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Water Testing

A little bit about me.

Why is important to talk about water testing?

What are we going to do today?

• Learn something about water testing.

• Learn how to carry out simple tests of water quality.

Introduction

A Few Water Testing Facts

Water quality is based on the results of testing for certain parameters or characteristics, such as pH (acidity) and nitrate levels.

Testing with our kit does not guarantee drinkable water. Professional testing is needed.

Results of water testing often suggest a need for additional action, such as eliminating pollution.

Introduction to the Kit

Let’s learn more about the SEED water testing kit and how to carry out the various tests.

Water Testing Kit

Notice the three sizes of bottles, the four different packets of tablets, and the plastic color comparison chart.

Affix the thermometer strip and the turbidity disc to the inside of the container.

Water Collection

Water for testing must be collected carefully.

Safety procedures must be followed.

Wear goggles, gloves, and boots.

Optional: Collect organisms from the water.

Water Collection Procedures

Safety Procedures

Water Quality Tests

Turbidity*Temperature*

pHNitrate

PhosphateDissolved Oxygen*

Biological Oxygen Demand**Coliform Bacteria**

*Performed when water is collected.**Extra time needed for testing.

Turbidity

Turbidity is a measure of the clarity of the water.

Fill the kit container with water to the line, and then look at the turbidity disc in the bottom of the container. Compare with the laminated color card in the kit.

Turbidity Test Procedure

Temperature

Temperature is a measure of the heat distribution in a sample of water.

Fill the kit container with water to the line. After one minute, read the temperature on the strip thermometer.

Temperature Test Procedure

pH

pH is a measurement of the acidic or basic quality of water.

Compare the color of the test sample to the colors on the laminated card.

pH Test Procedure

Nitrate

Nitrate is a nutrient needed by all aquatic plants and animals to build protein.

Compare the color of the test sample to the colors on the laminated card.

Nitrate Test Procedure

Phosphate

Phosphate is a nutrient needed for plant and animal growth.

Compare the color of the test sample to the colors on the laminated card.

Phosphate Test Procedure

Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen is a measure of the level of oxygen in water that is available for organisms.

Record the water temperature.

Compare the color of the test sample to the colors on the laminated card.

Dissolved Oxygen Test Procedure

Biological Oxygen Demand

Biological oxygen demand is a measure of how much dissolved oxygen is used by bacteria in the water.

After the water sample is wrapped and stored in darkness for five days, perform the test and compare the color of the test sample to the colors on the laminated card.

Biological Oxygen Demand Test Procedure

Coliform Bacteria

The presence of coliform bacteria is an indication of sewage or fecal contamination.

Two days after adding water to the tube with the tablet, compare the color of the test sample to the colors on the laminated card.

Coliform Bacteria Test Procedure

A water testing kit can help us learn about the characteristics of a water sample.

We can use the Water Testing SEEDKIT to test for turbidity, temperature, pH, nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, and coliform bacteria.

Negative findings should be verified by a professional water testing laboratory.

Water Testing Summary

Search the Internet for additional water testing information and resources, and make a presentation to the class.

Develop an animation, song, or skit about water testing.

Think about a water testing project with another school.

Follow-Up Ideas

Additional Links

Cambodia Water Testing

Kemaman Water Testing

Atyrau Water Testing