Lab Report 1

SEMESTER II SESSION 2008/2009

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITI PENDIDIKAN SULTAN IDRIS TSE 2013 Environmental Environmental Science ACTIVITY REPORT:

STUDENT’S NAME

 Nur Ashikin binti Ahmad Termizi (Leader)

D20061026254

 Nurul Akma binti Bahari (Secretary)

D20061026262

 Noo  Noorr Dia Diana na Salm Salmie ie bint bintii Ahm Ahmad ad

D200 D20061 6102 0262 6257 57

Siti Rusilawati binti Tomin

D20061026263

Siti Siti Nurb Nurbalq alqis is binti binti Mohd. Mohd. Hanafi Hanafi

D20061 D20061026 026283 283

LECTURER’S NAME

PROF. DR SUPLI EFFENDI RAHIM

DEMONSTRATOR’S NAME

PROF. DR SUPLI EFFENDI RAHIM 1A: Water and Wastewater Analysis (Physical and

EXPERIMENT NO. / TITLE

DATE/DAY/TIME

Chemical Parameters 1B: Water and Wastewater Analysis (Biological Parameters) January 19, 2009 / Monday / 8.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m

LABORATORY

Laboratory 3c

TITLE: EXPERIMENT 1A: Water and Wastewater Analysis (Physical and Chemical Parameters)

INTRODUCTION: Water has many properties. One of its properties is its ability to dissolve many substances. Because of this property, water is known as the universal solvent and is seldom found pure in nature. In fact, natural waters may contain hundreds or even thousands of chemicals, and in some cases, an equal number of biological life forms (such as microorganisms). All forms of life depend on water. Water helps to dissolve chemicals in foods, and then it transports these chemicals to cells in our bodies. However, sometimes harmful substances can dissolve in water. Substances that harm the quality of water are known as pollutants or  contaminants . Most contaminants in water do not cause problems because they are not toxic and are at such low amounts. However, some substances which dissolve in water, even at very low levels, can be harmful.

There are two primary causes of water pollution: nature and people. Actually, although pollutants and contaminants are generally used to mean the same thing, pollutants are usually thought of as contaminants or impurities in water due to the

activities of  people. Contaminants are usually thought of as impurities in water  natural  processes . Naturally occurring events such as volcanic eruptions, caused by natural  processes

landslides, floods and wild animal wastes, can produce polluting materials. These  pollutants can wash into lakes, rivers and other streams and damage water quality. People contribute to water pollution in their homes. In fact, homeowners apply more fertilizers and pesticides, per square foot, on their lawns and gardens than farmers apply to entire crop fields. Homeowners don't always properly dispose of   poisonous wastes, either. Some wastes may be thrown into ditches or the woods, or  flushed down the drain. Even some of the wastes that end up in landfills may leach

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into into wat water er suppli supplies. es. Septic Septic system systemss that that are not functi functioni oning ng proper properly ly also also can can contaminate groundwater. groundwater. All of these things can contribute to water pollution.

OBJECTIVES: After conducting this experiment we should be able to: 1.

Comp Compar aree seve severa rall diff differ eren ence cess betw betwee een n poll pollut uted ed and and unp unpol ollu lute ted d stre stream am..

2.

Lear Learn n the tec techn hniq ique ue for for eva evalu luat atin ing g wate waterr qual qualit ity y in term term of of phys physic ical al and and chemical parameters. parameters.

METHODOLOGY:

I.

Physical Parameters

A. Te Temp mper erat atur uree

1.

Ther Thermo mome mete terr is is used used to take take a tem tempe pera ratu ture re read readin ing g of of a stre stream am..

2.

The re readin ding had had bee been tak taken on on site site in in a fre free-flo -flowi wing ng po portion tion of of the the stream. In some situation, the thermometer needs to be attached to a  pole or wade into the stream.

3.

Result is recorded.

Thermometer 

B. pH

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1.

In thi thiss expe experi rime ment nt,, the the pH of wat water er is mea measu sure red d usin using g a por porta tabl blee pH pH meter. The measurement is taken in a free flowing portion of the stream. pH measurement is accomplished by using pH meter.

2.

The meter is on.

3.

Prob Probee is put in fir first calib alibrratin ating g buff uffer. er.

4.

CAL CAL is is pre press ssed ed to cali calibr brat atee for for two two pH pH sol solut utio ion: n: pH pH 7.0 7.00. 0. Then Then,, but butto ton n ENTER is pressed.

5.

Prob Probee is rinse insed d by using ing disti istill lleed wa wate ter. r.

6.

Next Ne xt stor stored ed is buff buffer ered ed with with pH 4.01 4.01 and and ENT ENTER ER butt button on is pres presse sed. d.

7.

Probe is rinsed by using distilled water again and being place in sample. Reading is taken.

 pH meter 

C. Turbi urbidi ditty

1.

The The mete meterr is cal calib ibra rate ted d by usi using ng 4 cal calib ibra rati tion on sol solut utio ions ns as as prov provid ided ed with the meter.

2.

The wa water sa sample is is mi mixed th thoroughly.

3.

Clean sample vial is prepared.

4.

The vial ial is is rin rinsed sed with with the the samp sample le soluti lutio on.

5.

The rinse insed d via viall is fille illed d (a (appr pproxim oximaately tely 10ml) 0ml)..

6.

The vi vial is is wiped with soft cloth.

7.

A thin film of silicon oil is applied.

8.

The The via viall is is plac placed ed into into the the mete meterr for for meas measur urem emen ent. t.

9.

The The vial vial’s ’s mark mark is alig aligne ned d with with the the mete meter’ r’ss mark mark..

10. 10.

The The via viall is cove covere red d wit with h the the ligh lightt shi shiel eld d cap cap.. 4

11.

The me meter is tu tuned on on.

12.

Reading is taken.

Turbidity meter 

D. Total Total Suspen Suspended ded Soli Solid d (TSS) (TSS)

Preparation of filter

1. A filter filter disk is placed placed in filtra filtration tion assembly assembly with with rough rough (wrinkle (wrinkled d side up) up) 2. A vacuum vacuum is applied applied and filter filter disk is rinsed rinsed with three three separa separate te 20mL  portions of distilled water. Vacuum is discontinued when all the traces of  water have been removed. 3. Rinse filtrate filtrate is disca discarded rded from filter filter flask. flask. 4. Filter Filter is dried dried assemb assembly ly in an oven oven at at 103-105º 103-105ºC C for 1 hour. hour. 5. Filter Filter is coole cooled d in desicc desiccator ator to room temperatu temperature. re. 6. Filter Filter and and suppo support rt is is weig weighed hed.. 7. Steps Steps 4-6 are are repeat repeated ed until until a constan constantt weight weight is achieve achieved. d. 8. Prepared Prepared filter filter and and support support is stored stored immedia immediately tely before before use use and its weight weight is recorded.

Sample filtration and weighing

1. Filtration Filtration appara apparatus tus is placed placed with with weighed weighed filter filter in filter filter flask. flask.

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2. Sample Sample is mixed mixed well and is poured poured into gradua graduated ted cylind cylinder er of 100mL 100mL volume. 3. Suctio Suction n is appli applied ed to filter filter flask flask and filter filter is sealed sealed with small small amount amount of  distilled water. 4. Sele Selected cted volume volume of sampl samplee is poured poured into filtra filtration tion apparat apparatus. us. 5. Sample Sample is drawn drawn throug through h filter filter into into filter filter flask. flask. 6. Gradua Graduated ted cylinde cylinderr is rinsed rinsed into filtrat filtration ion with three three succe successi ssive ve 10mL   portion portion of distilled distilled wate water, r, allowing allowing completed completed drainage drainage between between each rinsing. 7. Suct Suctio ion n is cont contin inue ued d for for thre threee minu minute tess afte afterr filt filtra rati tion on of fina finall rins rinsee is completed. 8. Filter Filter is dried dried in an an oven at at 103-105º 103-105ºC C for at at least 1 hour. hour. 9. Filter Filter is coole cooled d in desicc desiccator ator to room temperatu temperature. re. 10. When cool, cool, filter and support is weighed. 11. Steps Steps 8-10 are repeated repeated until the weight loss is less than 0.5mg 0.5mg or 4% of  the previous weight. 12. Total suspended suspended solid (mg/L) (mg/L) = Weight of the filter, support and dried sample – Weight of the filter and support before sample is filtered × 1000 mg Size of sample filtered (in mL) × 1L /1000 mL

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II.

Chemical Pa Parameters

A. Diss Dissol olve ved d Oxyge Oxygen n

1.

DO is calibrated using the following instructions given by the manufacturer.

2.

Water sample is collected ted to 500 mL.

3.

Bottle is allowed to overflow at least 2 minutes. Bubbles are not allowed.

4.

DO is plac placed ed in the the sam sampl ple, e, the the met meter er is allo allowe wed d to to equ equil ilib ibra rate te and and DO DO is read directly.

5.

Last three readings are taken.

Dissolve Oxygen meter 

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RESULT:

I.

Physical Parameters

A. Te Temp mper erat atur ures es Solution

Temperature

X (waste water) Y (stream water)

22.3 ºC 22.9 ºC

Solution

pH value

X (waste water) Y (stream water) Distilled water

8.44 8.28 8.22

B. pH

C. Turbi urbidi ditty Sample Water

Reading (NTU)

X (waste water)

8.88 NTU

Y (stream water)

8.41 NTU

D. Total Total Susp Suspend ended ed Soli Solid d

Sample size: 50mL Sample

Weig Weight ht of the the filt filter er and and supp suppor ortt  before sample is filtered (g) Weig Weight ht of the the filt filter er,, supp suppor ortt and and dried sample (g)

X (waste)

Y (stream)

0.6410

0.6487

0.6571

0.6603

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II.

Chemical Pa Parameters

A. Diss Dissol olve ved d Oxyge Oxygen n X (Waste Water)

Y (Stream Water)

6.46 6.55 6.53 Average = 6.51

5.84 5.89 5.98 Average = 5.90

CALCULATION:

1)

Total Suspended Solid (TSS)

Sample X: TSS = (0.6571-0.6410) × 1000 mg 50 mL × 1L /1000 mL = 322 mg/L

Sample Y: TSS = (0.6603-0.6487) × 1000 mg 50 mL × 1L /1000 mL = 232 mg/L

DISCUSSION:

I.

Physical Parameters

A. Te Temp mper erat atur uree

Based on our observation, the temperature obtained for X solution (waste water) is 22.3 ºC while the temperature for Y solution (stream water) is 22.9 ºC. From the result obtained, we may conclude that both of the water has temperature above 20 ºC which can be described as warm water.

Temperature (ºC)

Examples of life

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Great Greater er than than 20ºC 20ºC (war (warm m water water))

Much Much plant plant life, life, many many fish fish dise disease ases. s. Most bass, crappie, bluegill, crap, catfish,

Middle range (1 (12-20 ºC)

caddis fly. Some pl plant li life, some fi fish diseases. Salmon, trout, stone fly, mayfly, caddis

Low range range (cold-l (cold-less ess than 12 ºC) ºC)

fly, water beetles. Trout, Trout, caddis caddis fly, stone fly, mayfly. mayfly.

Temper Temperatu ature re influe influenc nces es the amount amount of dissol dissolve ved d oxygen oxygen in wat water  er  which in turn influences the survival of aquatic organisms. When temperature is increased, the dissolved oxygen saturation level will be decreased thus increasing the rate of chemical reactions that takes place in the water. The result shown that stream water has slightly high temperature compared to waste water thus we may predict that stream water has lower dissolved oxygen saturation level.

B. pH

 pH indicator is used to measure the acidity and alkalinity of water. Normally, the pH of natural water is in the range of 6.5 to 8.5. The result obtained from this experiment shown that X solution (waster water) has pH of 8.44; Y solution has pH of 8.28 while distilled water has pH of 8.22. It could be seen clearly that distilled water has slightly low pH compared to other solution. Typically, natural water has pH 6.5-8.5 because most aquatic cannot survive in pH below 4. Natural alkalinity is due to the presence of carbon dioxide dioxide gas, CO2; HCO3 ¯   ¯ ions; CO32 ¯ ions and OH¯ ions which exist in the limestone and dolomite. Alkalinity may also exist by caustic substances from industry industry (potassiu (potassium m hydroxide hydroxide,, KOH and sodium sodium hydroxid hydroxide, e, NaOH NaOH), ), soil additiv additives es in agricu agricultu lture re such such as lime lime Ca(OH) Ca(OH)2, super superpho phosph sphate ate which which is mixture of Ca(H 2PO4)2 and CaSO4 and soaps and detergents. The greater  natural cause for change in pH in a stream is the seasonal and daily variation in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis uses up hydrogen molecules which causes the concentration of hydrogen ions to decrease and thus increase the pH value.

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Due to the result obtained, we may see that both solution X and Y has greater pH than distilled water. In this experiment we obtained that pH for  distilled water is 8.22 while in real, it should be 7. H2O (l) ↔ H+(aq) + OH¯(aq) [H+] = [OH¯] = 1.00 x 10 -7 Kw = [H+][OH¯] = 1.00 x 10 -14  pH = pOH = 7.00

From this, we may predict that there is a slight change in pH water due to the existence of CO2 gas in the surrounding which allows the alkalinity of the distilled water increased.

By comparing with both solution X and Y, it is obviously that solution X and Y has been a bit polluted. The result proves that solution X is taken from waste water while solution Y is taken from the stream. This is because, normally waste water might have higher alkalinity due to the presence of lots of ions inside while stream water may have either high pH or low. The sample of water might be taken anywhere and the pH is depends on the position where the sample is taken whether it is near to the industrial park, near to the village, inside a jungle or else.

C. Turbi urbidi ditty

Turbidity is the cloudiness or  haziness of a fluid caused by individual  particles (suspended solids) solids ) that are generally invisible to the naked eye, similar to smoke in air . The measurement of turbidity is a key test of  water  quality. quality. Turbidity measured this way uses an instrument called a turbidimeter  or  nephelometer with nephelometer  with the detector setup to the side of the light beam. More light reaches the detector if there are lots of small particles scattering the source beam than if there are few. The units of turbidity from a calibrated nephelometer are called Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).

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Based on the result, the value of turbidity of water X is 8.88 NTU while for the water Y is 8.41 NTU. The difference in value of turbidity will determine the type of water. There is a correlation between turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) because it is due to the fact that the greater the amount of total suspended solids (TSS) in the water, the murkier it appears and the higher the measured turbidity. turbidity. The major source of turbidity in the open water  zone of most lakes is typically  phytoplankton,  phytoplankton, but closer to shore, particulates may also be clays and silts. Thus, based on the result of the turbidity, it can say that water X is waste water while water Y is stream water.

D. Total Total Suspen Suspended ded Soli Solid d (TSS) (TSS)

Total Total Suspen Suspended ded Solid Solid (TSS) (TSS) is solid solid materi materials als,, includ including ing organi organicc and inorganic that are suspended in the water and can be entrapped by a filter. TSS can consist of wide variety of material such as silt, plankton, decaying plant, anim animal al matt matter er,, indu indust stri rial al wa wast stes es and and sewa sewage ge.. High High conc concen entr trat atio ions ns of  suspended solids can cause many problems for stream health and aquatic life.

The value of TSS will affect physical parameter such as turbidity and chemic chemical al parame parameter ter likes likes dissol dissolve ved d oxyge oxygen n (DO). (DO). High High conce concentr ntrati ation on of  suspended solids can lower water quality by absorbing light. Water then  become warmer and lessen the ability of the water to hold oxygen necessary for aquati aquaticc life. life. Beside Besidess that, that, high high TSS can can preven preventt light light from from reachi reaching ng submerged plants. As there is decreased amount of light passing through the water, photosynthesis process also decreased (less oxygen is produced). The combination or warmer water, less light and less oxygen makes it impossible for some forms of aquatic life to exist.

If light is completely blocked from bottom dwelling plants, the plants will stop producing oxygen and will die. As the plants are decomposed,   bac bacte teri riaa will will use use up even even more more oxyg oxygen en from from the the wa wate ter, r, thus thus lowe lowerr the the dissolved oxygen in water. Suspended solids will absorb heat from sunlight; this this make makess temp temper erat atur uree of wa wate terr surf surfac acee incr increa ease se.. In othe otherr hand hand make make dissolved oxygen levels fall because warmer water can hold less DO. 12

In this experiment, sample X which is from waste water has high value of TSS than sample Y (stream water). High TSS in waste water means by higher higher concen concentra tratio tion n of bacter bacteria, ia, nutrie nutrients nts,, pestic pesticide idess and metal metals. s. These These  pollutants may attach to sediment particles on the land and be carried into water bodies with storm water. In the water, the pollutants may be released from the sediment or travel farther downstream. Suspended solids can result from erosion from urban runoff and agricultural land, industrial wastes, bank  erosion, bottom feeders (such as carp), algae growth or wastewater discharges. discharges.

We can prevent suspended solids from entering our surface water. Prevention methods include protection of the land in our watershed from erosion by use of conservation tillage measures and giving urban runoff time to settle out before reaching our surface surface waters.

II.

Chemical Pa Parameters

A.

Dissolved Oxygen

The amount of oxygen in water is a good indicator of water quality and of the kinds of life it will support. support. Water with an oxygen oxygen content content above above 6 parts parts per  million (ppm) will support game fish and other desire\able forms of aquatic life. Water with less than 2 ppm oxygen will support mainly worms, bacteria, fungi and other detritus feeders and decomposers. Oxygen is added to water   by diffusion from the air, especially when turbulence and mixing rates are high, and by photosynthesis of green plants, algae and cyanobacteria. Oxygen is removed from water by respiration and chemical processes that consume oxygen.

One One of the the meth method odss of assa assayi ying ng poll pollut utio ion n leve levels ls is to meas measur uree dissolved oxygen (DO) content directly by using an oxygen electrode. The DO cont conten entt of wa wate terr depe depend ndss on fact factor orss othe otherr than than poll pollut utio ion n (for (for exam exampl plee temperature and aeration). The effects of oxygen-demanding wastes on rivers depend to a great extent on the volume, flow, and temperature of the river  13

water. Aeration occurs readily in a turbulent, rapidly, rapidly flowing river, which which is, there therefor foree often often able able to recove recoverr quickl quickly y from from oxygen oxygen-de -deple pletin ting g  processes.

From the result, the value of dissolved oxygen in Y (stream water) is low compared to the value of dissolved oxygen in (waste water). It is because, the sample of stream water is taken from the area of polluted area. As we all know, ‘Sungai Samak’ is one of the best place that most people have a picnic especially during the weekend. So, many of them thrown all the rubbish and food waste into the stream water. The addition of certain organic materials, such as sewage, paper pulp, or food processing wastes, to water stimulates oxygen consumption by decomposers. Due to this factor, the value of dissolve oxygen (DO) in sample Y (stream water) is lower than DO in X (waste water).

QUESTION: 1.

List List thre threee water water-q -qua uali lity ty diff differ eren ence cess you thin think k are are typic typical al of a poll pollut uted ed stream and an unpolluted stream. Parameter Unpolluted Stream Dissolved Oxygen The higher the amount

Polluted Stream

Less than 5 ppm is

of oxygen the better 

considered unacceptable

the quality. Trout- 10

for most aquatic

 ppm, Bass- about 7/8

organisms

 ppm 0-3 Creatures flee 4-5 Creatures can survive Greater than 5 Creatures thrive

pH (Hydrogen ion present)

Water with pH range

Water with pH less than

from 6.5-8.6 will have

5 or greater than 9 will

little effect on life

support little aquatic life

 processes

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Biological Oxygen

The lower the B.O.D.

In a stream Less than 2

Demand (B.O.D.)

the less organic matter 

 ppm is good High

in a stream Less than 2

B.O.D. indicates large

 ppm is good

amounts of organic matter Greater than 5  ppm means poor water  quality

2.

What What sou sourc rces es do do you you thi think nk con contr trib ibut utee to the the hig high h stre streng ngth th of of pol pollu luta tant nt for  for  three parameters you have mentioned in question 1?

Garbag Garbagee dispos disposals als,, which which have have becom becomee a standa standard rd appli applian ance ce in many many resi reside dent ntia iall kitc kitche hens ns,, cont contri ribu bute te exce excess ssiv ivee orga organi nicc load loadin ings gs to the the infiltrative field and other system components. Usually installed under the kitchen sink, disposals are basically motorized grinders designed to shred food scraps, vegetable peelings and cuttings, bones, and other food wastes to allo allow w them them to flow flow thro throug ugh h drai drain n pipe pipess and and into into the the wa wast stew ewat ater  er  treatment system. Disposing of food waste in this manner eliminates the nuisance of an odor of food wastes decaying in a trashcan by moving this wast wa stee to the the wa wast stew ewat ater er stre stream am.. Many Many stat states es acco accomm mmod odat atee thes thesee appl applia ianc nces es by pres prescr crib ibin ing g addi additi tion onal al sept septic ic tank tank volu volume me,, serv servic icee requirements, requirements, or other stipulations (e.g., septic tank effluent filter, multiple tanks, tanks, and large largerr infilt infiltrat ration ion field) field) that that addre address ss highe higherr BOD BOD and TSS loadings. For any septic system, the installation of a disposal causes a more rapid buildup of the scum and sludge layers in the septic tank and an increa increased sed risk risk of cloggi clogging ng in the soil soil adsor adsorpti ption on field field due to higher  higher  concentrations of suspended solids in the effluent. Also, it means that septic tank volumes should be increased or tanks should be pumped more frequently. Eliminating the use of garbage disposals will significantly reduce the amount of grease, suspended solids, and BOD in wastewater. Elimination of garbage disposal use reduces the rate of sludge and scum accumulation in the septic tank, thus reducing the frequency of required pumping. All of  these can improve wastewater system performance.

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CONCLUSION:

1.

The The diff differ eren ence cess betw betwee een n poll pollut uted ed and and unp unpol ollu lute ted d stre stream am can can be be dete determ rmin inee by using chemical and physical parameters of water. Stream can be a river, a  junction where two rivers are combine to become one, upstream, downstream and else. Different place that the water sample has been take present different results. People keep doing a lot of activity related to water everyday such as industry, camping, fishing, swimming, bathing and else. Those activities did affect the water yet adds more content to the water. The water sample which is taken from the place that is less of those activities will be unpolluted. Result shown the X solution is more polluted compared to Y except for D.O. Thus, this proof that X is waste water and Y is stream water.

2.

In this experiment, we learnt on how to test the water quality by using chemical and physical parameters of water. Water quality may be not be determine only by using a parameter. This is not enough to ensure whether the water is polluted or not, thus variety of instruments is used to stabilize our  result.

REFERENCES: Anonymous (2009). Aus-e-tute. Acces from http://www.ausetute.com.au/waterana.html on January 23, 2009.

Anonymous (2009). Bioworld products. Access from http://www.adbio.com/science/analysis/wate http://www.adbio.com/sc ience/analysis/water-temperature. r-temperature.htm htm on January 23, 2009. Anonymous (2009). The pH of distilled water. Access from http://www.coolschool.ca/lor/CH12/unit4/U04L07.htmon http://www.coolschool.ca/lor/CH12/unit4/U04L07.htm on January 24, 2009.

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Anonymous (2009). Turbidity. Access from http://waterontheweb.org/under/waterquality/turbidity.htmlon http://waterontheweb.org/under/waterquality/turbidity.html on January 23, 2009

Anonymous (2009). Turbidity. Access from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbidity on January 23, 2009

Murphy, S. (2007). General Information on Solids. Access from http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/data/BACT/info/TSS.htmlon http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/data/BACT/info/TSS.html on January 24, 2009.

TITLE: EXPERIMENT 1B: Water and Wastewater Analysis (Biological Parameters)

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INTRODUCTION:

Wastewater is any water that water that has been adversely affected in quality by anthropogenic influence. It comprises liquid waste discharged by domestic residences, commercial  properties, industry, and/or agriculture and can encompass a wide range of potential contaminants and concentrations. concentrations. A stream is a body of  water with water with a current, current , confined within a  bed and stream banks. A stream bed is the channel bottom of a stream or  river  or creek; the physical confine of the normal water flow. The lateral confines (channel margins) during all but flood stage are known as the stream banks or river   banks.

Coliform Coliform bacteria bacteria are the commonly commonly-used -used  bacteri  bacterial al indicator  indicator  of sanitary sanitary quality of foods and water. They are defined as rod-shaped Gram-negative non-spore forming organisms that ferment lactose with the production of  acid and gas when incubated at 35-37°C. Coliforms are abundant in the feces of warm-blooded animals,  but can also be found in the aquatic environment, in soil and on vegetation. In most instances, coliforms themselves are not the cause of sickness, but they are easy to culture and their presence is used to indicate that other pathogenic organisms of fecal origin may be present. Fecal pathogens include  bacteria,  bacteria, viruses or  protozoa  protozoa may of  which are parasites are parasites..

OBJECTIVES: After conducting this experiment student should be able to: 1.

Learn the technique for evaluating water quality in term of biological  parameters.

METHODOLOGY: 1.

A ster steril ilee wate waterr is use used d to col colle lect ct a sam sampl plee of wa wate terr fro from m sele select cted ed was waste tewa wate ter. r. Sampling in stream must be away from the bank and avoid collecting sediment

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from from the bottom bottom.. The The sampl samplee has has been been proces processed sed before before six hours hours have have elapsed. 2.

The The lid lid of petr petrii dish dish is is lif liftt in turn turn just just hig high h eno enoug ugh h to allo allow w you you to pour pour abou aboutt 1 ml of water sample into the eosin blue methylated agar medium. The content is gently swirled to mix water with the agar.

3.

Petri di dish is tu turned up upside down.

4.

Petr Petrii dis dish h is is in incub cubate ated for for 24 ho hours urs at at 37 37 ºC. ºC.

5.

Num Number ber of bac bacteri teriaal colon lonies ies (ye (yellow llow colo colon nies ies) tha that gro grow on the the plate late is counted after 24 hours.

6.

Envi Enviro ronm nmen entt is is ens ensur urin ing g to to be be ste steri rile le duri during ng the the tes test. t.

RESULT: PETRI DISH

NUMBER OF COLONIES

X (waste water) Y (stream water) Unknown

1 0 0

DISCUSSION: Those chemical and physical parameters are used to give a broad picture that defines the aquatic environment compared to the biological parameter which will examine the living components of the system. Biological parameter may determine the extent it has been affected by human activity. Biologically, there are many ways to determine the quality of the water such as by using Biochemical Oxygen Demands (B.O.D) method or by using the chlorophyll a and fecal coliform. In this class, we have chose one biological test which is by using the fecal coliform.

Fecal coliform bacteria are found in the feces of humans and other warm blooded animals. Fecal coliform bacteria naturally occur in the human digestive tract, and aid in the digestion of food. These bacteria can enter rivers directly or from agricultural and storm runoff carrying wastes from birds and mammals and from human sewage discharged into the water. Fecal coliform bacteria can be harmful to humans in excessive amounts but are more frequently used as an indicator of other  microbial pathogens.

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Fecal coliform by them are not dangerous at all. It is a part of the pathogenic species if exist in a large number. Pathogenc organisms include bacteria, viruses and   parasites that cause diseases and illnesses. If the coliform is found very high, for  examples it exceed 200 colonies in 100 mL of water sample, then there is a greater  chance that the phatogenic organisms present. Thus, a person swimming inside the water wat er may be cause caused d by disea diseases ses such such as typho typhoid id fever, fever, hepat hepatiti itis, s, gastr gastroen oentit titis, is, dysentery and ear infection that attacked by the pathogens. Pathogens may easily enter our body part through skin, nose, mouth or ears.

In our exper experime iment, nt, we canno cannott immedi immediate ately ly get get the result result.. Those Those sampl samples es should be kept 24 hours in a 37 ºC temperature. This will allow those bacteria inside the samples did the lactose fermentation. The presence of colonies after 24 hours indicate which water has been highly contaminated. From the result obtained, it is shown that only one colony appeared in the wastewater while there are no colonies inside the stream water and the unknown sample. We may predict that the wastewater  has been contaminated compared to others. It is absolutely prove the definition of  wastewater which said that wastewater is taken from industrial waste, sewage or else. Wate Waterr from from thos thosee plac places es may may cont contai ain n a lot lot of dirt dirtin ines ess, s, bact bacter eria ia and and viru viruse ses. s.   Norma Normally lly,, wa waste stewat water er wil willl be treati treating. ng. No colon colony y appea appears rs in strea stream m wat water er and unknown solution indicates that stream water is safe for us. Thus, people or animals may swim, drink, and else using the stream water. Stream water normally refers to the river banks. They are safe to be used in our daily life. Those indicators has proof it. It is shown that the unknown solution also do not have the colony so we can assume that the unknown solution might be the stream water.

CONCLUSION: Biological parameters may used to complete up the examination of water quality. It is very expensive of using the chemical and the physical parameters because expensive tools are needed. Therefore, biological parameter is one of the way to reduce the cost of determining the water quality.

REFERENCES: Anonymous (2009). Adopt-a-stream. Access from http://www.adopt-astream.org/parameters.php on January 30, 2009

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Anonymous (2009). Biological parameters – fecal coliform bacteria. Access from http://www.projectsearch.org/do http://www.projectse arch.org/downloads/chapter9 wnloads/chapter9.pdf  .pdf on on January 30, 2009 Anonymous (2009). Coliform bacteria. Access from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coliform on January 30, 2009 Anonymous (2009). Fecal coliform test. Access from http://www.indiana.edu/~bradwood/eagles/fecal.htmon http://www.indiana.edu/~bradwood/eagles/fecal.htm on January 30, 2009 Anonymous (2009). Physical, chemical and biological water parameters. Access from http://www.uncwil.edu/cmsr/aquaticecolog http://www.uncwil.edu/cm sr/aquaticecology/lcfrp/WQ%20Rep y/lcfrp/WQ%20Reports/96orts/9697/parameters.htm on January 30, 2009 Anonymous (2009). Stream. Access from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream on January 30, 2009 Anonymous (2009). Stream banks. Access from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream_bank on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream_bank  on January 30, 2009 Anonymous (2009). Waste water. Access from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wastewater on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wastewater  on January 30, 2009 Joe Hill (2004). Susquehanna river water quality monitoring. Access from http://www.oneonta.edu/academics/biof http://www.oneonta.ed u/academics/biofld/PUBS/ANNUAL/2004/Mon ld/PUBS/ANNUAL/2004/Monitoring itoring %20the%20fecal%20coliform%20b %20the%20fec al%20coliform%20bacteria.pdf  acteria.pdf on on January 30, 2009

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