D - Water Quality

Investigation of the water quality of 3 streams in Tanjung Leman Area
Elysia Ho, Sajidah, Youjia, Zahin, Zavier
School of Science and Technology, Singapore
Abstract 
Water is a very important liquid/substance in our lives. Without water, we definitely would not be able to survive. This project serves to find out the water quality in Malaysia, new Tg. Leman, Felda. Felda is a growing village and if they need a water source, they could take it from source a, b or c. However, the most important question is which source do they take water from? Our project will find out which water source is the best for humans to consume. In this project, we collected water samples form the various locations and did some testing of a few factors like conductivity, pH level, temperature and many others. From the results gathered, we have made several conclusions. 

1. Introduction
1.1 Research Questions 
What is water quality that is found in the three rivers, bridge 91, bridge 12 and the coastal river which is found at GPS co-ordinates N 02º07.932E 104º00.836 respectively. 

The “Streams” can be found in the map below in courtesy of the Cartography Team. 
The parameters:
1.Dissolved oxygen
2.Temperature
3.pH level
4.Turbidity
5.Light
6.Conductivity
7.Sodium ion
8.Nitrate ion 

Water quality can come in the amount of nitrate and sodium found in it, the clarity of water and the pH level. 
The amount of nitrate equals to the amount of fertiliser that can be found in the water.
The amount of sodium equals to the amount of salt there is in the water.
The ideal pH level of drinking water is 7.
The clarity of the water is also important as there may be particles such sand or mud in the water.
Hence, the clearer the water, the lesser the amount of nitrate and sodium found in it, the closer the pH level it is to 7, shows that the water quality is good. 

1.2 Hypothesis
Since we collected water samples from three different rivers/streams, we think that the most drinkable water source is the first one.

The amount of salt in the coastal river is logically more than the stream. The amount of nitrate which is the fertiliser, should be more in the streams than the coastal river as the streams are closer to agricultural areas. We observed fishes in both the streams and the river, making the amount of dissolved oxygen high. 

2. Methods 
2.1 Equipment List 
We used the following apparatus during the experiment:
Conductivity probe
Light sensor
Turbidity sensor
Datalogger (Lab Quest)
Dissolved oxygen probe
pH sensor
Salinity refractometer
Droppers
Ion testers (Laqua Twin)

2.3 Procedures
Obtaining the water samples
Find the assigned water sources.
Extract the water samples by scooping with the bottle
Contain the samples and keep.

General Testing Procedures
Tabulate all information 
Calibrate the standard recordings.
Compare all results by analysing differences in the readings.

Testing Acidity
Take out the pH sensor.
Plug the sensor into the data-logger.
Insert the sensing rod into the sample to be tested.
Record the data that is shown on the data-logger.
Wash the sensing rod with distilled water.
Repeat the above steps for the next sample.

Testing Conductivity
Take out the conductivity sensor.
Plug the sensor into the data-logger.
Insert the sensing rod into the sample to be tested.
Record the data that is shown on the data-logger.
Wash the sensing rod with distilled water.
Repeat these steps for the next sample.

Testing Clarity
Turbidity:
Take out the Turbidity sensor. 
Plug it into the data-logger.
Fill the glass tube with the sample that is to be tested.
Read and Record the data that is shown on the data-logger.
Wash the clear tube with distilled water.
Repeat these steps for the next sample.

Lux (Light sensor):
Ensure all equipment is in a dark room/area to ensure that there is no interference from other light sources.
Shine a light source (in this case we used our phone’s flashlight) through the sample on one side of the bottle.
Point the end of the light sensor at the opposite side of the bottle.
Record the data shown and compare the results.
Repeat these steps for the next samples.

2.4 Risk Identification, Assessment and Management

3. Results 
The results of our experiment are as shown below:  
Table 1: Test results 
pH - Potential of Hydrogen
Micro S/cm - Micro Siemens/cm
ppm - parts per million

From the data collected through the testing of the 3 samples, it can be concluded that water from bridge 12 (Sample 2) is the most suitable for consumption. The water from sample 1 (Bridge 91) is high in nitrate content which makes it unsuitable for usage. The water from sample 3 (coastal) is high in Sodium, Potassium, Nitrate and Calcium compared to the other 2 samples, which makes it unsuitable for consumption as well. Therefore, sample 2 has the best water parameters for usage. 

4. Discussion
4.1 Key Findings & Analysis of results
Water from bridge 12 was found to be the most suitable for usage. It is low in pollutants and the water has a low content of salt. The pH of the water was also relatively neutral and it is also quite clear and clean. All these allows it to be used for agriculture, industrial or human consumption.

4.2 Explanation of key findings
At bridge 12, the water had a low amount of fertilisers and was the most drinkable compared to the other samples mainly because of the amount of sodium chloride (salt) and even though the water from then coastal river had an ideal pH level.
Hence, the water from bridge 12 is the most suitable among the three samples.

4.3 Evaluation of Hypothesis 
We proved our hypothesis wrong as the water from the first river (bridge 91) was not the most suitable for drinking purposes, based on FIg. 3.1 as the amount of nitrate (fertiliser) is very high. We also took note that the colour of the water solely doesn't say much about the water quality.

4.5 Areas for improvement

5. Conclusion
5.1 Practical Applications 
The data derived from the experiment will help the villagers understand the qualities of water near them.  From the data, villagers will be able to know what the water is comprised and how it can be used for various purposes.
We were able to identify the best location to use as a water supply. Finding the cleanest water would require the least effort clean, reducing manpower and energy. 

5.2 Areas for further study
A possible area of further study is “What would be a better way to collect data from water ?” 
In our project, we used probes to collect data from plastic bottles containing the sample. This method is inaccurate, as the probes may be affected by surroundings.

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