What is Water Quality?

• Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological

characteristics of water.

• It assesses the suitability of water for various purposes, such as drinking,

recreation, agriculture, and supporting aquatic life.

• Point Source Pollutants -Single, specific and Identifiable sources of

pollutants such as drainage and household pipes.
• Diffuse Pollutants -Multiple sources of pollutants like urban and
agricultural runoffs Toxic Compounds

Types of Pollutants

• Toxic Compounds- Which cause damage to biological activity in the

aquatic environment.

• Oxygen Balance Affecting compoundConsume oxygen or inhibit the

transfer of oxygen between air and water. This would also include thermal
 pollution as warm water does not hold as much dissolved oxygen as cold
water.
• Suspended SolidsSolid particles that do not mix with water becomes
suspended solids

Water-quality Parameters

PHYSICAL

-Temperature: The degree of hotness or coldness of water.

-Dissolved Solids: The measure of all inorganic and organic substances

dissolved in water, typically expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts
per million (ppm).

suspended solids: Suspended solids refer to tiny solid particles or matter that
are suspended in water rather than dissolved.

-electrical conductivity: The ability of water to conduct an electrical current,

which is influenced by the presence of dissolved ions such as salts.
-Turbidity: The measure of the degree to which water loses its transparency
due to the presence of suspended particulates.

Water-quality Parameters Chemical

pH Level: pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, such as

water. It is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions present in the
water.

-Dissolved Oxygen: Dissolved oxygen refers to the amount of oxygen gas

dissolved in water DO levels can fluctuate due to factors such as
temperature, pressure, and the presence of photosynthetic organisms.

Chlorine: Chlorine is not normally found in river water. It is used as a

disinfectant in the supply of drinking water.

Phosphates: Phosphorus can be found in three different forms:

orthophosphate, polyphosphate (both normally dis- solved) and organic
phosphate (bound to organic particles).

Heavy Metals: Heavy metals’ is the term applied to metals with an atomic
weight greater than 6

Water quality measurements

Sampling Methodology: Refers to the process of selecting a representative
subset of a population for analysis. It involves techniques for
collecting, handling, and preparing samples for analysis to ensure
accurate and meaningful results.
2. Spectral Techniques: These methods involve the measurement
and analysis of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and
matter. Examples include UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared
spectroscopy, and atomic absorption spectroscopy.
3. Gravimetric Methods: Involves the measurement of mass to
determine the quantity of a substance present in a sample. This can
include techniques like precipitation and filtration to isolate and weigh
the desired substance.
4. Ion Selective Electrodes: These are sensors that measure the
concentration of specific ions in a solution. They work by generating a
potential difference that is proportional to the logarithm of the ion
activity in the solution.

5. Volumetric Method: Also known as titration, this method

involves the controlled addition of a solution of known concentration
(titrant) to a solution of unknown concentration (analyte) until the
reaction between the two is complete. This allows for the
determination of the concentration of the analyte.

6. Colorimetry: This technique involves the measurement of the

absorbance or transmission of light by a colored solution as a means
of determining the concentration of a solute. It’s commonly used in
biochemical assays and environmental analysis.

Proxy measures of water quality

 1. pH: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of water. It can indicate
potential chemical imbalances in the water.

2. Temperature: Can affect the solubility of gases, the rate of

chemical reactions, and the health of aquatic organisms.

3. Turbidity: Measures the clarity of water by quantifying the

amount of suspended particles. High turbidity can indicate sediment runoff
or other pollutants.

4. Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Measures the amount of oxygen

dissolved in water. DO is essential for aquatic life, and low levels can
indicate pollution or excessive organic matter.

5. Conductivity: Reflects the ability of water to conduct an

electrical current, which is influenced by the concentration of dissolved ions.
High conductivity can indicate the presence of pollutants such as salts or
metals.

6. Nutrient Levels: Including concentrations of nitrates,

phosphates, and ammonia. Elevated nutrient levels can lead to
eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.

7. Bioindicators: Such as the presence or absence of certain

aquatic organisms or the diversity of species present. Changes in the
composition of aquatic communities can indicate shifts in water quality.