Introduction to the Chemical Analysis of Water Samples
Each group will collect a fresh water sample from campus according to directions provided form your instructor or TA.
You will learn how to use several pieces of equipment and several chemical kits in order to analyze the water sample. Each group may split up the tasks however it sees fit- however, each person in the group is expected to be able to complete any and all of the tests performed, with directions of course! Make sure that you answer the question on the last page of this handout as you work through the lab. You will need to share your answers with the others in your group.
Test to Perform
Equipment or Kit Used
pH
Smart Colorimeter
Turbidity
Smart Colorimeter
Conductivity
Vernier LabQuest 2 and Conductivity probe
Ammonia Nitrogen
Smart Colorimeter
Nitrate Nitrogen
Smart Colorimeter
Phosphates
Smart Colorimeter
Dissolved Oxygen
Smart Colorimeter
Fecal Coliform
Coliscan EasyGel
To Begin:
You have several small beakers and transfer pipettes on your table. You will need to transfer some of your water samples into these beakers, or other test tubes (found in the kits) in order to complete these tests. Do not put the pH meter or the conductivity probe directly into the large beaker of sample water- this could contaminate the entire sample, thus affecting the results of your other tests.
The instructions for the Smart Colorimeter tests are in a pdf file on blackboard. You do not have to print out this document but it is there for you to refer to when needed. The directions needed for the specific tests we do in the lab will be there for you as a handout in the laboratory.
Follow the directions as listed in your handout.
The Smart Colorimeter tests should be done in the order listed below:
1. Turbidity (NTU)
2. pH (use phenol red test only)
3. Phosphate- Low Range (ppm)
4. Ammonia Nitrogen- Low Range (ppm)
5. Nitrate Nitrogen- Low Range (note that this...