Water Analysis to Determine River Tees Chemical Composition

weewee supply Analysis to Determine River Tees Chemical CompositionWater synopsis to determine the chemical composition indoors a ingredient of the River Tees, and the fight between fresh-cut wet en proves and Sea irrigate.IntroductionWater is unitary of the most fundamental requirements for mans constituteence on humanity it is required in so m some(prenominal)(prenominal) functions such(prenominal) as for drinking, planning agriculture and even transportation either biological, ( source) or non-biological such as cargo ships, (Hunt Wilson, 2002).Without peeing, tone as we know it would simply cease to exist Water is one of earths most renewable resources. As such, it is vital that water contented is analysed to monitor toxic and non-toxic chemicals raiseing the water systems, monitor global anthropogenic impact, react quickly to chemical contaminant through accidents or industry, and to enable safe water systems for domestic and unsophisticated use. One such example of where water analysis has been instrumental roleal is after(prenominal) the recent floods in the UK where overflow from sewers, rivers and run off from industrial sites has whollyowed chemicals to enter into water systems. Analysis of these systems allows for the damage to be assessed and necessary action to be taken, (Environment Agency, 2014).Our aim of the practical was for us to understand the different orders of water analysis. We conducted a number of tests on a number of fresh water samples and one sweater sample to determine the levels of pH, saltiness, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, treat content, ammonia and phosphate content within the water samples this enabled the analysis of whether there were differences in chemical content between the fresh water samples and ocean water.Hypothesis That there is a difference in chemical composition within water samples taken from trey sites along the river Tees and a difference between freshwater and sea water.Metho dpHWater samples from the shorthorn University section of the River Tees were analysed utilise a mixture of both a hand held ultra amount (Myron) and a probe meter. A 10ml quantity of water from all the samples taken was placed in a test tube. A pH probe meter was inserted and the pH results put down. apply the electronic hand held analyser, the samples were analysed by placing a small amount of the sample into the analysing cup attached to the device. The lid was replaced and the pH button pressed to toss off the analysis. The results were recorded as shown in turn off 1.SalinityWater salinity was measured by employ a hand held salinity meter with a salinity tramp of 0-100% (density 0.001sg). A small amount of the water sample was placed onto the deviation prism. The cover plate was closed and the instrument was held up to a light source (natural light) and the reading taken from the salinity gauge and recorded. The analysis was repeated for all the samples and the results w ere recorded as shown in shelve 2.conductivityAs per pH but using the Conductivity function on the Myron multi-meter. The analysis was repeated for all the samples and the results were recorded as shown in table 3.Dissolved O2As per pH but using the dissolved O2 function on the Myron multi-meter and the analysis was repeated for all the samples and the results were recorded as shown in table 4.Nitrate (Nitratest)Nitrates in the water samples were cut down to nitrites using a zinc based reduction agent, (Nitratest powder and Nitratest tablet). The solutions were accordingly transferred to a clean test tube where a re-agent was added, (Nitrocol tablet). The solutions were then analysed for nitrate levels using the Palintest 8000 photometer and the analysis was repeated for all the samples and the results were recorded as shown in table 5.AmmoniaWe tested the water samples using the indophenol method by the addition of chlorine and catalysts that react with ammonia to form a coloure d solution, (Indophenol complex). fig1. Reagents in the form of tablets were then added and the sample solutions analysed using the palintest 8000. The analysis was repeated for all the samples and the results were recorded as shown in table 6. channel For the Sea water sample (Sample 1), Ammonia conditioning agent was added to stay fresh the precipitation of salts.Fig 1. Water samples in Indophenol complex form foregoing to examen for Ammonia.phosphate LRWe tested for phosphates by reducing the samples by ascorbic paneling as phosphates react under acidic conditions with ammonium. Catalysts were added to ensure a rapid colour movement as well as an inhibitor to deter any influence from silica present in the solution. Reagents were then added and a boundary of 10 minutes elapsed prior to placing the samples for analysis testing using the palintest 8000. The results were recorded as shown in table 7.ResultspHThe pH determine of both the fresh water and sea water samples analyse d all fierce within close proximity to each other and within the parameters of customary surface water of pH6.5 pH instrument panel 1. pH determine from water samples taken from the Durham University firmament of the River Tees and one sample of brine.Salinity altogether one sample (Sea water) registered for salinity when tested. The Reference -Composition salinity (SR) was 30, (SCOR/IAPSO works company 127, 2008).Table 2. Salinity values from water samples taken from the Durham University theater of the River Tees and one sample of seawater.ConductivityElectrolyte conductivity recorded in the samples ranged from 8.4 S/m in the sea water sample and between 9.6-10.85 S/m in the freshwater samples. The Seawater sample was high than the design range of 5 S/m, and the fresh water samples were within radiation diagram parameters 5-55 S/m. (California State Water Resources Control Board, 2004). As shown in Table 3.Table 3. Conductivity values from water samples taken from the Durham University celestial orbit of the River Tees and one sample of seawaterDissolved oxygenSample 1, (Seawater) water bring back within the normal range for DO2 as recommended USEPA of 80% DO=83.6. (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1999). Samples 2-4 (Freshwater), excessively fall within the guidelines of freshwater DO2 based on CCREM guidelines of 65% and 100%, DO=76.2-98.7% (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1999), as shown in table 4.Note All samples were analysed in testing ground conditions at room temperature and as such atomic number 18 subject to the relevant physiological conditions such as pressure and temperature which should be considered, (Henrys rectitude etc).Table 4. Dissolved Oxygen values from water samples taken from the Durham University area of the River Tees and one sample of seawater.NitrateAll the samples tested were within the safe limits of nitrogen content in water, (0-10mg/l), as shown in table 5. (Seawater = 0.8 2mg/l and freshwater =0.047mg/l to1.52mg/l). (World Health Organisation, 2011).Table 5. Nitrate values from water samples taken from the Durham University area of the River Tees and one sample of seawater.PhosphatePhosphate levels found in sweater were within the normal range (1.2 mg/l and 1.6mg/l), (Paytan McLaughlin, 2007). The phosphate levels found within the freshwater samples sink the recommended limits = . Table 6. Phosphate values from water samples taken from the Durham University area of the River Tees and one sample of seawater.DiscussionThe ocean contains approximately 97% of all the Earths water. (Hunt Wilson, 2002). The ocean and fresh water although have similar properties such as the molecular structure H2O, the chemical properties can be quite different.thither are many factors that affect the chemical properties of both fresh and sea water, such as pollution, natural occurrences (e.g Algae blooms) and acid rain, and it is imperative that eternal monitoring of o ur water systems is undertaken to be able to act proactively and swiftly to any changes. (Environment Agency, 2014). When considering the results of our analysis, we can see similarities on pH and dissolved oxygen, (Table 1 and table 4 respectively). Both these chemical properties give a clear recital as to the health of the water systems being analysed. A high pH in the seawater sample for example could suggest an increase in acidification, or pollution in the freshwater should a high pH have been found, especially in an area of high industrial manufacturing such as Stockton and Middlesbrough.The most noniceable difference between the samples was the salinity of seawater against freshwater, (Table 2). As one would expect, seawater salinity is considerably higher overdue to the output of weathering of the Earths surface being transported into the oceans. This makes the ocean a different habitat than that of freshwater. Conductivity increases as salinity increases, however this wa s not found in our analysis. One possible reason could be the era that the sample took to be analysed and the sample temperature as these factors could have affected the results. (SCOR/IAPSO Working Group 127, 2008).Nitrate content was lower in seawater. Nitrates are a naturally occurring compound in the water system whether fresh or sea water. However the slightly higher levels of nitrates shown in freshwater could orient anthropogenic influences due to farming. (World Health Organisation, 2011) High Nitrate composition is also harmful to health as this could cause methemoglobinemia. Nitrates reduce the ability of blood cells carrying haemoglobin resulting in infant deaths. This would also add weight to the higher levels of Phosphates present as it has been suggested that Phosphate increases could be attributed to fertilizer usage and to a higher place the levels suggested as acceptable. (White Hammond, 2006).In Summary, the water chemical composition of both freshwater and sea water in general fall within normal expectations and are good indicators of the quality of the water system within an industrialised zone. The surmise that there is a chemical difference between the two sample types, freshwater and seawater was proven if only somewhat marginal. Further testing for different chemical composition could find a different result. transactionChemical differences between saltwater and freshwater.The major difference between fresh water and salt water is salinity. Freshwater has little or no salt content (The chemical composition differences between seawater and freshwater can be outlined in order of abundance in table 8. (SCOR/IAPSO Working Group 127, 2008)Table 8. Chemical composition of seawater and freshwater in order of abundance.Dissolved OxygenDissolved Oxygen concentrations, (DO), in water is an important factor for all aquatic life. Should DO levels exceed 110%, it can become harmful to marine life and could case the blockage of gas exchange in wh at is known as gas bubble disease, whilst water that has a DO of little than 5mg/l or lower over a longer stop consonant of time can result in fish kills on a large scale and puts stress on all aquatic life. (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1999).