Identifying the pH Level of the Select Commercialized Drinking Water using the pH Tester

_______________________________________

A Research Paper

In Partial Fulfillment of Grade 8 Research

________________________________________

Researchers:
Raymund Steve H. Gamotin
Jay Mark T. Pornia

________________________________________

Research Teacher

Mark Ryan P. Villena

S.Y 2018-2019
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This humble accomplishment would not have been made possible without the guidance

of the Almighty Father, the source of all wisdom, and the contribution of the following

persons who shared their time, talents and expertise in the preparation of this research.

Mark Ryan P. Villena, the research teacher, for sharing his expertise and time in

teaching the steps in making Scientific Paper and in guiding the research in accomplishing

the study.

The researcher’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymundo S. Gamotin and Mr. and Mrs.

Carmelito Pornia, for supporting the materials needed in this study and for giving their

encouragement to make this paper completed.

-Raymund and Jay mark

 ABSTRACT

This study focused about Identifying the pH Level of Drinking Water using the pH
Tester. The different kinds of drinking water are Nature Spring, Le Minerale, Wilkins, Absolute,
and Tap water.
Direct observations and taking down notes were used to record the information needed in
this study. A descriptive type of research was employed.
The objectives of this research is to determine the pH level of the drinking water stated
above, identify the pH level of water which is safe to drink, be informed with the diseases
acquired if the pH level is acidic and give the importance of identifying the pH level of drinking
water.
The findings of this study reveal that Le Minerale and Tap water are basic while Wilkins,
Absolute, and Nature Spring are acidic.
Based on the results, Le Minerale and Tap water have pH greater than 7, water with a pH
lower than 7 could cause diseases, and Wilkins, Absolute, and Nature Spring have pH lower than
7.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE……………………………………………………………………………… i

ACKOWLEDGEMENT…………………………………………………………………… ii

ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………………... iii

TABLE OF

CONTENTS……………………………………………………………………………….. iv

LIST OF

FIGURES………………………………………………………………………………….. vi

CHAPTER
I INTRODUCTION AND ITS
BACKGROUND…………………………………………………………………………. 1

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………... 1

Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………….. 2

Significance of the Study……………………………………………………………………. 2

Scope and Limitation of the Study………………………………………………………….. 3

Definition of

Terms………………………………………………………………………………………... 3
II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED
STUDIES……………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Related
Literature…………………………………………………………………………………… 5
III RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY……………………………………………………………………….. 9
Procedure…………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

IV RESULTS AND

DISCUSSIONS…………………………………………………………………………… 11

The pH of the drinking Water………………………………………………………………. 11

The best pH of drinking Water……………………………………………………………. 12

The diseases we can get if the pH level is Acidic…………………………………………. 12

The importance of pH in drinking Water…………………………………………………... 13

The causes pH to Decrease…………………………………………………………………. 13

V SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………………………………… 15

Summary of Findings……………………………………………………………………….. 15

Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………………. 15

Recommendations…………………………………………………………………………... 16

BIBLIOGRAPHY.................................................................................................................. 17

APPENDICES………………………………………………………………………………. 20

PERSONAL DATA…………………………………………………………………………..24
 CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Water is a colorless and tasteless that can be found anywhere. There are many uses of

water including cooking, bathing and watering plants. It can also be used in agricultural

purposes, industrial purposes, and many more.

Based on the study of Oram, B, water with a pH <6.5 could be acidic, soft, and corrosive.

Acidic water could contain metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper, lead and zinc. In other

words, acidic water contains elevated levels of toxic metals. Acidic water can cause premature

damage to metal piping and have associated aesthetic problems such as metallic or sour taste. It

can also stain laundry and cause blue- green color staining on sinks and drains. More

importantly, there are health risks associated with these toxins.

According to Wilkes University study, the association of pH with atmospheric gasses and

temperature is the primary reason why the water samples should be tested on a regular basis. The

study says that the pH value of the water is not measured of the strength of the acidic or basic

solution, and alone cannot provide a full picture of the characteristics or limitations with the

water supply.

Hypothesis:

Ho1: Commercialized drinking water available in Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur can harm
consumers.
Ho2: Commercialized drinking water available in Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur cannot
harm consumers.
 2
Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to examine the pH level of drinking water. Specifically, this study

endeavored to answer the following questions:

1. What are the pH of the ff. drinking water:

1.1 Nature Spring

1.2 Le Minerale

1.3 Wilkins

1.4 Absolute

1.5 Tap Water?

2. What pH Level is the best for drinking water?

3.What kind of diseases can people get if the pH level is acidic?

4. Why is pH important in drinking water?

5. What causes pH level to decrease?

Significance of the Study

This study is found significant in view of its potential to answer questions on pH levels of

drinking water. It is also projected that this study shall benefit the following individuals and

groups that are seen as the direct beneficiaries of the results of this experiment.
Students. Students shall benefit from this research in the form of identifying the pH level of

drinking water.

Teachers. These individuals shall also benefit from this experiment in terms of encouraging

students to consume drinking water with higher pH.

Parents. This group shall also benefit from this study in terms of choosing the drinking water

when pH that is good for the health of the family members.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focused in identifying the pH of drinking water using the pH Tester in

Leonardo National High School in Leonardo, Josefina, Zamboanga Del Sur. The drinking water

that are being used in this study are Nature Spring, Le Minerale, Wilkins, Absolute, and Tap

water.

Definition of Terms

In order to better understand the context of the use of the terms in this study, their
conceptual and operational definitions are given in this section.
Acidosis- an excessively acid condition of the body fluids or tissues. (Winchester, K, 2018)
Alkalinity- is the capacity of water to resist changes in pH that would make the water more

solution composed of weak acids and their conjugate bases. (Winchester, K, 2018)

Alkalosis- an excessively alkaline condition of the body fluids or tissues that may cause

weakness or cramps. (Winchester, K, 2018)

Corrosive- is one that will damage or destroy other substances with which it comes into contact

by means of a chemical reaction. (CCOHS, February 10, 2019)

Equilibrium- a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced. (Chemicool, 2017)

Metal ions- is a cation dissolved in water, of chemical formula [Mn]z+. The solvation number, n,

determined by a variety of experimental methods is 4 for Li+ and Be2+ and 6 for elements in

periods 3 and 4 of the periodic table. Lanthanide and actinide aqua ions have a solvation number

of 8 or 9. (Lung J., 2019)

pH- is a logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. It is

approximately the negative of the base 10 logarithm of the molar concentration, measured in

units of moles per liter, of hydrogen ions. (Kennedy, G., 2019)

pH meter- is a scientific instrument that measures the hydrogen-ion activity in water-based

solutions, indicating its acidity or alkalinity expressed as pH. The difference in electrical

potential relates to the acidity or pH of the solution. (Haber, F., 2017)

pH strips- are pieces of paper that change color depending on the pH- the acidity or alkalinity- of

a liquid. pH strips are a cheap and relatively accurate way of measuring the pH of any liquid, in

our case urine. Most common pH strips are designed to test urine, water, and saliva. (Kollias, H.,

2018)
Toxic metals- are individual metals and metal compounds that negatively affect people’s health.

Some toxic, semi- metallic elements, including arsenic and selenium, are discussed in this page.

In very small amounts, many of these metals are necessary to support life. (OSHA, 2017)

5
CHAPTER 2
Review of Related Literature and Studies
The pH of Water
In general, a water with a low pH (< 6.5) could be acidic, soft, and corrosive. Therefore,

the water could leach metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper, lead, and zinc from the

aquifer, plumbing fixtures, and piping. Therefore, a water with a low pH could contain elevated

levels of toxic metals, cause premature damage to metal piping, and have associated aesthetic

problems such as a metallic or sour taste, staining of laundry, and the characteristics blue-green

staining of sinks and drains. The primary way to treat the problem of low pH water is with the

use of a neutralizer. The neutralizer feeds a solution into the water to prevent the water from

reacting with the house plumbing or contributing to electrolytic corrosion; a typical neutralizing

chemical is soda ash increases the sodium content of the water. (Oram, B., 2018)

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. Because of this, some

advocates of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body. Normal drinking

water normally has a neutral of 7. Alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9. A more recent
study that included 100 people found a significant difference in whole blood viscosity after

consuming a pH water compared to regular water after a strenuous workout. Viscosity is the

direct measurement of how blood flows through the vessels. Those who consumed high pH

water reduced viscosity by 6.3 percent compared to 3.36 percent with standard purified drinking

water. This means blood flowed more efficiently with alkaline water. This can increase oxygen

delivery throughout the body. (Olsen, N., July 13, 2017)

Water Quality Index of Water

Drinking water at sample sites was slightly alkaline (pH 7.4=+- 0.4) but within

acceptable limits. Manganese concentrations varied from 0.1 to 5.5 mg/L with a median value of

0.2 mg/L.

the median iron concentrations in water exceeded WHO standards (0.3mg/L) at most of the

sample of Bangladesh standards (1.0mg/L) t a few sample sites. Salinity was relatively higher in

coastal districts. After laboratory confirmation, arsenic concentrations were found higher in

Shibchar (Madaripur) and Alfadanga (Faridfur) compared to other sample sites exceeding WHO

standard ( 0.01mg/L. Of the total sampling sites, 33 % had good quality water for drinking based

on the Water Quality Index(WQI). However, the majority of the households (67%) used poor

quality drinking water. (Akter, T., 2016)

The Longevity of Water

Alkaline water, often referred to as alkaline ionized water (AKW), is commercially

available and is mainly proposed for electrolyte supplementation during intensive perspiration.

Early studies on animal models reported that alkaline water supplementation may exert positive
effects on body weight improvement and development in offspring [1,2]. Even biochemical

markers were analyzed, suggesting that alkaline ionized water intake can cause elevation of

metabolic activity. In particular, hyperkaliema was observed in 15 week old rats and

pathological. (Magro, M., 2018)

pH of Water from Any Sources

Bottled drinking water had pH between 6.9 and 7.5 while the sparkling type had pH

between 4.9 and 5.5. Water derived from home water filters had an approximate pH of 7.5 as

same as tap water. Swimming pool water had pH between 7.2 and 7.5 while seawater had a pH

of 8. Normal saline and distilled water had a pH of 5.4 and 5.7, respectively. Facial mineral

water had pH between 7.5 and 8, while facial removing water had an acidic pH. (Kulthanan, K.,

2014)

Range of pH

In general, water with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic, and with a pH greater than

7 is considered basic. The normal range for pH in surface water systems is 6.5 to 8.5, and the pH

range for groundwater systems is between 6 to 8.5. (The Daily Star, 2018)

Pure Water pH

The pH of pure water (H2O) is 7 at 25oC, but when exposed to the carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere this equilibrium results in a pH with atmospheric gasses and temperature, it is

strongly recommended that the water be tested as soon as possible. The pH of the water is not a

measure of the strength of the acidic or basic solution and alone does not provide a full picture of

the characteristics or limitations with the water supply. (Wells, D., June 18, 2018)

pH Level

The pH level of water measures how acidic it is (pH stands for potential hydrogen is

mixed with the water.) 7 is a balanced pH for water. Anything below 7 indicates the water is

acidic and if it’s above 7 it is alkaline. (ESKA, 2017)

Acidity of Water

pH levels can fluctuate daily due to photosynthesis and respiration in the water. The degree of

change depends on the alkalinity of the water. Carbon dioxide is the most common cause of

acidity in water. This increases H2CO3, which decreases pH. (Fondriest, H., 2013)

Acidity of Water

Excessively high and low pH can be detrimental for the use of water. High ph causes a

bitter taste, water pipes and water-using appliances become encrusted with deposits, and it

depresses the effectiveness of the disinfection of chlorine when ph is high. Low-ph water will

corrode or dissolve metals and other substances. (USGS,2018)

Benefits of Drinking Water

The common benefit between mineral water and tap water are weight- loss, stronger

bones, It helps your blood pressure, It reduces the risk of heart disease, better metabolism, and
stronger muscles. The harmful effects of drinking water are heart disease, water intoxication or

hyponatremia, and more.(Kumar, M, January 12, 2018)

9
CHAPTER 3
Research Methodology

This section presents the procedures in identifying the pH of drinking water.

Materials Needed:
Drinking water
pH tester
Transparent cup
Procedure:

1. Prepare the materials 2. Put any drinking water in

needed. the cup.

4. Check the pH level in the 3. Start getting the pH level

pH tester. of drinking water.
 5. Start record all of the pH
level of drinking water.

Figure 1. The steps in identifying the pH level of the select drinking water.

10

The study used the descriptive research with the experiment using the different kinds of

drinking water in gathering data on the pH level of drinking water and a water tester. The

different water studied are Nature Spring, Le Minerale, Wilkins, Absolute, and Tap water. First,

the

researchers prepare the materials needed. Then, the researchers put any drinking water in the

cup. Then, the researchers start to get the pH level of drinking water. Then, the researchers check

the pH level of drinking water. Lastly, the researchers start record all of the pH level of drinking

water.

Research Locale

This study is conducted in Science Lab in Leonardo National High School in Josefina,

Zamboanga del Sur. This study was conducted between August and November 2018. Five
chosen commercialized drinking water like Nature Spring, Le Minerale, Wilkins, Absolute, and

Tap water are being tested in this study.

11

CHAPTER 4
Results and Discussions
This section presents the results of the study and its outcome.
Problem 1: What are the pH of the ff. drinking water 1.1 Nature Spring, 1.2 Le
Minerale, 1.3 Wilkins, 1.4 Absolute, 1.5 Tap water?
Fig.2 The pH level of the different water brands
The table shows the pH level of drinking water in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd attempts. It reveals

that Nature Spring has an average pH of 6.6. Le Minerale has an average pH of 7.6. Wilkins has

an average of 6.6. Absolute has an average pH of 6.4. Tap water has an average pH of 7.4.

Nature Spring, Absolute, and Wilkins have a pH less than 7 which are considered acidic and tap

water and Le Minerale have a pH greater than 7 which are considered basic.

The common benefit between mineral water and tap water are weight- loss, stronger

bones, It helps your blood pressure, It reduces the risk of heart disease, better metabolism, and

stronger muscles. The harmful effects of drinking water are heart disease, water intoxication or

hyponatremia, and more.(Kumar, M, January 12, 2018)

12

The average pH level of Nature Spring is 6.6. It simply means that this brand of drinking

water is acidic since it is less than 7. Le Minerale has an average pH of 7.6. It is more than 7, so

this brand is alkaline or basic. Wilkins has an average pH of 6.6. It is also acidic. Absolute has

an average pH of 6.4. Since it is less than 7, this brand is also acidic. Tap water has an average

pH of 7.4 which falls under alkaline or basic.

This implies that Le Minerale and Tap water are safe to drink because their pH is

between 7.2 and 7.8 so they are considered basic.

Problem 2: What pH level is best for drinking water?

Water with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic, and with a pH greater than 7 is

considered basic. The normal range for pH in surface water systems is 6.5 to 8.5, and the pH

range for groundwater systems is between 6 to 8.5. (The Daily Star, 2016).
 The Water that is best for drinking water are Le Minerale and Tap water because they are

basic.

This implies that Le Minerale and Tap water are best for the people. The people should

drink this water because they are basic.

Problem 3: What kind of diseases can people get if the pH is acidic?

If the lungs or kidneys are malfunctioning, your blood’s pH level is imbalanced.

Disruption in your acid-base balance can lead to medical conditions called acidosis and alkalosis.

Both conditions require treatment from a medical professional, not simply dietary changes.

(Wells, D., June 18 2018)

13

When acidosis and alkalosis is caused by a lung disorder or issue with exhalation, its

referred to as respiratory. When acidosis or alkalosis is by a problem with the functioning of the

kidneys, its referred to as metabolic.

This implies that if the pH is acidic, your blood’s pH level is imbalanced and can lead to

medical conditions called acidosis and alkalosis.

Problem 4: Why is pH important in drinking water?

This is important because the human body has a natural ph of 7.4. It needs this level to

run efficiently and always seeks to return to this state, if it becomes overly acidic or alkaline.

Drinking water that has had the minerals removed- and eating acidic foods can temporarily take

the body out of balance.

 Drinking more alkaline water can help the body restore this balance. In addition, drinking

more alkaline water will have your dentist smiling because acidity from beverages is a leading

cause of tooth decay. ( ESKA Inc., 2018)

This implies that pH is important because if there is no pH, we cannot identify the pH

level of drinking water, blood,saliva, and more. Also, it helps other people to identify whether its

acidic or basic.

Problem 5: What causes pH to decrease?

pH levels can fluctuate daily due to photosynthesis and respiration in the water. The

degree of change depends on the alkalinity of the water. Carbon dioxide is the most common

cause of acidity in water. This increase H2CO3, which decreases pH.

14

There are many factors that can affect pH in water, both natural and man-made. Most

natural changes occur due to interactions with surrounding rock(particularly carbonate forms)

and other materials. pH can also fluctuate with precipitation(especially acid rain) and wastewater

or mining discharges. In addition, CO2 concentrations can influence pH levels. (Fondriest, G.,

2014)

This implies that the cause of decreasing of pH level in drinking water is carbon dioxide.

It also occurs due to the interactions with surrounding rock(particularly carbonate forms) and

other materials.
 15

CHAPTER 5
Summary of findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Summary of Findings
The following is the summary of findings on the significant differences of pH of drinking
water in Josefina Zamboanga del Sur.
Nature Spring has an average pH of 6.6. Le Minerale has an average pH of 7.6. Wilkins

has an average of 6.6. Absolute has an average pH of 6.4. Tap water has an average pH of 7.4.

Nature Spring, Absolute, and Wilkins have a pH less than 7 which are considered acidic and tap

water and Le Minerale have a pH greater than 7 which are considered basic.
Conclusions
Therefore, the researchers conclude that:
1. Nature Spring, Wilkins and Absolute having a pH level less than 7.0 are considered acidic.

The pH level of Nature Spring, Wilkins and Absolute in this study or testing is supported by the

study of Pepper (2015) entitled pH Test on Philippine Bottled Water Brands that these three

brands of water turned yellow when tested. In the pH scale, when the water turns yellow, it has

a pH less than 7 which is acidic.

2. Tap water and Le Minerale having a pH level more than 7.0 are considered alkaline or basic.

Tap water having a pH more than 7 is considered alkaline or basic. This conforms to the study

of Watkins (2017) that the tap water appeared alkaline or basic having a pH level of 8.0. From

this source, it has been explained that tap water is basic because it contains dissolved mineral

salts

16

most likely calcium and magnesium carbonates and bicarbonates. The anions of these salts are

slightly basic, consuming H+ ions and thereby raising the pH.

3. Water with a pH lower than 7 can cause diseases. This conforms to the study of Diana Wells

(June 18, 2018) that pH lower than 7 can cause diseases called acidosis and alkalosis. Acidic

water has negative effects to our body. According to Cirino (2018), water with a pH of less than

6.5 is more likely to be contaminated with pollutants, making it unsafe to drink. It can also

corrode metal pipes. Moreover, in her article entitled, “What is the Ideal pH for Drinking

Water”, Watkins (2017) states that acidic water can be dangerous to our body because it is
corrosive and filled with toxic metals. Based on the study of Di Lonardo (2018), that drinking

too much water will cause hyponatremia or water intoxication. In his article entitled, “Can You

Drink Too Much Water” (2006) that drinking an extreme amount in a short time can be

dangerous.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations were formulated by the researchers:

1. People should drink Le Minerale and Tap water because they are neutral in pH scale

2. People should minimize the consumption of drinking water having a pH level lower

than 7 like Absolute, Wilkins, and Nature Spring.

3. People should not drink unfiltered water.

4.To ensure the safety of the drinking water, people should use pH tester before

consuming it.

5.To avoid alkalosis and acidosis, people should consider this research.

17

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Internet sources

Oram, B. (2018). The pH of water. Dallas, Texas.

B.F environmental consultants.Retrieved from http://www. water- research. Net/index.

Olsen, N. (July 13, 2017). Alkaline water: Benefits and Risks.

California. Healthline Media.Retrieved from http://www. healthline. com/health/food-

nutrition)
Akter, T. (2016).

Water quality index for measuring drinking water quality in rural Bangladesh.

Bangladesh. Culligan Nation. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. gov)

Magro, M. (2018). Alkaline water and longevity. Washington. USGS.

Retrieved from http://www. hindawi.com)

Kuthanan, K. (2014) The pH of water from various sources.

New York. APEC water systems. Retrieved from http//www.researchgate.net)

Wells, D. (June 18, 2018)

pH Imbalance: How Your Body Maintains Acid-Based Balance.

Chicago. Healthline Media. Retrived from http://www. healthline. com > health > ph…

18

ESKA (2018) The importance of pH.

Denver, Colorado. ESKA Inc.

Retrieved from http://www. eskawater. Com

(Fondriest, H. (2013) pH of water – Environmental Measurement Systems.

Germany. Jacuzzi Blog. Retrieved from http://www. fondriest. Com > water-quality

(Kumar, M. (January 12,2018) 14 Overlooked Benefits of Drinking Water.

 Brazil. Pixel Union INC. Retrieved from http://www.elementalbottles.com

(OSHA (2017) Safety and Health Topics of Toxic Metals. Washington, DC. US Trade News.

Retrived from http://www. osha.gov.metalsheavy

(Kollias, H. (2018) How Do pH Strips Work? Canada. Precession Nutrition.

Retrieved from http://www.precessionnutrition. Com

(Haber, F. (2017) PH Meter. France. Britannica Inc.

Retrieved from http://www. Britannica.com

(Kennedy, G. (2019) What is a PH Scale? Mexico. WebFinance Inc.

Retrieved from http://www. businessdictionary. Com

(Lung, J. (2019) What is a Metal Ion? Germany. Corrosionpedia Inc.

19

Retrieved from http://www. corrosionpedia.com

(Chemicool (2017) Definition of Equilibrium. Australia. Chemistry Inc.

Retrieved from http://www. chemicool.com

(CCOHS (February 10, 2019) Corrosive Material Hazards. Canada. MSDS Inc.

Retrieved from http://www. cchos.ca

(Winchester, K. (2018) What is Alkalosis? USA. AACC Lab Test Online.

Retrieved from http://www. labtestonline.org

(APEC Water Systems (2018) Water Quality Information. USA. RO Technical News.

Retrieved from http://www. freedrinkingwater.com

(Winchester, K. (2018) What is Acidosis? USA. AACC Lab Test Online.

Retrieved from http://www. labtestonline.org

20

APPENDICES
 Testing the pH level of drinking water

pH level by strips pH level by solution

21

pH Tester transparent cup

 pH strips Absolute

22

Nature spring Wilkins

Le minerale

Tap water

23
 The graphs used in the result

24

PERSONAL BACKGROUND
I. Personal Information
Name: RAYMUND STEVE H. GAMOTIN
Nickname: Mots
Age: 14
Address: Mansanas, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: October 16, 2004
Place of Birth: Mansanas, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur
Religion: Seventh Day Adventist
Parents: Raymundo S. Gamotin
Evelyn H. Gamotin

II. Education
Elementary: Bag-ong Argao Elem. School

I. Personal Information
Name: JAY MARK T. PORNIA
Nickname: MAC- MAC
Age: 14
Address: Gumahan, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur
Sex: Male

Date of Birth: February 25, 2004

Place of Birth: Gumahan, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur
Religion: Roman Catholic
Parents: Carmelito T. Pornia
Mary Jane T. Pornia
II. Education

Elementary: Josefina Central School