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Turbidity

The document outlines an experiment to measure water turbidity using the Nephelometric method, detailing the aim, methodology, apparatus, reagents, and procedure involved. The results indicate a turbidity of 627 NTU in an unknown sample, significantly exceeding safe drinking water limits, highlighting potential health risks and the need for further treatment. It also discusses the environmental significance of turbidity in water quality assessment and its impact on ecosystems and public health.

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Vpsm Singh
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3 views

Turbidity

The document outlines an experiment to measure water turbidity using the Nephelometric method, detailing the aim, methodology, apparatus, reagents, and procedure involved. The results indicate a turbidity of 627 NTU in an unknown sample, significantly exceeding safe drinking water limits, highlighting potential health risks and the need for further treatment. It also discusses the environmental significance of turbidity in water quality assessment and its impact on ecosystems and public health.

Uploaded by

Vpsm Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Experiment 12

Turbidity
Aim
To determine the turbidity of the water samples by Nephelometric method as per standard
methods 2130. B APHA (2017).

Methodology
1. Principle
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity, which is affected by suspended and colloidal particles such
as silt, clay, organic and inorganic matter, and microorganisms. The Nephelometric method
measures turbidity based on the scattering of light at a 90° angle to the incident light beam. The
intensity of scattered light is compared to a standard Formazin suspension, and the turbidity is
expressed in

Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).

2. Apparatus used
• Turbidimeter (Nephelometer)
• Sample tubes/cuvettes

3. Reagents used
Stock Formazin Suspension (4000 NTU):
• Solution I: 1 g Hydrazine sulfate (𝑁𝐻2 )2 . 𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4 dissolved in 100 mL distilled water.
• Solution II: 10 g Hexamethylenetetramine (𝐶𝐻2 )6 𝑁4 dissolved in 100 mL distilled water.
• Preparation: Mix 5 mL of Solution I and 5 mL of Solution II. Let it stand for 24 hours at 25
±3∘ 𝐶 to obtain a 4000 NTU suspension.
• Dilution: Prepare required turbidity standards by diluting the stock suspension with turbidity-
free distilled water.

4. Procedure
1. Calibration of the Turbidimeter:
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to calibrate the instrument using standard Formazin
solutions (e.g., 0, 10, 20, 50, 100 NTU).
2. Sample Preparation and Measurement:
• Shake the water sample well to ensure uniform distribution of suspended particles.
• Pour the sample into a clean, dry sample cell and insert it into the turbidimeter.
• Record the turbidity value in NTU displayed on the instrument screen.
3. Repeat the procedure for different water samples and tabulate the results.

Observation Table
Sample Turbidity (NTU)

Tap water 0.71

Unknown Sample 627

Calculations
Since turbidity is measured directly by the turbidimeter in NTU, no further calculations are
required. However, calibration curves using Formazin standards can be plotted for verification.

Results and Discussion


The measured turbidity of the given water sample is 627 NTU, which is significantly higher
than the permissible limits for drinking water as per WHO and BIS standards (generally less
than 1 NTU for potable water and up to 5 NTU in extreme cases). This indicates a high level
of suspended and colloidal particles, which could be due to the presence of clay, silt, organic
and inorganic matter, and microorganisms.
Comparing with known values:
• Drinking water: <1 NTU (WHO, BIS)
• Surface water: Typically ranges between 1-50 NTU
• Highly polluted water: Can exceed 100 NTU Possible limitations of the experimental
approach include:
• Instrumental errors due to improper calibration.
• Presence of colored substances in the sample, which may affect light scattering.
• Settling of suspended particles during measurement.
The relevance of this experiment lies in its application in water quality assessment. High
turbidity can lead to microbial contamination and reduce the effectiveness of disinfection
processes. Further analysis, including filtration and chemical treatment, is necessary to bring
the turbidity within acceptable limits.

Precautions
• Always calibrate the turbidimeter before use.
• Handle sample tubes carefully to avoid fingerprints or smudges.
• Shake the sample gently to ensure uniformity without introducing air bubbles.
• Use fresh Formazin standards for calibration.
• Keep the instrument clean and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Environmental Significance
• Drinking Water Safety: High turbidity can shield bacteria and viruses from disinfection,
increasing health risks.
• Ecosystem Impact: High turbidity reduces light penetration in water bodies, affecting aquatic
plants and disrupting ecosystems.
• Industrial & Municipal Wastewater Management: Monitoring turbidity helps assess treatment
efficiency and ensures compliance with environmental discharge regulations.
• Sedimentation and Erosion Control: Increased turbidity in rivers and lakes is often a sign of soil
erosion or industrial pollution.

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