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Analysis of Water Samples

Water is the lifeline of all cities, big or small. To keep the water sources free from foreign substances such as heavy metals, impurities, humus and microbes, samples are collected and tested by government recognized laboratories. By analyzing water samples, chlorine and iodine levels are detected and can be controlled.

  1. Analysis of Water Samples

    • The analysis of water involves many procedures and checks to measure the amount of substances present in water. Water sampling and analysis is not only important for domestic use, but also for industrial use since some industries require an even more stringent water source. Water samples are collected, frozen and sent to laboratories where they are analyzed.

    Primary Analysis

    • Water is checked for its dissolved oxygen content and microbial levels. Oxygen ratios in the waters of rivers and lakes determine their habitability. High oxygen content signifies a healthy ecosystem, while low oxygen content suggests otherwise. Water is a reservoir of microbes. Some of these microorganisms are harmful to humans and other organisms. E. coli and shigella are disease-causing microbes found in water. Water containing a high concentration of these microbes causes diseases like dysentery, cholera, typhoid and diarrhea.

    Heavy Metals and Minerals

    • Water contains some amount of dissolved heavy metal ions such as lead and mercury. These ions are not harmful in low concentrations but they are present in alarming amounts in water samples obtained from effluents of some industries. Minerals such as zinc, iron, cobalt and nickel are found dissolved in water and are essential for the well-being of humans. When water is treated to remove impurities and other foreign matter, sometimes the level of these essential minerals can drop.

    Other Chemical Checks

    • Fertilizers and pesticides used in farms run off along with rainwater and percolate under the ground or mix with rivers and lakes. Water is analyzed for pesticide levels to determine the safety. After chemical treatment of local water sources, it is important to check the chlorine or iodine levels in the water since these chemicals vaporize slowly over time. If they aren't present in sufficient quantity, the water has not been disinfected properly for domestic use.

    Purpose of Water Analysis

    • After the analysis, a report is generated that will suggest possible measures to make the water source potable. A potable water source is safe to drink and bath in. Therefore, the ultimate objective of analyzing water sources is to make them potable. In some countries, sewers and drains have automatic samplers built in that not only measure the various constituent levels but also measure the water flow, depth, speed and other physical properties.

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