Laboratory Experiment: Removal of Pollutants from Water by Precipitation

Objective: The objective of this experiment is to demonstrate the removal of pollutants

from water using precipitation methods in a laboratory setting. By adding specific
chemicals to contaminated water samples, we aim to precipitate the pollutants, making
the water clearer and safer for consumption.

Materials:

1. Contaminated water samples (prepared by adding pollutants such as dirt, food coloring,
etc., to tap water)
2. Beakers or glass containers
3. Stirring rod or glass rod
4. Filter paper or coffee filter
5. Funnel
6. Balance
7. Distilled water
8. Chemicals:
 Calcium hydroxide (lime)
 Aluminum sulfate (alum)
 Sodium carbonate (soda ash)
 Sodium chloride (table salt)

Procedure:

1. Preparation of Contaminated Water Samples:

 Take three separate beakers or glass containers and fill them with 500 mL of tap
water each.
 Add different pollutants to each container. For example, add dirt to one, food
coloring to another, and any other water-soluble substances you wish to test.
 Stir each mixture thoroughly using a glass rod to ensure uniform distribution of
pollutants. Label each container accordingly.
2. Calcium Hydroxide (lime) Treatment:
 Calculate the amount of calcium hydroxide needed based on a molarity of 0.1 M.
 Determine the volume of calcium hydroxide solution required to treat one
contaminated water sample (e.g., 50 mL).
 Add the calculated amount of calcium hydroxide solution to one of the
contaminated water samples.
 Stir the mixture thoroughly for 5 minutes using a glass rod.
 Observe any changes in the appearance of the water. Note any precipitation that
occurs.
3. Aluminum Sulfate (alum) Treatment:
 Calculate the amount of aluminum sulfate needed based on a molarity of 0.05 M.
  Determine the volume of aluminum sulfate solution required to treat one
contaminated water sample (e.g., 100 mL).
 Add the calculated amount of aluminum sulfate solution to another
contaminated water sample.
 Stir the mixture thoroughly for 5 minutes using a glass rod.
 Observe any changes in the appearance of the water. Note any precipitation that
occurs.
4. Sodium Carbonate (soda ash) Treatment:
 Calculate the amount of sodium carbonate needed based on a molarity of 0.2 M.
 Determine the volume of sodium carbonate solution required to treat one
contaminated water sample (e.g., 75 mL).
 Add the calculated amount of sodium carbonate solution to the third
contaminated water sample.
 Stir the mixture thoroughly for 5 minutes using a glass rod.
 Observe any changes in the appearance of the water. Note any precipitation that
occurs.
5. Filtration:
 After allowing the mixtures to settle for 10 minutes, carefully pour each treated
water sample through a funnel lined with filter paper into separate clean
containers.
 Observe and compare the clarity of the filtered water from each sample.
6. Quantity Calculations:
 Calculate the amount of each chemical used in moles, mass, and volume for each
treatment.
 Record the calculations and observations in the worksheet provided.

Worksheet:

Part 1: Observation

1. Calcium Hydroxide Treatment:

 Appearance before treatment:
 Appearance after treatment:
 Presence of precipitation: Yes/No
2. Aluminum Sulfate Treatment:
 Appearance before treatment:
 Appearance after treatment:
 Presence of precipitation: Yes/No
3. Sodium Carbonate Treatment:
 Appearance before treatment:
 Appearance after treatment:
 Presence of precipitation: Yes/No

Part 2: Conversion of Molarity, Moles, and Mass

1. Calcium Hydroxide Treatment:
 Molarity of calcium hydroxide solution: ______ M
 Volume of solution used: ______ L
 Moles of calcium hydroxide used: ______ mol
 Mass of calcium hydroxide used: ______ g
2. Aluminum Sulfate Treatment:
 Molarity of aluminum sulfate solution: ______ M
 Volume of solution used: ______ L
 Moles of aluminum sulfate used: ______ mol
 Mass of aluminum sulfate used: ______ g
3. Sodium Carbonate Treatment:
 Molarity of sodium carbonate solution: ______ M
 Volume of solution used: ______ L
 Moles of sodium carbonate used: ______ mol
 Mass of sodium carbonate used: ______ g

Part 3: Writing Equations

1. Calcium Hydroxide Treatment:

 Molecular Equation:
 Total Ionic Equation:
 Net Ionic Equation:
2. Aluminum Sulfate Treatment:
 Molecular Equation:
 Total Ionic Equation:
 Net Ionic Equation:
3. Sodium Carbonate Treatment:
 Molecular Equation:
 Total Ionic Equation:
 Net Ionic Equation:

1. Preparation of Materials:
 Ensure all materials and chemicals are available and in proper working condition.
 Prepare the contaminated water samples accurately by adding pollutants to tap
water. The choice of pollutants should be representative of real-world scenarios
and should be carefully measured to achieve consistent results.
2. Safety Precautions:
 Prioritize safety by providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
such as gloves and safety goggles.
 Ensure the laboratory space is well-ventilated to minimize exposure to chemicals.
3. Calibration of Equipment:
 Calibrate the balance to ensure accurate measurements of chemical quantities.
4. Calculation of Chemical Quantities:
 Calculate the amount of each chemical needed based on the desired molarity
and volume of solution required to treat one contaminated water sample.
 Double-check all calculations to avoid errors in chemical preparation.
5. Proper Mixing:
 Use glass rods or stirring rods to thoroughly mix the chemicals with the
contaminated water samples.
 Ensure uniform distribution of pollutants and chemicals throughout the solution
by stirring for the specified duration.
6. Observation:
 Carefully observe the appearance of the water samples before and after
treatment. Note any changes in color, clarity, or the presence of precipitates.
 Document observations accurately to facilitate data analysis and comparison.
7. Filtration:
 Allow sufficient time for the mixtures to settle after treatment to ensure complete
precipitation of pollutants.
 Use filter paper or coffee filters in a funnel to separate the treated water from any
precipitates.
 Handle the filtration process carefully to avoid contamination or loss of samples.
8. Quantity Calculations:
 Calculate the amount of each chemical used in moles, mass, and volume for each
treatment. Double-check calculations for accuracy.
 Record all calculations and observations systematically to maintain a clear record
of the experiment's outcomes.
9. Writing Equations:
 Write balanced chemical equations for each treatment, including

1. Dirt or Suspended Solids: Adding dirt or suspended solids to the tap water simulates
common pollutants found in natural water sources, such as rivers or lakes. These
particles can affect water clarity and quality.
2. Food Coloring or Organic Dyes: Food coloring or organic dyes represent organic
pollutants that can contaminate water sources through industrial or agricultural
activities. These pollutants can affect water aesthetics and may have harmful effects on
aquatic ecosystems.
3. Heavy Metals: Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and copper are common pollutants
in water sources due to industrial activities, mining, and improper disposal of electronic
waste. These metals can pose significant health risks to humans and wildlife even at low
concentrations.
4. Chlorides: Chlorides represent inorganic pollutants commonly found in water due to
the use of road salts, sewage discharge, and industrial processes. High chloride levels
can impact aquatic life and groundwater quality.