Rajasthan Technical University, Kota: M.Tech (I Sem)
Rajasthan Technical University, Kota: M.Tech (I Sem)
Rajasthan Technical University, Kota: M.Tech (I Sem)
M.Tech (I sem)
Environmental Lab
Experiment No. 8
Determination of Turbidity of given sample of
water.
APPARATUS :
1. The turbidity meter consists of a Nephelometer with a light source for eliminating the
sample and one or more photoelectric detector with a read-out device to indicate the
intensity of light scattered at 90 to the path of incident light.
2. The sample tubes are made of clear colorless glass. Keep tubes clean, both inside and
outside and discard when they become scratched. Fill tubes with samples and standards
that have been agitated thoroughly and allow sufficient time for bubbles to escape.
EXPLANATORY NOTE :
Turbidity in water is caused by suspended matter such as clay, silt, finely divided organic and
inorganic matter, soluble colored organic compounds, and plankton and other microscopic
organisms. Turbidity is an expression of the optical property that, causes light to be scattered and
absorbed rather than transmitted in straight lines through the sample. Correlation of turbidity
with weight concentration of suspended matter is difficult because the size, shape and refractive
index of the particulate also affect the light-scattering properties of the suspension.
Determine turbidity on the day the sample is taken, preservation of sample is not practical. If
longer storage is unavoidable, store sample in the refrigerator at 4 C for upto 24 hrs. Don not
store for long periods because irreversible changes in turbidity may occur. Vigorously shake all
samples before examination.
Turbidity can be determined for any water sample that is free of debris and rapidly settling
sediments. Dirty glass wares, the presence of air bubbles, and the effect of vibrations will give
false results.
REAGENTS:
PROCEDURE :
OBSERVATION TABLE :
CALCULATION :
1) For determining the turbidity of given water sample the readings are required to be
tabulated.