MUTAH UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

SANITARY ENGINEERING
LABROTARY

TURBIDITY TEST

STUDENT NAME : Serena Odeh Al-Naanah

STUDENT ID : 120200423017

FIRST SEMESTER 2023/2024

INTRODUCTION :
This experiment aims at measuring quantitatively the turbidity as a physical water
quality parameter. Turbidity is an expression of the optical property that causes light
to be scattered and adsorbed rather than transmitted in straight lines through the
sample. Drinking water should not be turbid, consumers will assume the presence of
turbidity in drinking water as a contamination indicator.

Turbidity in water is caused due to the existence of suspended and/or colloidal

particles such as clay particles, silt and the fine organic and inorganic particles.

In general, as the particle concentration increases, the turbidity may increase, since
there is no clear correlation between the turbidity and the particle concentration as
a result of:

1- Particle shape effect, where rounded shape particles have a different scattering
effect from the sharp edged particles.

2- Size effect.

3- Refractive index differences.

In the past, the turbidity in water was measured using Jackson candle turbidimeter,
by which graduated cylinder replaced over a special candle. During the gradual filling
of the turbid water, the reading at which the light just disappeared was referred as
the Jackson Turbidity Unit (JTU). Nowadays, the turbidity is measured directly and
easily using the Nephelometric turbidity device. The mechanism of such device is
based on a comparison of the intensity of the light scattered by the turbid water with
the intensity of the light scattered by a reference solution (Formazin polymer
solution).

The turbidity readings of the Nephelometric turbidity device are more accurate than
the Jackson candle turbidimeter. The later depends on the human sight (light
sensors) which may differ from one person to the other, while the first depends on
light detectors surrounding the turbid water sample.
The turbidity readings of the Nephelometric turbidity device are more accurate than
the Jackson candle turbidimeter. The later depends on the human sight (light
sensors) which may differ from one person to the other, while the first depends on
light detectors surrounding the turbid water sample.

Turbidity in water can be removed by:

1- Sedimentation when turbidity is due to the existence of suspended particles.

2- Coagulation followed by sedimentation when turbidity is due to the existence of

the colloidal particles.

3- Filtration.

4- Biologically when turbidity is due to the existence of organic solids

Sample and Reagents:

A laboratory prepared turbid water (A & B) will be used in the test, where:

- Water A: contains suspended solids.

- Water B: contains colloidal particles. Different dilutions of water B will be prepared

and tested by students. The dilutions are:

zero dilution (100% sample), 25% dilution (75% sample),

50% dilution (50% sample),

75% dilution (25% sample)

Equipments:
- Nephelometric Turbidity meter of readings range: 0 - 20 NTU with accuracy of 0.01
NTU.

20 – 200 NTU with accuracy of 0.1 NTU.

200 – 1000 NTU with accuracy of 1 NTU.

- Standard solutions of known turbidity.

- Beakers.

Procedure:
1- Switch on the apparatus for 5 -10 minutes to allow for warming up.

2- Using the standard solution of known turbidity, adjust the device if needed.

3- For water A samples, place the sample container in the chamber and close the
chamber, then read the turbidity. Take 5 readings for the turbidity at 5min interval.

4- For water B samples, place the sample container in the chamber and close the
chamber, then read the turbidity. Take 5 readings for the turbidity at 5min interval
for each dilution.

5- Shake all diluted samples of water B and take readings of the turbidity.
Data Analysis:

We notice that when we continuously increase the dosage of alum the turbidity
decreases .

Conclusion and discussion

Firstly, the addition of alum to the water samples effectively reduced turbidity. This
result aligns with the common practice of using alum as a coagulant in water
treatment processes to clarify water. The mechanism by which alum acts as a
coagulant was evident in the decreased turbidity levels, indicating the formation of
larger, settleable particles due to the aggregation of fine suspended particles.

Secondly, the impact of light on turbidity was explored. It was observed that
exposure to light had a noticeable influence on turbidity levels. The decrease in
turbidity under light conditions suggests that photochemical processes or the settling
of particles facilitated by light played a role in reducing suspended particles. This
finding highlights the potential for using natural processes, such as exposure to
sunlight, in water treatment strategies to enhance sedimentation and clarify water.

Additionally, the interplay between alum and light was examined, revealing a
synergistic effect. The combination of alum treatment and exposure to light resulted
in a more pronounced reduction in turbidity compared to individual treatments. This
synergistic effect could be attributed to the complementary mechanisms of alum
coagulation and light-induced processes, working together to enhance the
clarification of water.

In practical terms, these findings have implications for water treatment processes,
suggesting that a combination of alum treatment and exposure to light may offer an
effective and environmentally friendly approach to reduce turbidity in water sources.
However, further research and application-specific considerations are necessary to
optimize these methods for real-world scenarios.

Some key relationships include:

1. *Water Quality:* Turbidity is often used as an indicator of water quality. High

turbidity levels can be associated with the presence of contaminants, such as
sediment, algae, or pollutants. Monitoring turbidity helps assess the overall
cleanliness and suitability of water for various purposes.

2. *Alum Treatment:* As demonstrated in the lab experiment discussed earlier,

turbidity has a relationship with alum treatment. Alum, a coagulant, is commonly
used in water treatment to reduce turbidity by causing suspended particles to clump
together, making them easier to remove.

3. *Light Exposure:* Turbidity can be influenced by exposure to light. In some cases,

light can promote the settling of suspended particles, leading to a reduction in
turbidity. Understanding this relationship can be important in natural water
treatment processes and environmental conditions.

4. *Ecological Impact:* High turbidity levels can negatively impact aquatic

ecosystems by reducing light penetration, which can affect photosynthesis and the
overall health of aquatic plants. Additionally, suspended particles can interfere with
the feeding mechanisms of aquatic organisms.
5. *Climate Change:* Changes in climate patterns, including increased rainfall or
changes in temperature, can influence turbidity in water bodies. For example, heavy
rainfall can lead to soil erosion, elevating turbidity levels in rivers and lakes.

6. *Land Use Changes:* Urbanization, deforestation, and other land use changes can
contribute to increased turbidity in water bodies. Altered land surfaces can lead to
more runoff, carrying sediments into water sources and elevating turbidity.