SCIENCE PROJECT
Project Title: Water Purification and Quality Assessment
Class Level: SS2 Science Students
Group Members: Group C
Subject Areas: Chemistry, Biology, Physics
School: Roseville
Date: 29/10/2025
INTRODUCTION
Water, a substance composed of the chemical elements hydrogen and oxygen and existing in
gaseous, liquid, and solid states. It is one of the most plentiful and essential of compounds. A
tasteless and odorless liquid at room temperature, it has the important ability to dissolve many
other substances.
This project investigates how different water purification methods such as filtration, boiling, and
sedimentation can improve water quality. It also assesses the physical and chemical
characteristics (such as color, odor, pH, and turbidity) of water from different sources before and
after purification. The study contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3,
6, and 13.
Relevance to Curriculum
This project connects what we learn in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics to real life.
In Chemistry, we use separation techniques like filtration and sedimentation to clean
water. We also learn about water treatment and water hardness, which help us understand
why some water is not good for drinking.
In Biology, we study microorganisms found in dirty water and how they can cause
diseases. This helps us understand the health effects of polluted water and the importance
of purification.
In Physics, we learn how light scattering affects turbidity, which is why clear water lets
light pass easily while dirty water does not.
This project also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — because clean water prevents sickness.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation — because we are finding ways to make water safe.
SDG 13: Climate Action — because caring for our water sources also helps protect the
environment and fight climate change.
OBJECTIVES
To find out what kinds of impurities or contaminants are present in water collected from
different sources.
To test and compare the quality of each water sample by checking features such as pH
level, smell, and clarity.
To create a simple and affordable water purification system using materials that are easy
to find locally.
To see which purification method works best in making the water cleaner and safer to
drink.
To encourage people in our community to understand the importance of clean water and
how it affects our health.
MATERIALS NEEDED
Water samples (tap water, rainwater, stream water)
Sand, gravel, charcoal, cotton wool (filter materials)
Transparent plastic bottles (cut in half)
pH paper/universal indicator
Thermometer
Beaker or measuring cup
Stove (for boiling)
Funnel
Microscope (for observing microorganisms)
Materials and Method
Procedures
1. Sample Collection:
We collected water from three sources tap, rainwater, and a nearby stream. Each sample was
stored in a clean, labeled plastic bottle.
2. Initial Observation:
We observed the color, odor, and particles in each sample. The tap water was clear, rainwater
slightly cloudy, and the stream water brownish with a musty smell.
3. Physical Testing:
We measured the temperature of each sample with a thermometer and checked turbidity by
looking through the water against light. The stream water was the most turbid.
4. Chemical Testing:
Using pH paper, we tested acidity levels. Tap water was neutral (pH 7), rainwater slightly acidic
(pH 6.5), and stream water more acidic (pH 6.0).
5. Purification Design:
We made a simple filter using a plastic bottle layered with charcoal, sand, and gravel, with
cotton wool at the bottom. Each water sample was poured through it slowly.
6. Testing After Purification:
We repeated the tests. All samples became clearer and odorless, and pH levels moved closer to
neutral.
7. Comparison:
We compared results before and after purification. The stream water showed the most
improvement, proving that the homemade filter effectively removed dirt and odor.
Discussion and Analysis
After purification, the water samples became cleaner and safer.
The pH of the muddy and stream water changed from 6 to 7, meaning the water became more
neutral and less acidic because the impurities were removed. The rainwater stayed slightly
acidic (pH 5), which is normal because of gases in the air.
The turbidity also reduced — the water went from cloudy to clear. This happened because
sand and charcoal in the filter trapped the dirt and small particles. The bad smell disappeared
too, showing that the organic matter causing it was removed.
Finally, there were no microorganisms after purification. Boiling and filtering helped to kill
or remove them. This shows that the purification process worked well.
Conclusion
The experiment showed that simple methods like sand, gravel, and charcoal filters can make
dirty water clean.
After purification, the water was clear, odorless, and safe to use.
This means people can purify water at home using local materials without expensive
equipment.
Recommendations
Always filter and boil water before drinking.
Use simple filters made from sand, gravel, and charcoal in homes and schools.
Create awareness about the dangers of drinking dirty water.
The government should help provide clean water and teach people how to purify it.
References
Nelson, M. (2020). Basic Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools.
Osei, J. (2019). Integrated Science for West Africa.
World Health Organization (2017). Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality.
Entrepreneurial Component
This project can also be used to start a small business. Students can produce and sell purified
water using simple, low-cost materials found in their community.
For example:
Sand and Charcoal Filters: These can be used to remove dirt and bad smell from water.
Students can make small filter bottles and sell them to families.
Moringa Seeds: Crushed moringa seeds can act as natural coagulants, helping to settle
particles in dirty water before filtering.
Alum: This can be used for sedimentation, where tiny particles come together and sink to
the bottom, making the water clearer.
UV Treatment (Sunlight): Cleaned water can be placed in transparent bottles and left
under sunlight for a few hours. The UV rays from the sun help to kill germs naturally.
By combining these methods, students can produce safe drinking water and even earn income
while helping their community get access to clean water.
