodide. Dissolve

2 g of starch in 50 ml of distilled. Measure 50 ml of chlorine into a conical flask and add 2 g of

potassium iodide, 10 ml of acetic acid and 25 ml of distilled water. Titrate against sodium

19
thiosulphate until a wine color is observed. Record your reading. Add 2 ml of starch and titrate

against sodium thiosulphate until the wine color changes. Record your reading. Add the volume

of the sample to the first and second readings together and multiply 0.71 to get the percentage of

chlorine.

Observation

60% upward shows that the chlorine has good quality and it is effective.

4.3.7 Iron test

An iron test is carried out to check for the iron content in the water which is for only portable and

demineralized water. A spectrophotometer is used to check for the parameters.

Procedures

Measure 100 ml of water sample and 100 ml of distilled water into two different beaker using a

measuring cylinder. Label each beaker A & B. Beaker B stands for blank and A stand for the

sample. Add 4 ml of HCl and 2 ml of hydroxylamine to beaker A & B.

Heat beaker A & B to half the volume of content using a hot plate regulator. Allow to cool and

transfer content in each beaker into a separate conical flask. Add 20 ml of Ammonium acetate and

2 ml of phenolphthalein to each conical flask. Add distilled water to the sample and take your

reading against blank using a spectrophotometer at 520 nm wavelength.

20
Observation

The lighter the color change observed, the lesser the concentration of iron content and the deeper

the color change observed, the higher the concentration of iron content in the sample. The

recommended Nigerian standard for drinking water quality maximum permissible level

(NSDWQ*MPL) range of iron in drinking water is 0.3 mg/dm3.

4.4 Challenges encountered:

Problems that I encountered include the following;

I. There was no financial obligation on the part of the institute.

II. Most of the tests are carried out on demand and not for the interest of the student.

III. Restriction on the use of certain equipment in the lab.

4.4.1 Solution

I. The private sector, cooperate bodies, Industries and establishments should try to alleviate the

financial hardship faced by students by giving certain allowances.

II. Funds allocated to students after SIWES should instead be given during the attachment period

to assist the student during the program.

III. Permission should be granted to students in certain Labs with restrictions.

21
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Conclusion

The industrial attachment is a program that not only exposes students to laboratory or bench work

but it also makes them appreciate the theoretical part of learning. The industrial training fund is an

inevitable training and experience ground for students, this help to expose the student to basic skill

and work experience which will be useful and helpful to the student after graduation. I sincerely

appreciate the fact that the SIWES program has bridged the gap between theoretical university

work and practical work. Thus, augmenting theoretical knowledge acquired through the four

corners of the university classroom.

The knowledge I acquired during the SIWES will remain so useful and helpful to me, especially

after graduation, I participated fully and learnt a lot that has to do with my field of study. I also

gained a lot of knowledge from the staff and the company’s manager I served for the period of six

months from January to June 2022.

22
5.1 Recommendation

I recommend Industrial Training for all students of high institutions in Nigeria so that they can

gain knowledge and be more exposed to their various fields. This will help them to give their best

to the community and help in developing the educational standard and skills acquisition across the

county. In view of the importance and contribution of the Students Industrial Work Experience

Scheme (SIWES), the ITF should try its own possible best to see that students do their training in

places where they will be exposed to vast of practical work related to their field of study. Also,

industries and Organizations should be given orientation on SIWES.

23
5.2 References

Debenedetti, P.G. (2001); Water quality and treatment Fifth Edition.

Gleik P.H. (2005); A guide to world fresh water resources, oxford University press

Marriott, M. (2009); Nigeria standard for drinking water quality

Suffredini, C. (1994); Determining water hardness by EDTA titration

Udoma, M. (2005); The theory and practice of clean water production for domestics and industrials

use, Jos, Nigeria

24