ABSTRACT

Basic water properties 2 experiment is conducted to

determine dissolved chemical that contain in water such as chlorine ,
sulfate, chromium, iron, and phosphorus. A sample of Tasik Seksyen
7, Shah Alam is taken to be tested. The objective of this experiment
is to determine whether it reach the range of the dissolved heavy
metals (chlorine, sulfate, chromium, iron, and phosphorus) in water
when a certain volume is taken to be experimented. From the results
obtained, the quality and safety of the water can also be determined.
Chlorine, sulfate, phosphorus, iron and chromium which exist in the
sample of water are the pollutants that to be determined by using the
Portable Spectrophotometer DR 2400. It is also be used to measure
the wavelength and the mass of the pollutants, according to the
density shown by the apparatus. The concentrations of the heavy
metals in the water sample are as follows; chlorine total (0.36 mg/L),
chlorine free (0.10 mg/L), sulfate (25.0 mg/L), phosphorus reactive
(0.43 mg/L), iron (0.96 mg/L), and chromium hexavalent (0.00 mg/L).
The experiment is completed and conducted successfully.

INTRODUCTION

In 2006, a total of 1,064 water quality monitoring stations

located within 146 river basins were monitored. Out of these 1,064
monitoring stations, 619 (58%) were found to be clean, 359 (34%)
slightly polluted and 86 (8%) polluted. Stations located upstream
were generally clean, while those downstream were either slightly
polluted or polluted. In terms of river basin water quality, 80 river
basins (55%) were clean, 59 (40%) slightly polluted and 7 (5%) were
polluted.

The major pollutants were Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD),

Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH3-N) and Suspended Solids (SS). In 2006,
22 river basins were categorized as being polluted by BOD, 41 river
basins by NH3-N and 42 river basins by SS. High BOD was
contributed largely by untreated or partially treated sewage and
discharges from agro-based and manufacturing industries. The main
sources of NH3-N were domestic sewage and livestock farming,
whilst the sources for SS were mostly earthworks and land clearing
activities.

Analysis of heavy metals in 5,613 water samples revealed that

almost all samples complied with Class III, National Water Quality
Standards for arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium
(Cr), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn), except iron (Fe) with 83 percent
compliance.
(source:http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/state/malaysia/river.htm)

The statements above shows the reality of today’s water

quality, where most of it is contaminated by heavy metals, such as
lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), and chlorine (Cl). The
exposure and existence of these heavy metals are apparently one of
the main threats to human’s health. These metals have been studied
extensively and their circumstances on human health regularly
reviewed by international parties such as the World Health
Organization (WHO).
 For thousands of years have heavy metals been used by
humans, and although several adverse health effect upon exposure
of these hazardous metals are being informed to public awareness,
the harmful situations are nevertheless still going on, particularly in
many not-so-developed countries.

The perspective of people regarding the heavy metals pollution

is that it is associated only in areas where great deals of industries
are operating. On the contrary, roadways and automobiles are now
considered as large possible sources for such hazardous heavy
metals. Zinc, copper and lead are the most common heavy metals
which by chance are released from road travels, which accounts for
at least 90 percents of the total metals in road runoff.

On the road surface, most heavy metals become bound to the

surfaces of road dust or other particulates. During precipitation, the
bound metals will either become soluble (dissolved) or be swept off
the roadway with the dust. In either case, the metals enter the soil
or are channelled into a storm drain. Whether in the soil or aquatic
environment, metals can be transported by several processes. These
processes are governed by the chemical nature of metals, soil and
sediment particles, and the pH of the surrounding environment.
(source:http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/newsletter/heavymetal.
htm)

As a matter of fact, heavy metals can be very harmful to one’s

health if a drinking water containing such deadly metals is
consumed. The adverse circumstances include disturbance in growth
and development, triggering cancer, organ damage, nervous system
damage, and in extreme cases, causing fatal.

Research shows that youngsters are more susceptible to be

affected to the toxicity of the heavy metals, as the rapidly developing
body systems in foetus, infants and young children are far more
sensitive than the adults. The effects include learning difficulties,
memory impairment, damage to the nervous system, and behavioural
problems such as hyperactivity and aggressiveness. Irreversible
brain damage results from overdose of the metals.

Humans are therefore needed to be highly aware with the

harmful effects the water containing heavy metals could bring to
one’s health. Heavy metal pollution is a quickly growing problem for
our oceans, lakes, and rivers. Right now it may not be the biggest
pollution problem, but just waiting for it to go away or to let it solve
itself is not going to help. We need to be aware of the problems
heavy metal creates, so we all, in our own little ways, can contribute
to the solutions. Heavy metal pollution is a threat to human health,
animals, plants, and the planet itself, and is mainly caused by
industrialization and its consequences. While some of the metal
pollutants come from fertilizers and sewage, the biggest source of
heavy metal pollution definitely is industrialization.
 OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this experiment is to determine the

dissolved heavy metals in water sample collected from Tasik
Seksyen 7, Shal Alam which is chlorine total, chlorine free, sulfate,
phosphorus reactive, iron and chromium hexavalent. Besides that,
there are also side objective of this experiment, which is discussing
the effects of presence of heavy metals in water sources.

THEORY

Polluted drinking water can be found anywhere. Even in cities

or countries that claim to have healthy water supplies, there are still
cases regarding polluted water because the local water may contain
unique bacteria that human’s body is not used to. Unsafe drinking
water sources can spread serious diseases, such as potential water-
borne illnesses like Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever, viral gastroenteritis,
cholera, cyclosporiasis and schistosomiasis. Most of these diseases
have different types of systems, but they all result in abdominal
pain, cramping and diarrhoea.

The United States of America are one of the countries that

operates numerous heavy industrial factories and have records of
polluted environment, which explains lots of news and reports stating
that most tap and well water in that country is not safe for drinking
purpose recently. The heavy metals penetrate and pollute our natural
water sources along with toxic bacteria and other chemicals, making
people sick as well as causing long term health consequences such
as liver damage, cancer and other serious health problems. It is
even believed that almost all our sources of water, including
municipal water systems, wells, lakes, rivers, and even glaciers,
contain some level of contamination. Even some brands of bottled
water have been found to be polluted and harmful in addition to
plastic chemical leaching from the bottle.

Chlorine, for examples, is usually added to water to deactivate

and destroy disease-causing microorganisms and is the most widely
used as disinfectant in the United States. It can react with naturally
occurring organic compounds found in water supply, which in turns
produce hazardous compounds, known as disinfection by-products
(DBPs). Trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids are common
DBPs. It is undeniably potentially carcinogenic especially to organs
such as kidney and liver. Due to this, federal regulations in the
United States of America require regular monitoring of the
concentrations of these compounds in the distribution systems of
municipal water systems. Nevertheless, the WHO states that the
risks to health from DBPs are extremely small in comparison with
inadequate disinfection.

The Secondary Drinking Water Regulations recommend a

maximum concentration of 250 mg/L for sulfate ions (SO 42-). Sulfate
is in fact occurs in almost all natural waters. Sulfate is indeed one of
the major dissolved constituents in rainwater. High concentrations of
sulfate in drinking water cause a laxative effect when combined with
magnesium and calcium. Bacteria which in fact attacks and reduces
sulfates, causes the formation of hydrogen sulfide gas (H 2S).
 Phosphorus occurs naturally in rocks and other mineral
deposits. Technically, the rocks release the phosphorus as
phosphate ions which are soluble in water and the mineralize
phosphate compounds breakdown. Phosphates (PO 43-) are formed
from this element. Phosphate occurs in living and decaying plants
and animals as free ions or weakly chemically bounded in aqueous,
to sediments and soils, or as mineralized compounds in soils, rocks
and sediments. The phosphorus is often scarce in the well-
oxygenated waters and low levels of phosphorus results in the
limitation of production of freshwater systems. Phosphates are
generally not toxic to humans or animals unless they are present in
high levels of concentration. Phosphorus pollution accelerates a
process called eutrophication, which is essentially the process of a
lake’s biological death due to depleted bioavailable oxygen. (Source:
http://www.serconline.org/phosphorus/background.html) The build-up
of phosphate in the lake water or any surface water ecosystem leads
to overproduction of lake or water body which results in the
imbalance in the nutrient and material cycling process. There will be
massive production of phytoplankton and therefore cause variety of
problems ranging from anoxic waters to toxic algal blooms as well as
decrease in diversity, food supply and destroying the habitats.
Excessive growth of algal due to phosphorus pollution increase
water treatments costs, degrades fishing and boating activities as
well as impacts tourism and property values.

The maximum contaminant level (MCLs) of iron is 0.3 mg/L.

Iron ingestion is not generally unhealthy and absolutely necessary in
small amounts. However, research has found that exposure to high
levels of iron can lead to heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Iron is
often included in supplements and enriched products. It also
contains in red meat, therefore easily to be consumed.
 Chromium hexavalent refers to chemical compounds that
contain the element chromium in the +6 oxidation state. It is used for
the production of stainless steel, textile dyes, wood preservation,
leather tanning, and as anti-corrosion and conversion coatings as
well as variety of niche used. Hexavalent chromium compounds are
genotoxic carcinogens. Chronic inhalation of the compounds
increases risk of lung cancer. Besides, chromium hexavalent also
causes short term health problems such as skin irritation or
ulceration, whereas the long term effects of exposure include
damage to liver, kidney circulatory and nerve tissues.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Experiment A: Chlorine, Total (0-2.00 mg/L) – Using DPD Method

1. The stored program number for free and total chlorine (Cl 2)
powder pillow is entered. (8 0 ENTER) and display will show: Dial
nm to 530
2. The wavelength dial is rotated until the screen shows the dial
number that equals to the one that recommended. When the
correct dial wavelength is dialled, the display will quickly show:
Zero Sample then: mg/L Cl2.
3. The 10-mL cell riser is inserted into the sample compartment.
4. A 10-mL sample cell is filled with 10-mL of sample.
5. One contents of DPD Total Chlorine Powder Pillow is added to the
sample cell known as prepared sample. The sample then is
 covered with stopper and shaked for 20 seconds. Stopper is then
removed.
6. The SHIFT TIMER button is pressed and a three-minute reaction
period will begin.
7. Another sample cell known as the blank with 10-mL of sample is
filled and then placed into the cell holder. The light shield then is
closed. All these are done just after the timer beeps.
8. Zero button is pressed and the display will show: Zeroing… then:
0.00 mg/L Cl2
9. Within three minutes after timer beeps, the prepared sample is
place into the cell holder then the light shield is closed.
10.Read button is pressed and it will show: Reading… .The result in
mg/L Cl2 will appear and then recorded.

Experiment B: Chlorine, Free (0-2.00 mg/L) – Using DPD Method

1. The stored program number for free and total chlorine (Cl 2)
powder pillow is entered. (8 0 ENTER) and display will show: Dial
nm to 530
2. The wavelength dial is rotated until the screen shows the dial
number that equals to the one that recommended. When the
correct dial wavelength is dialed, the display will quickly show:
Zero Sample then: mg/L Cl2.
3. The 10-mL cell riser is inserted into the sample compartment.
4. A 10-mL sample cell is filled with 10-mL of sample known as the
blank and then it is placed into the cell holder and the light is
closed.
5. Zero button is pressed and the display will show: Zeroing… then:
0.00 mg/L Cl2
6. Another cell is filled with the 10-mL of sample.
7. One contents of DPD Free Chlorine Powder Pillow is added to the
sample cell known as prepared sample. The sample then is
covered with stopper and shake for 20 seconds.
8. Immediately a minute after reagent addition, the stopper is
removed. The prepared sample is place into the cell holder then
the light shield is closed.
9. Read button is pressed and it will show: Reading… .The result in
mg/L Cl2 will appear and then recorded.

Experiment C: Sulfate (0 to 70 mg/L) – Sulfa Ver 4 Method

1. The stored program number for sulfate (SO42-) powder pillow is

entered. (6 8 0 ENTER or 9 ? ? ENTER) and display will show:
Dial nm to 450
2. The wavelength dial is rotated until the screen shows the dial
number that equals to the one that recommended. When the
correct dial wavelength is dialed, the display will quickly show:
Zero Sample then: mg/L SO42-.
3. A 25-mL sample cell is filled with 25-mL of sample.
4. One contents of Sulfa Ver 4 Sulfate Reagent Powder Pillow is
added to the sample cell known as prepared sample. The sample
is swirled to dissolve the mixture. A white turbidity is developed.
5. The SHIFT TIMER button is pressed and a five-minute reaction
period will begin. The cell is allowed to stand undisturbed.
6. Another sample cell known as the blank with 25-mL of sample is
filled and then placed into the cell holder. The light shield then is
closed. All these are done just after the timer beeps.
7. Zero button is pressed and the display will show: Zeroing… then:
0. mg/L SO42-.
8. Within five minutes after timer beeps, the prepared sample is
place into the cell holder then the light shield is closed.
9. Read button is pressed and it will show: Reading… .The result in
mg/L SO42- will appear and then recorded.

Experiment D: Phosphorus, Reactive (0-2.50 mg/L PO43-) – Using

Phos Ver 3 (Ascorbic Acid) Method

1. The stored program number for reactive phosphorus, ascorbic acid

method, powder pillows is entered. (4 9 0 ENTER) and display will
show: Dial nm to 890
2. The wavelength dial is rotated until the screen shows the dial
number that equals to the one that recommended. When the
correct dial wavelength is dialed, the display will quickly show:
Zero Sample then: mg/L PO43- PV
3. The 10-mL cell riser is inserted into the sample compartment.
4. A 10-mL sample cell is filled with 10-mL of sample.
5. One contents of Phos Ver 3 Phosphate Powder Pillow is added to
the sample cell known as prepared sample. And then it is swirled
immediately to mix.
6. The SHIFT TIMER button is pressed and a two-minute reaction
period will begin.
7. Another sample cell known as the blank with 10-mL of sample is
filled and then placed into the cell holder. The light shield then is
closed. All these are done just after the timer beeps.
8. Zero button is pressed and the display will show: Zeroing… then:
0.00 mg/L PO43- PV
9. The prepared sample is place into the cell holder then the light
shield is closed.
10. Read button is pressed and it will show: Reading… .The result
in mg/L PO43- will appear and then recorded the results of forms
P, PO43- and P2O5.

Experiment E: Iron, Total (0-3.00 mg/L) – Using Ferro Ver Method

1. The stored program number for iron (Fe) Ferro Ver powder pillow
is entered. (2 6 5 ENTER) and display will show: Dial nm to 510
2. The wavelength dial is rotated until the screen shows the dial
number that equals to the one that recommended. When the
correct dial wavelength is dialed, the display will quickly show:
Zero Sample then: mg/L Fe FV.
3. The 10-mL cell riser is inserted into the sample compartment.
4. A 10-mL sample cell is filled with 10-mL of sample.
5. One contents of Ferro Ver Iron Reagent Powder Pillow is added to
the sample cell known as prepared sample and then swirled to
mix.
6. The SHIFT TIMER button is pressed and a three-minute reaction
period will begin.
7. When the timer beeps, the display will show: mg/L Fe FV and
another sample cell known as the blank with 10-mL of sample is
filled.
8. Then placed into the cell holder. The light shield then is closed.
9. Zero button is pressed and the display will show: Zeroing… then:
0.00 mg/L Fe FV
10. Within thirty minutes after timer beeps, the prepared sample is
place into the cell holder then the light shield is closed.
11. Read button is pressed and it will show: Reading… .The result
in mg/L iron will appear and then recorded.
Experiment F: Chromium, Hexavalent (0-0.60 mg/L Cr6+) – Using
1,5-Diphenylcarbohydrazide Method

1. The stored program number for chromium hexavalent ( Cr6+) is

entered. (9 0 ENTER) and display will show: Dial nm to 540
2. The wavelength dial is rotated until the screen shows the dial
number that equals to the one that recommended. When the
correct dial wavelength is dialed, the display will quickly show:
Zero Sample then: mg/L Cr6+
3. The 10-mL cell riser is inserted into the sample compartment.
4. A 10-mL sample cell is filled with 10-mL of sample.
5. One contents of Chroma Ver 3 Reagent Powder Pillow is added to
the sample cell known as prepared sample. And then it is swirled
immediately to mix.
6. The SHIFT TIMER button is pressed and a five-minute reaction
period will begin.
7. Another sample cell known as the blank with 10-mL of sample is
filled. When the timer beeps, the display will show: mg/L Cr6+ and
then placed into the cell holder.
8. Zero button is pressed and the display will show: Zeroing… then:
0.00 mg/L Cr6+
9. The prepared sample is place into the cell holder then the light
shield is closed.
10. Read button is pressed and it will show: Reading… .The result
in mg/L Cr6+ will appear and then recorded the results of forms P,
PO43- and P2O5.
 APPARATUS / REAGENTS

Apparatus

 Pour-Thru Cell
 Portable Spectrophotometer DR 2400
 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask
 10-mL and 25-mL cell riser
 Clippers
 25-mL graduated cylinder

Reagents

 Sample water
 DPD Total Chlorine Powder Pillow
 DPD Free Chlorine Powder Pillow
 Sulfa Ver 4 Sulfate Reagent Powder Pillow
 Phos Ver 3 Phosphate Powder Pillow
 Ferro Ver Iron Reagent Powder Pillow
 Chroma Ver 3 Reagent Powder Pillow
 RESULT

Substance Reagent Colour of Range (mg/L) Result (mg/L)

solution
Chlorine, total DPD total
chlorine Colourless 0.02 – 2.00 0.36
powder pillow
Chlorine, free DPD free
chlorine Colourless 0.02 – 2.00 0.10
powder pillow
Sulfate Sulfa ver 4 Slightly cloudy
reagent solution is 2.0 – 70.0 25.0
powder pillow formed
Phosphorus Phos ver 3 Pale blue
reactive phosphate solution is 0.02 – 2.50 0.43
powder pillow formed
Iron Ferro ver Iron Light orange
reagent solution is 0.02 – 3.00 0.96
powder pillow formed
Chromium Chroma ver 3 Colourless 0.01 – 0.70 0.00
Hexavalent powder pillow

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

Sample 1 – Chlorine, Total (Cl2)

The concentration of Chlorine (Cl 2) = 0.36 mg/L

The volume of a sample = 10ml/1000 = 0.01 L

The mass of Chlorine (Cl 2) = 0.36 mg/L x 0.01 L

= 3.6 x 10 -3 mg
Sample 2 – Chlorine Free (Cl 2)

The concentration of Chlorine Free (Cl 2) = 0.10 mg/L

The volume of sample = 10 ml/1000 = 0.01 L

The mass of Chlorine Free (Cl 2) = 0.10 mg/L x 0.01 L

= 1.0 x 10 -3 mg

Sample 3 – Sulfate (SO42-)

The concentration of Sulfate (SO 42-) = 25.00 mg/L

The volume of sample = 10 ml/1000 = 0.01 L

The mass of Sulfate (SO42-) = 25.00 mg/L x 0.01 L

= 0.25 mg

Sample 4 – Phosphorus, Reactive

The concentration of Phosphorus, Reactive = 0.43 mg/L

The volume of sample = 10 ml/1000 = 0.01 L

The mass of Phosphorus, Reactive = 0.43 mg/L x 0.01 L

= 4.3 × 10 -3 mg
Sample 5 – Iron Total (Fe)

The concentration of Fe = 0.96 mg/L

The volume of sample = 10 ml/1000 = 0.01 L

The mass of Fe = 0.96 mg/L x 0.01 L

= 9.6 × 10 -3 mg

Sample 6 – Chromium, Hexavalent (Cr 6+)

The concentration of Chromium, Hexavalent = 0.00 mg/L

The volume of sample = 0.01 L

The mass of Chromium, Hexavalent = 0.00 mg/L x 0.01 L

= 0.00 mg

DISCUSSION

Based on the results obtained, there are certain errors that

might have been done without purpose and thus lead to erroneous
data.

First and foremost, the reading for each sample is only done
once. Nevertheless, lack of instruments and long time consuming
factors evade from taking at least two readings for each sample, and
therefore an average value cannot be obtained to ensure the
accuracy and precision of the results.

Next, the improper handling of the round water sample may

a l s o c a u s e d i n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g s . Any fingerprints or smudge imprinted
on the outer surface of the round water sample can become an
unfavourably interference for the solutions to absorb wavelengths of light
in the spectrophotometer. Thus, the reading of concentrations by the
instruments may not be accurate.

Besides, some of the samples are supposedly be immediately

inserted into the spectrophotometer after being poured in their
corresponding reagents. Thus, any careless procedures or unobservant
may lead to inaccuracy of the readings taken.

CONCLUSION

The concentrations of chlorine total in the water sample is 0.36

mg/L, Chlorine free is 0.10 mg/L, Sulfate is 25.0 mg/L, Phosphorus
reactive is 0.43 mg/L, Iron is 0.96 mg/L and Chromium Hexavalent is 0.00
mg/L. Based on the following data, the water sample is mostly
concentrated with sulfate and contains no chromium hexavalent, which
explains the colourless solution formed, indicating no change or reaction
occurs to detect any presence of chromium in the water sample.
Nevertheless, the exceeding value of concentration of phosphorus
reactive and iron, which is 0.1 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L respectively, requires
extensive water treatment, as it might worriedly brings any health effects
to both humans and aquatic ecosystems.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Firstly, the outside surface of the round water sample is best wiped
first before inserted into the spectrophotometer. This is to ensure that
there are no fingerprints on it which might interfere the reading analysis.

Secondly, the sample must be analyzed immediately after collection

and cannot be kept for later analysis. This is because the heavy metals
content of the water sample might differ from the time it is collected until
it is analyzed.

In addition, the collection of the water sample is preferentially near

the middle of the water stream and at least at one arm’s length of depth.
This is because; most heavy metals are bounded at inner depth of any
water streams.
 REFERENCES

1. http://www.water-research.net/glossary.htm
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexavalent_chromium
3. http://www.healthy-water-best-filters.com/heavy-metals-within-
water.html
4. http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/quality-
water-heavymeatal.htm
5. http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/water/chromium/chromium-
and-water.htm
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorination

APPENDICES

DPD Total Chlorine Powder Sulfa Ver 4 Sulfate Reagent DPD Free Chlorine Powder
Pillow Pillow

Phos Ver 3 Phosphate Ferro Ver Iron Reagent Chroma Ver 3 Reagent Powder
Powder Powder Pillow Pillow
Graduated Cylinder Portable Spectrophotometer
DR 2400.