The Chemical Analysis of Water

During chemical analysis, water is tested for the presence or absence of certain compounds, and various attributes, such as the pH level, are measured. Important parameters that are measured during analysis include turbidity and presence of dissolved gases, metals and other substances.

Types

• Dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity and levels of heavy metals, nutrients and toxic organic compounds are all important features of water quality. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution; the lower the pH level, the higher the concentration of hydrogen ions.

Features

• Turbidity is a quantitative measure of suspended solids in the water and gauges the water's murkiness. Available oxygen is a measure of the dissolved oxygen content, which is vital for aquatic organisms, such as fish. Nutrients like nitrogen are also important for sustaining life, but if present in excess they can lead to an algae bloom that could choke off other organisms in the body of water, a process called eutrophication. Heavy metals and toxic organic compounds are harmful to humans and most other organisms, so levels of these pollutants should be as low as possible.

Significance

• Chemical analysis offers a way to evaluate the health of body of water and detect telltale signs of pollution or factors like acid rain acidification that could damage the ecosystem over time. Analysis is also important for ensuring the quality of drinking water, including well water.