The Cambridge

International School
Chemistry Investigatory
Project (Session-2023-24)

Checking the bacterial contamination

in drinking water by testing sulphide
ion

Name: Laksh Varma

Class: XI-b
Roll No. : 10
Page | 1
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that I, Laksh Varma, a student of The

Cambridge International School has submitted the
chemistry investigatory project, titled “Checking the
bacterial contamination in drinking water by testing
sulphide ion” under the guidance of Mrs. Sri Latha during
the Session 2023-24.
The assigned project has been completed as prescribed by
the CBSE curriculum.

Page | 2
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank principal

ma’am, Mrs. Roshni for providing me with this
opportunity to perform this investigatory project.
I would also like to thank my Chemistry teacher, Mrs.
Sri Latha, whose continuous guidance and support
have enabled me to complete this project.

Page | 3
 INDEX

Title Page No.

Introduction 5-
Aim 6
Requirements 7
Procedure 8
Observation 9
Result 10
Conclusion 11
Bibliography 12
13

INTRODUCTION
Page | 4
The sulphide ion test for bacterial contamination is good.
In surface waters, hydrogen sulphide is formed under
oxygen deficient conditions. Hydrogen sulphide is also
produced from the decomposition of sulphur containing
organic compounds. The concentration of sulphide ion
becomes significant only at pH 10 or above. Under acidic
conditions, the concentration of hydrogen sulphide
predominates. Hydrogen sulphide is a weak acid, which
ionizes to yield hydrosulphide(HS- ) and sulphide (S2)
ions. Hydrogen sulphide is highly toxic to fish.
Concentrations of total sulphide as low as 0.01 mg/L
make the water uninhabited fish culture. Hydrogen
sulphide also reduces the aesthetic value of the water
body due to foul colour. The bacterial contamination can
be tested using H2S strip. Presence of pathogenic
bacteria in water can be detected by testing the sulphide
content of water. The presence of sulphide ions in water
is an indicator of:
i)High pH above 10.

Page | 5
ii) Sulphide producing bacteria
iii Diminished oxygen concentrations Conducting the
) sulphide ion test:-
The sulphide ion test is conducted using an
Hydrogen sulphide strip (H₂S). - The H₂S strip is
dipped into the water to be tested for 14 to 16
hours. - The H₂S strip turns black if sulphide ions are
present in the water. The black colour is due to the
ionization of the H₂S

Page | 6
 AIM

To check the bacterial contamination

in drinking water by testing sulphide
ion

REQUIREMENTS
Page | 7
Apparatus Required-
1.Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S strip)
2. Beaker
3. Drinking water
4. Thermometer

CHEMICALS REQUIRED-
1. Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

PROCEDURE

This experiment is to be done in an incubator

Page | 8
i)Add about 250ml of water in a beaker.
ii)Dip the H2S strip in the beaker with water
iii) Heat the beaker for about 35 degree centigrade
iv) Check the temperature (temperature should be at 35
degree centigrade)
v) Keep it in incubator for 14-16 hours of time.
vi) Check the result if the water turns black then it is
unfit for drinking / highly contaminated for
drinking or for human use.
vii) The sulphide ion test for bacterial contamination is
good. In surface waters, hydrogen sulphide is
is formed under oxygen-deficient conditions.
Hydrogen sulphide is also produced from the
decomposition of sulphur containing organic
compounds. The concentration of sulphide ion
becomes significant only at pH 10 or above.

OBSERVATION

Page | 9
RESULT

Page | 10
By the experiment done the result says that at some
place water is fit for drinking at some places whereas it is
unfit for drinking at some places. Especially water is unfit
for drinking from river bodies.

CONCLUSION
Water is mostly unfit for drinking from river.

Page | 11
Water is also unfit for drinking at some of the water that come
to houses.

 Therefore we should purify the water before drinking.

And we should not drink water from random places.

Page | 12
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Chemistry Lab Manual Class 11th

 Chemistry NCERT Book
 www.brainly.in
 www.indiawater.org
 www.merintation.com
 www.coursehero.com

Page | 13