CHAPTER 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

As a Civil Engineer, awareness and knowledge to protect the environment is a

compulsory for us. Environmentalism is a term or an ideology that evokes the necessity
and responsibility of human to protect and preserve the natural environment from its
anthropogenic afflictions.
In fact, construction industry is one of the industries which contribute a lot of waste and
causing lots of type of pollution everywhere, such work might causing pollution and
contamination implicatively. Hence, the goal of environmental engineering is to ensure that
societal development and the use of water, land and air resources are sustainable.
Water quality is measured by several factors, such as the concentration of dissolved
oxygen, bacteria levels, the amount of salt (or salinity), or the amount of material suspended
in the water (turbidity). In some bodies of water, the concentration of microscopic algae
and quantities of pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other contaminants may also be
measured to determine water quality. Poor water quality can pose a health risk for people
and also pose a health risk for ecosystems. So, it is necessary to know the water quality
index value of the water at a specific location which can be used to monitor water quality
changes in a particular water supply over time, or it can be used to compare a water supply's
quality with other water supplies in the region or from around the world.
The sample taken for this study is at lake near to Faculty of Civil Engineering and
Environmental. As we know, lakes and reservoirs are particularly susceptible to the
negative impacts of eutrophication because of their complex dynamics, relatively longer
water residence times and their role as an integrating sink for pollutants from their drainage
basins. Polluted water that cannot be used for drinking, bathing, industry or agriculture
effectively reduces the amount of use able water within a given area.
Therefore, water quality index (WQI) is to describe the physical, chemical and
biological parameter. For physical parameter include turbidity and temperature. Chemical
parameters such as pH value, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen
(DO), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammonia, Total Suspended Solid (TSS).
Biological parameter such as plant indicator, animal indicator, microbial indicator, and
macro invertebrates bio indicator. The purpose of a WQI is to summarize large amounts of
water quality data for a specific river into simple terms. Water quality index (WQI) is

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precious and distinctive rating to describe overall water quality status in a particular term
that is useful for the selection of suitable treatment technique to get the concerned issues.
Next, WQI utilizes the water quality data and helps in the modification of the policies,
which are formulated by various environmental monitoring agencies. WQI shows the
composite influence of different water quality parameters and communicates water quality
information to the public and judicial decision makers.The water quality data then is
compared with National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (NWQS) in determining
their status.

Whereas the formula for WQI is:

WQI = (0.22* SlDO) + (0.19*SIBOD) + (0.16*SICOD) + (0.15*SIAN) + (0.16 *

SISS) + (0.12 * SipH)

Where the values of WQI is ranging from 0 ≤ WQI ≤ 100.

Table 1.1 Water Quality Index

1.1 Objective Of Study

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 a) To identify the water quality of water resources from lake near to Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Environmental.
b) To determine a water quality index (WQI) based on the pH value, Biochemical
Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD), Ammonia, Total Suspended Solid (TSS).

1.2 Sample Location

This study focus on the water resource inside University Tun Hussein Onn
Malaysia. We choose a lake near to Faculty of Civil Engineering and
Environmental. The location is near to Persiaran Tun Ghaffar Baba with coordinates
1°51'51.9"N 103°04'59.0"E.

Figure 1.1 Location of lake

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 Figure 1.2 View of lake

1.3 Selection Parameter

Water quality can describe by physical, chemical and biological parameter:

a) Physical parameter
i) Turbidity of water
ii) Temperature of water
b) Chemical parameter
i) pH value
ii) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
iii) Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
iv) Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
v) Ammonia
vi) Total Suspended Solid (TSS).

c) Biological parameter
i) Plant indicator
ii) Animal indicator
iii) Microbial indicator
iv) Macro invertebrate bio indicator

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 Table 1.2 DOE Water Quality Index Classification

Table 1.3 Water Classes and Uses

Table 1.4 DOE Water Quality Classification Based On Water Quality Index

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 Table 1.5: WQI formula

Table 1.6: Best fit equations for the estimation of various sub index values

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 CHAPTER 2

2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Sampling Procedure

Our group decided to take water sample from the lake near the Faculty of Civil
Engineering and Environmental.
1. To collect the samples, the devices used should be made from materials that
have minimum interaction and do not contaminate or disturb the sample.
2. For the sample containers, we use polyethylene that is selected according to
their lack of interaction with analytical parameters. Container also must be clean
and may need to be retained and submitted to the laboratory for analysis as a
blank.
3. For water samples where very low ambient concentrations are expected nothing
should be in contact with the insides of containers, lids and collection vessels,
to minimize contamination.
4. For well mixed waters, a sample have to be taken 10 cm below the surface, away
from the edge, may be adequate. A hand or power-driven pump with an
extended inlet tube may also be useful to draw water from selected depths.
5. When sampling shallow waters, contamination from disturbed sediment should
be avoided by using an extended inlet of thin tube on the sample bottle and
drawing water in by suction. To collect a sample of the surface layer, the
container should be held horizontally in the water, half submerged.
6. To collect a sample of water beneath a surface layer, a syringe or other device
with an extended inlet tube that is capable of piercing the surface layer, may be
appropriate, depending on the thickness of the surface layer.
7. Collect a 1 L sample for most physical and chemical analyses.
8. Collect enough sample volume in order to comply with sample handling,
storage, and preservation requirements.

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Table 2.1 Summary of Special Sampling and Handling Requirements

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 2.2 On Site Measurement

2.2.1 pH Test
a) Apparatus and material

1. 250ml beaker

2. 200ml water sample

3. Distilled water

4. pH meter

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b) Procedure

1. Switched on the pH meter and allowed adequate time for the meter to warm up.

2. The pH sensor was taken out of its storage solution and rinsed it with distilled water
under an empty waste beaker.

3. Filled 200ml of the water sample collected into a 250ml beaker.

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 4. Placed pH sensor in the water sample and the reading was recorded.

5. The pH reading was allowed to stabilize before letting it sit for approximately 1-2
minutes.

6. Steps (b) till (e) were repeated for 3 times to get the average for pH reading.

2.2.2 Dissolved oxygen (DO)

a) Apparatus and Material

1. 250ml beaker

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2. Distilled water

3. Water sample

4. DO meter

b) Procedure

1. 100ml of sample was taken from the site and poured into 250ml beaker.
2. 250ml beaker was rinsed with distilled water first.

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3. The probe was rinsed with distilled water properly.

4. Press the ON button and wait for a minute before soaking the probe into the beaker of
water sample.
5. The probe was put in a beaker that contains the solution.

6. The sample was stirred at a slow to moderate rate.

7. ‘Read’ button was touched and a progress bar was showed. When the measurement is
stable, the reading is taken.

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8. Step 1 till 7 was repeated for 3 times to get the average DO reading.

2.3 Laboratory Procedure

2.3.1 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

a) Apparatus
1. Digestion vessels
2. Block heater
3. Microburet

b) Reagents
1. Standard potassium dichromate digestion solution
2. Sulphuric acid reagent
3. Ferroin indicator solution
4. Standard ferrous ammonium sulphate titrant (FAS)
5. Potassium hydrogen phthalate

c) Procedure
1. Collect samples in clean bottles. Use plastic bottles only if
they are known to be free of organic contamination.
2. Test biologically active samples as soon as possible.
3. Homogenize samples that contain solids to get a
representative sample.

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4. To preserve samples for later analysis, adjust the sample pH
to less than 2 with concentrated sulphuric acid
(approximately 2 ml per liter). No acid addition is necessary
if the sample is tested immediately.
5. Keep the preserved samples at 2-6 ℃ (36-43 ℉) for a
maximum of 28 days.
6. Correct the test result for the dilution caused by the volume
additions.

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 2.3.2 Ammonia Nitrogen
a) Apparatus and Material

1. Measuring Cylinder 6. Polyvinyl Alcohol

2. Water sample 7. Nessler reagent

3. Beaker 8. Pipet

4. Dionized water 9. Sample cell bottle

5. Mineral stabilizer

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b) Procedure

1. Prepare the sample by filling 25 ml of sample cell into the measuring cylinder and then
repeat the step for preparing the blank sample by filling with deionized water.

Figure 1: Pouring sample in beaker first Figure 2: Pouring samples water

into the measuring cylinder

2. Add three drops of mineral stabilizer to each sample.

Figure 3: Adding mineral stabilizer

3. Put the stopper on the mixing cylinders. Shake the mixing cylinders several times to mix.

Figure 4: Shaking the cylinder to dissolve the reagent

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4. Add 3 drops of Polyvinyl Alcohol Dispersing Agent to each sample.

Figure 5: Adding Polyvinyl Alcohol Dispersing Agent

5. Put the stopper on the mixing cylinders. Shake the mixing cylinders several times to mix.

Figure 6: Shaking the cylinder to dissolve the reagent

6. Use a pipet to add 1.0 mL of Nessler Reagent to each sample.

Figure 7: Adding Nessler reagent

7. Put the stopper on the mixing cylinders. Shake the mixing cylinders several times to mix.

8. Transfer 10 ml of the sample into each sample cell bottle.

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 Figure 8: Sample that have been transfer into sample cell bottle.

9. When the timer expires, clean the blank sample cell.

10. Insert the blank sample into the cell holder.

11. Push ZERO. The display shows 0.00 mg/L NH3-N.

12. Pour 10 mL from the sample cylinder into a second sample cell.

13. Clean the prepared sample cell.

14. Insert the prepared sample into the cell holder.

15. Push READ. Results show in mg/L NH3–N.

Figure 9: Display result

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2.3.2 Total suspended solid
a) Apparatus
1. Evaporating dishes: Dishes of 100-mL capacity made of one of
the following materials:
i) Porcelain, 90-mm diam.
ii) Platinum—Generally satisfactory for all purposes.
iii) High-silica glass
2. Muffle furnace for operation at 550°C.
3. Steam bath.
4. Desiccator, provided with a desiccant containing a color
indicator of moisture concentration or an instrumental indicator.
5. Drying oven, for operation at 103 to 105°C.
6. Analytical balance, capable of weighing to 0.1 mg.
7. Magnetic stirrer with TFE stirring bar.
8. Wide-bore pipets.
9. Graduated cylinder.
10. Low-form beaker.

b) Procedure
1. Preparation of glass-fiber filter disk:

If pre-prepared glass fiber filter disks are used, eliminate

this step. Insert disk with wrinkled side up in filtration apparatus.
Apply vacuum and wash disk with three successive 20-mL
portions of reagent-grade water. Continue suction to remove all
traces of water, turn vacuum off, and discard washings. Remove
filter from filtration apparatus and transfer to an inert aluminium
weighing dish. If a Gooch crucible is used, remove crucible and
filter combination. Dry in an oven at 103 to 105°C for 1 h. If
volatile solids are to be measured, ignite at 550°C for 15 min in
a muffle furnace. Cool in desiccator to balance temperature and
weigh. Repeat cycle of drying or igniting, cooling, desiccating,
and weighing until a constant weight is obtained or until weight

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 change is less than 4% of the previous weighing or 0.5 mg,
whichever is less. Store in desiccator until needed.

2. Selection of filter and sample sizes

Choose sample volume to yield between 2.5 and 200 mg

dried residue. If volume filtered fails to meet minimum yield,
increase sample volume up to 1 L. If complete filtration takes
more than 10 min, increase filter diameter or decrease sample
volume.

3. Sample analysis

Assemble filtering apparatus and filter and begin suction.

Wet filter with a small volume of reagent-grade water to seat it.
Stir sample with a magnetic stirrer at a speed to shear larger
particles, if practical, to obtain a more uniform (preferably
homogeneous) particle size. Centrifugal force may separate
particles by size and density, resulting in poor precision when
point of sample withdrawal is varied. While stirring, pipet a
measured volume onto the seated glass-fiber filter.
For homogeneous samples, pipet from the approximate
midpoint of container but not in vortex. Choose a point both mid
depth and midway between wall and vortex. Wash filter with
three successive 10-mL volumes of reagent-grade water,
allowing complete drainage between washings, and continue
suction for about 3 min after filtration is complete. Samples with
high dissolved solids may require additional washings. Carefully
remove filter from filtration apparatus and transfer to an
aluminium weighing dish as a support.
Alternatively, remove the crucible and filter combination
from the crucible adapter if a Gooch crucible is used. Dry for at

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 least 1 h at 103 to 105°C in an oven, cool in a desiccator to
balance temperature, and weigh. Repeat the cycle of drying,
cooling, desiccating, and weighing until a constant weight is
obtained or until the weight change is less than 4% of the
previous weight or 0.5 mg, whichever is less. Analyze at least
10% of all samples in duplicate. Duplicate determinations should
agree within 5% of their average weight. If volatile solids are to
be determined, treat the residue according to 2540E.

c) Calculation

(A−B)𝑋 1000
Mg total suspended solid/L = Sample volume ,mL

Where:
A = weight of filter + dried residue, mg
B = weight of filter, mg

2.2.4 Biochemical Oxygen Demand

a) Apparatus and Material

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 1. Water sample

2. Incubation bottles

3. DO Meter

4. BOD Incubator

b) Procedure

1. River water samples:

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 Preferably fill large BOD bottle (>2 L, or alternatively 6 or more 300-mL BOD
bottles) with sample at 20°C. Add no nutrients, seed, or nitrification inhibitor if in-
bottle decay rates will be used to estimate in-stream rates. Do not dilute sample
unless it is known by pretesting or by experience to have a high ultimate BOD (>20
mg/L).

2. Measure DO in each bottle, stopper, and make an airtight seal. Incubate at 20°C
in the dark. Measure DO in each bottle at intervals of at least 2 to 5 day over a
period of 30 to 60 day (minimum of 6 to 8 readings) or longer under special
circumstances.

3. After five days (± 3 hours) the DO meter is used again to measure a final dissolved
oxygen concentration (mg/L), which ideally will be a reduction of at least 4.0
mg/L.

4. The final DO reading is then subtracted from the initial DO reading and the result
is the BOD concentration (mg/L). If the wastewater sample required dilution, the
BOD concentration reading is multiplied by the dilution factor.

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 CHAPTER 3

3.0 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

3.1 Sampling Data

3.2 pH Test

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

pH reading 6.83 6.66 6.61

Temperature (oC) 30.4 29.3 28.1

3.3 Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

Reading (mg/L) 7.18 7.25 7.11
Average Reading 7.18
(mg/L)

3.4 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

3.5 Ammonia Nitrogen

Blank Sample

Ammonia 0 mg/L 0.92 mg/L

Reading mg/L

3.6 Total Suspended Solid (TSS)

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 3.7 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

pH water sample : 6.98

Sample DO initial (mg/L) DO final (mg/L) P BOD

Blank 8.41 8.29 0

5.0 ml 8.57 8.42 0.0167 8.98

7.5 ml 8.63 7.97 0.0250 26.40

10.0 ml 8.59 7.81 0.0333 23.42

To find the BOD3

𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔−𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔

BOD3 = 𝑃

𝐷𝑂 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙−𝐷𝑂 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙
= 𝑃

𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 (𝑚𝑙)
P = ratio of sample’s volume with bottle’s volume (𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 ′ 𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 (𝑚𝑙))

1. Example calculation of BOD (5ml)

5𝑚𝑙
P = 300𝑚𝑙 = 0.0167

8.57 𝑚𝑔/𝐿−8.42𝑚𝑔/𝐿
BOD = 0.0167

= 8.98 mg/L

2. Example calculation of BOD (7.5ml)

7.5𝑚𝑙
P = 300𝑚𝑙 = 0.0250

8.63 𝑚𝑔/𝐿−7.97𝑚𝑔/𝐿
BOD = 0.0250

= 26.40 mg/L

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 3. Example calculation of BOD (10ml)

10𝑚𝑙
P = 300𝑚𝑙 = 0.0333

8.59𝑚𝑔/𝐿−7.81𝑚𝑔/𝐿
BOD = 0.0333

= 23.42 mg/L

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4.0 DISCUSSION
4.1 pH Test

From our experiment, we repeated the experiment for three times to get the reading of pH
of the sample water. The first sample, the reading obtained from the pH meter is 6.83 with
temperature 30.4oC. While, the second and third samples, we obtained 6.66 and 6.61 and
temperature 29.3 and 28.1 respectively. In general, a water with a pH less than 7 is considered
acidic and with a pH more than 7 is considered basic. The normal range for pH in surface water
systems is 6.5 to 8.5 and for groundwater systems 6 to 8.5.

A water with a low pH (< 6.5) could be acidic, soft, and corrosive. Therefore, the water
could leach metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper, lead, and zinc from the aquifer,
plumbing fixtures, and piping. Therefore, a water with a low pH could contain elevated levels
of toxic metals, cause premature damage to metal piping, and have associated aesthetic
problems such as a metallic or sour taste and staining of laundry.

4.2 Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

From our experiment, we repeated the experiment for three times to get the average reading
of dissolved oxygen. The first sample, the reading obtained from the DO meter is 7.18 mg/L.
While, the second and third samples, we obtained 7.25 mg/L and 7.11 mg/L. This result shows
that those concentration of dissolved oxygen are in required range set by lab instructor which
are 6.5 - 8.2 mg/L. This range are essential as it is sufficient concentration for aquatic organism
to survive in their habitat. Low dissolved oxygen levels can be the result of elevated
temperature and thus the inability of the water to hold the available oxygen. Low dissolved
oxygen levels can also indicate an excessive demand on the oxygen in the system.

4.3 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

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 4.4 Ammonia Nitrogen

In this experiment, the content of ammonia obtained in water sample of FKAAS

sedimentation pond come from the nearby palm oil plantation which obviously use fertilizers
in ensuring the palm oil plants are growing well. From the experiment, the ammonia content in
the water sample is 0.92 mg/L. This value shows that the water sample have high ammonia
content and it can be classified in Class IV in Classification of Water Based on INWQS.
According to this index, Class IV water quality can be used for irrigation which is not suitable
for water supply. High content of ammonia will effect the aquatic life the pond. Ammonia has
a toxic effect on healthy humans only if the intake becomes higher than the capacity to detoxify.

During the experiment, after all the reagent were mixed together with water sample, the
mixture shows bright yellow which indicates that our sample have high content of ammonia.
Ammonia levels in excess of the recommended limits may harm aquatic life. Ammonia toxicity
is thought to be one of the main causes of unexplained losses in fish hatcheries. Although the
ammonia molecule is a nutrient required for life, excess ammonia may accumulate in the
organism and cause alteration of metabolism or increases in body pH.

4.5 Total Suspended Solid (TSS)

4.6 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

The initial pH for samples from FKAAS lake were measured are 6.98. The sample
should have a neutral pH value of between 6.5 and 8.2 because microorganisms they require
an environment that is suited to their species and in the purification of biological wastewater,
based on the pH value of the samples, it can be accepted. The experiment result we obtained is
consistent with the theory given in which the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is getting
higher if there are a lot of microorganism in the water sample. As the dilution of the samples
increased, the concentration of dissolved oxygen, DO decrease due to a high demanding of
oxygen from microorganisms. After five days of incubation, DO final became decreased from
the DO initial. This shows that the reduction of dissolved oxygen happened in the sample where
present of microorganisms. The experiment was accepted because the value of final DO for the
three sample is not less than 1 mg/L. the value of DO sample also not less than 2 mg/L. High
BOD is an indicator of poor water quality.

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5.0 CONCLUSION

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REFERENCE

[1] Kreger, C. (2004, November 10). COTF Classroom. Retrieved from

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/waterq3/wqassess3f.html

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