Lab 2 11 October 2019

CLASS

LAB 2_TURBIDITY AND SOLIDS

FORMAL REPORT

By Student’s Name

Course + Code

11 October 2019

INSTITUTION

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Table of Contents

Introduction..........................................................................................................................................3
Methodology:.......................................................................................................................................4
1. Turbidity Method......................................................................................................................4
2. Total Solids Method..................................................................................................................5
3. Suspended Solids and Dissolved Solids Method......................................................................6
Experimental Results:..........................................................................................................................8
1. Data...........................................................................................................................................8
2. Graphical Analysis..................................................................................................................10
Discussion and Conclusion................................................................................................................11
References:........................................................................................................................................12
Appendices........................................................................................................................................13
Appendix A: Raw Data..................................................................................................................13
Appendix B: Calculations..............................................................................................................13
Appendix C: Solid Contents Relationship.....................................................................................15

List of Tables

Table 1: Data for Total Solids..............................................................................................................8

Table 2: Data for Suspended and Dissolved Solids.............................................................................8
Table 3: Solid analysis parameters.......................................................................................................9
Table 4: Experimental and calculated relationships............................................................................9
Table 5: Turbidimeter readings estimates..........................................................................................10

List of Figures

Figure 1: Calibration Curve (Standard vs. 2100P/2100Q NTU).......................................................10

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Introduction
Lab 2_Turbidity and Solids was aimed towards the determination of turbidity and solid contents in

natural and wastewaters. This laboratory exercise was also aimed at demonstrating the turbidity,

filtration and weighting techniques of solid contents analysis.

The solid content analysis of waste and natural waters forms one of the critical concerns in the field

of environmental engineering [1]. Turbidity, on the other hand, is equally important in the field of

water engineering since high turbidity contaminates drinking water.

This paper encloses a well-documented laboratory report prepared by two undersigned members.

Each member was actively involved with the many tasks vital for the success of this lab exercise.

For this, various techniques were used to define the different types of solids contained in natural

and wastewaters. The filtration, weighting, and turbidity techniques were used in the solid analysis

and the below parameters determined: Total Solids (TS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total

Volatile Solids (TVS), Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS), Fixed Suspended Solids (FSS), Volatile

Dissolved Solids (VDS), Total Fixed Solids (TFS), and the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).

In this lab, the definitions and relationships of solids in fluids were outlined and their methods of

analysis reviewed. Generally, this formal laboratory report highlights the methodology, results, and

discussions of analyzed data.

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Methodology:

1. Turbidity Method

List of Equipment and Materials:

The materials and apparatus used in the determination of turbidity were as listed below [2]:

 HACH 2100P Turbidimeter

 HACH2100Q Turbidimeter

 Turbid Water Sample

 Sample Standards

 Sample Cell

Procedure:

The methodology followed was as outlined in the lab manual provided. First, 10mL of

turbid water sample was added to the BOD bottle and thoroughly mixed. The sample cell was then

placed in the turbidimeter and the turbidimeter measurements recorded. Thereafter, dilution by

addition of a known volume of DI water and sample precedes and the previous procedure repeated.

Note that the only exception on the standard procedure was 4 samples were used instead of 5

samples as highlighted in the lab manual [2]. The turbidity of the turbid sample was calculated

using the expression below:

Equation 1: Calculation of Turbidity

A ×( B+C)
NTU =
C

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Where,

A = NTU obtained for Diluted Sample

B = Volume of Dilution Water, (mL)

C = Sample Volume Taken for Dilution, (mL)

2. Total Solids Method

List of Equipment and Materials:

The materials and apparatus used in the Total Solids technique were as outlined below [2]:

 Evaporating Dish

 Graduated Cylinder (25 mL)

 Insulated Gloves

 Microscale

 Tongs

 Desiccators (Inclusive of a desiccant with a color indicator for moisture

concentration)

 Weigh Paper

 Weigh Boats

 Drying Oven (at 104o C)

 Muffle Furnace (at 550o C)

 Wastewater samples (To be collected and used within 24 hours)

Procedure:

This laboratory exercise was carried out in accordance with the Standard Method #1684 [3]

for Total, Fixed and Volatile Solids in Water, Solids, and Bio-Solids. With the known weight of the

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

evaporating dish, 20 mL of sample was poured into the evaporating dish and dry oven for 24 hours.

The sample was then allowed to cool and the dried sample weighed and placed in the muffle

furnace for 15 minutes. Finally, the resultant sample was weighed after cooling and the

measurements obtained used in the calculations of the TS, TVS, and TFS of the water sample. The

following equations were used for the calculations.

Equation 2: Total Solids

Weight
¿
TS = (2−Weight ¿ 1)( g) (1000 mL ) (1000 mg)
x x
Sample Volume( mL) L L

Equation 3: Total Volatile Solids

Weight
¿
TVS = (2−Weight ¿ 3)( g) (1000 mL ) (1000 mg)
x x
Sample Volume(mL) L L

Equation 4: Total Fixed Solids

Weight
¿
TFS = (3−Weight ¿ 1)( g) (1000 mL ) (1000 mg)
x x
Sample Volume(mL) L L

3. Suspended Solids and Dissolved Solids Method

List of Equipment and Materials:

The materials and equipment used for the determination of the suspended solids are as listed

below [2]:

 Suction Erlenmeyer Flask

 Plastic Tubing
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Lab 2 11 October 2019

 Evaporating Disk

 Filter and Filter Funnel

 Pipette and Pipette Bulbs

 Weigh Boats and Weigh Paper

 Beaker

 Tweezers

 Sample and DI Water

 Heat Resistant Gloves

 Desiccator

 Muffle Furnace

 Tons

Procedure:

The procedure was followed as laid out in the lab manual derived from the Standard

Method for Determining Suspended and Dissolved Solids. To begin with, the sample was prepared

and 10 mL slowly released by a pipette onto a filter. The filter was removed and placed on a

marked filter tray and then placed in a drying oven for a period of 24 hours. Thereafter, water was

poured into the vacuum Erlenmeyer flask and then into the evaporating dish of known weight. After

this, the evaporating dish was placed in the oven and removed after 24 hours. After cooling, the

contents were weighed and afterward placed in a muffle furnace for a period of 24 hours [2]. The

TSS, FSS, VSS, TSS, FSS, and VSS were computed using the expressions as outlined below:

Equation 5: Total Suspended Solids

(Weight f 2−Weight f 1)(g) (1000 mL) (1000mg)

TSS = x x
Sample Volume(mL ) L L

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Equation 6: Fixed Suspended Solids

(Weight f 3−Weight f 1)( g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

FSS = x x
Sample Volume( mL) L L

Equation 7: Volatile Suspended Solids

(Weight f 2−Weight f 3)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

VSS = x x
Sample Volume(mL) L L

Equation 8: Total Dissolved Solids

(Weight d 2−Weight d 1)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

TDS = x x
Sample Volume (mL) L L

Equation 9: Fixed Dissolved Solids

(Weight d 3−Weight d 1)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

FDS = x x
Sample Volume (mL) L L

Equation 10: Volatile Suspended Solids

(Weight d 2−Weight d 3)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

VSS = x x
Sample Volume (mL) L L

Experimental Results:

1. Data
Table 1: Data for Total Solids

Container Initial wt.

No. W1(g) Vol V (mL) 104oC wt W2 (g) 104oC wt W3 (g)

1 73.8979 20 74.6561 74.5952

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Table 2: Data for Suspended and Dissolved Solids

Containe Initial wt. Initial wt. Vol Vf Wt. wd1 Wt. wd2 Wt. wd3 (g)

r No. Wf2 (g) Wf3 (g) (mL) (g) (g) (g)

1 0.1345 0.1301 10 73.037 73.3660 73.2984

Table 3: Solid analysis parameters

Parameter Concentration (mg/L)

1 Total Solids (TS) 37,910
2 Total Fixed Solids (TFS) 34,865
3 Total Volatile Solids (TVS) 3,045
4 Total Suspended Solids(TSS) 3,160
5 Fixed Suspended Solids(FSS) 2,720
6 Volatile Suspended Solids(VSS) 440
7 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 32,900
8 Fixed Dissolved Solids(FDS) 26,140
9 Volatile Dissolved Solids(VDS) 6,760

Table 4: Experimental and calculated relationships

Parameter Calculated (mg/L) Experimental (mg/L) Percentage Error

TS 36,060 37,910 4.88%
TVS 3,160 3,045 3.78%
TFS 28,860 34,865 17.22%

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

2. Graphical Analysis

Calibration Curve (Standard vs. 2100P/2100Q)

1000
900
800 R²== 0.8
R² 0.83
700
2100P/2100Q NTU

600
500
400
300
200
100
0
10 20 100 800 Sample
Standard NTU

2100P NTU Linear (2100P NTU)

2100Q NTU Linear (2100Q NTU)

Figure 1: Calibration Curve (Standard vs. 2100P/2100Q NTU)

Figure 1above displays a calibration curve showing the 2100P NTU and 2100Q NTU series against

a Standard NTU. From the graph, the estimates for the 2100P and 2100Q turbidimeters are as

displayed in Table 5 below.

Table 5: Turbidimeter readings estimates

Standard NTU 2100P NTU 2100Q NTU

375 300.3 309.4

1100 881.1 907.83

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Discussion and Conclusion

Based on the laboratory results, it was evident that all liquid samples contained solid and suspended

particles. The wastewater was computed to have 37,910 mg/L of TS, 3,160 mg/L of TSS, and

32,900 mg/L of TDS. A 4.88% error was obtained between the calculated TS = TDS + TSS and the

experimental TS. Interestingly, an alternative relationship TS=TFS + TVS presented exact

measurements of 37,910 mg/L.

The results from this lab matched with the theoretical predictions as computed from simple models

of turbidity and solid content analysis. The inconsistencies between experimental and computed

values were observed to be within the acceptable levels of uncertainty. The probable sources of

these errors may have occurred during pipetting and sampling of the liquid specimen. Also, errors

while taking measurements may have contributed to these discrepancies. These uncertainties may

be minimized by ensuring accurate measurement taking culture in addition to special handling of

the liquid samples. All in all, the recommended precautions are aimed at enabling sample integrity.

The computed theoretical results were obtained as per the discussions of Solids in Natural and

Waste Waters. The various types of solids that may be present in liquids were also reviewed and an

important understanding of solids in liquids acquired. It is thus resolved that Lab 2_Turbidity and

Solids was a successful addition to the study of solid contents in liquids. Conclusively, it is evident

that the total solids and turbidity in water presents the most viable indicator of water quality.

REPORT PREPARED BY:

__________________________________________ _______________
<Name> (Date)

__________________________________________ ________________
<Name> (Date)
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Lab 2 11 October 2019

References:
[1] Introduction to Environmental Engineering, 3rd Edition, M.L. Davis, D.A. Cornwell, WCB

McGraw-Hill, 1998.

[2] Standard Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.standardmethods.org/doi/abs/10.2105/SMWW.2882.030

[3] Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 20th Ed. Published jointly

by APHA, AWWA and WPCF, 1998.

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Appendices

Appendix A: Raw Data

Table A.1: Turbidimeter Measurements

Standard NTU 2100P NTU 2100Q NTU

10 10 9.6

20 20 20.1

100 99 100

800 825 793

Sample 819 870

Table A.2: Data for Suspended and Dissolved Solids

Containe Initial wt. Initial wt. Initial wt. Vol V Wt. wd1 Wt. wd2 Wt. wd3 (g)
f

r No. Wf1 (g) Wf2 (g) Wf3 (g) (mL) (g) (g) (g)
1 0.1029 0.1345 0.1301 10 73.037 73.3660 73.2984

The turbidity of the liquid sample (water) was obtained to be 819 NTU and 870 NTU for 2100P
NTU and 2100Q NTU respectively.

Appendix B: Calculations

 Total Solids
Weight
¿
TS = (2−Weight ¿ 1)(g) (1000 mL ) (1000 mg )
x x
Sample Volume( mL) L L

(74.6561−73.8979)( g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

= x x
20(mL) L L

= 37,910 mg/L

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

 Total Volatile Solids

Weight
¿
TVS = (2−Weight ¿ 3)( g) (1000 mL ) (1000 mg)
x x
Sample Volume( mL) L L

(74.6561−74.5952)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

= x x
20(mL) L L

= 3,045 mg/L

 Total Fixed Solids

Weight
¿
TFS = (3−Weight ¿ 1)(g) (1000 mL ) (1000 mg)
x x
Sample Volume( mL) L L

(74.5952−73.8979)( g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

= x x
20(mL) L L

= 34,865 mg/L

 Total Suspended Solids

(Weight f 2−Weight f 1)(g) (1000 mL) (1000mg)

TSS = x x
Sample Volume(mL ) L L

(0.1345−0.1029)( g) (1000 mL) (1000mg)

= x x
10( mL) L L

= 3,160 mg/L

 Fixed Suspended Solids

(Weight f 3−Weight f 1)( g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

FSS = x x
Sample Volume( mL) L L

(0.1301−0.1029)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

= x x
10(mL) L L

= 2,720 mg/L

 Volatile Suspended Solids

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

(Weight f 2−Weight f 3)( g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

VSS = x x
Sample Volume( mL) L L

(0.1345−0.1301)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

= x x
10(mL) L L

= 440 mg/L

 Total Dissolved Solids

(Weight d 2−Weight d 1)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg )
TDS = x x
Sample Volume (mL) L L

(73.3660−73.037)( g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

= x x
10(mL ) L L

= 32,900 mg/L

 Fixed Dissolved Solids

(Weight d 3−Weight d 1)( g) (1000 mL) ( 1000 mg)
FDS = x x
Sample Volume (mL) L L

(73.2984−73.037)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

= x x
10( mL) L L

= 26,140 mg/L

 Volatile Dissolved Solids

(Weight d 2−Weight d 3)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

VDS = x x
Sample Volume (mL) L L

(73.366−73.2984)(g) (1000 mL) (1000 mg)

= x x
10( mL) L L

= 6,760 mg/L

Appendix C: Solid Contents Relationship

 Total Solids (TS)

TS = TDS + TSS
= 32,900 + 3,160 = 36,060 mg/L

But,

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Lab 2 11 October 2019

Experimental value of TS = 37,910 mg/L

Therefore,

36,060 – 37,910
Percentage error = x 100 = 4.88%
37,910

Alternative Relationship is given as TS = TFS + TVS

That is,

TS = 34,865 + 3,045 = 37,910 mg/L (same as experimental value)

 Total Volatile Solid

TVS = FSS + VSS

= 2,720 + 440 = 3,160 mg/L

But,

Experimental value of TVS = 3,045 mg/L

 TFS = FDS + FSS

= 26,140 + 2,720 = 28,860 mg/L

But,

Experimental value of TFS = 34,865 mg/L

Therefore,

28,860 – 34,865
Percentage error = x 100 = 17.22%
34,865

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