Activity 1.7 - Water Solids Analysis

Analysing the samples in class:

Experiment 1 - testing the acidity of the soil and water samples.

Aim:
To test the pH of the soil and water samples collected.

Materials:

• two test tubes with stoppers
• distilled water
• universal indicator
• pH colour chart
• water and soil samples

Method:

1. The water sample was placed in one of the test tubes, with the stopper in.
2. A sample of the soil was placed in the second test tube, and it was then filled with the distilled water. The stopper was placed on top, and both test tubes were then shaken gently.
3. After the soil had settled, five drops of universal indicator were added to each test tube.
4. The test tube was then held up to the pH colour chart to check the corresponding pH colour of the sample, and results recorded.

Results:
I found the sample of the water to be basic, with a pH of 10. The soil sample was acidic, with a pH of 4.


Experiment 2 - Calculating the amount of suspended and dissolved solids

Aim:
To calculate the amount of suspended and dissolved solids in the water sample.

Materials:

• 500mL of water sample
• filter paper
• 500 mL conical flask
• funnel
• bunsen burner
• tripod
• gauze
• heat mat
• digital scales
• boiling chips

Method:

1. The filter paper was folded according to this photo, overlapping the outer edges to form a cone shape.

2. The filter paper and conical flask (with boiling chips) were weighed, and results recorded.
3. The filter paper was placed in the funnel, which in turn was placed in the conical flask.

4. The water sample was filtered into the conical flask, so that the suspended solids were kept in the filter while the dissolved solids passed through.
5. The conical flask was brought to the boil using the bunsen burner, tripod and gauze. The boiling process was carried out until all excess water had been evaporated.
6. After it had cooled off, the conical flask was reweighed. The difference in mass was determined to be the weight of the dissolved solids.
7. The filter paper was left overnight to dehydrate, and was weighed the following day. The difference in mass was determined to be the weight of the suspended solids.

8. The results were recorded in the form of a table.

Results: