Water Quality Analysis Report: Parameters and Engineering Applications
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This report presents a comprehensive analysis of water quality parameters essential for civil engineering applications. The analysis encompasses various aspects, including the measurement of alkalinity and pH, which are crucial indicators of water's buffering capacity and acidity levels. The report details the temperature and dissolved oxygen levels, highlighting their impact on water's suitability for aquatic life and the solubility of chemical substances. Furthermore, it examines electrical conductivity, providing insights into the geological composition of the region and the presence of dissolved inorganic solids. The report also investigates the presence of organic and inorganic substances, including heavy metals, and their potential effects on water contamination and suitability for different engineering purposes, such as construction and domestic use. The findings are presented in a way that offers a practical understanding of how water quality impacts various civil engineering projects, including the potential for fish farming and the suitability of the water for human consumption. The report emphasizes the importance of these parameters in determining the overall suitability of water for specific applications and the implications for environmental balance after construction.

Civil Engineering 1
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Introduction
Water finds its application in a range of activities with each of the uses have designated
chemical, biological and physical standards that are required to ensure success in the intended
use (Ganoulis, 2008, p.257). Water quality refers to the chemical, biological and physical
attributes of water and is usually about its suitability for designated use. Water quality analysis
aids in the determination of the various water parameters regarding the standard designs to
confirm is such parameters conform with the outlined standards. Water quality analysis is most
important in the monitoring of water to confirm that the water sample provided is suitable for the
intended use.
Measurement of the Alkalinity and pH
Alkalinity is a measure used in the determination of the neutralizing capacity of a water sample
or in words its ability to keep a fairly constant pH (Bhatti, 2013, p.89). The ability to maintain a
constant pH by a water sample is a factor of the carbonate, hydroxyl and bicarbonate ions that
would be present in the sample. Carbonate and calcium ions have to a significant extent an effect
on the ability of natural water to buffer. Limestone or calcium carbonate as it is scientifically
known is the primary source of calcium and carbonate ions. Ideally, when water is exposed to
limestone, it would gain both calcium and carbon ions thereby an increase in its alkalinity and
the hardness (Bhatti, 2013, p.69).
From the obtained results of the tests in the two samples, the pH values were 20.7 mg as CaCO3
for US and 21.4 mg as CaCO3 for DS. These indicate relatively neutral water samples showing
that the alkalinity in the two samples was average. Water samples with alkalinity of less than 45
mg as CaCO3 as in the case of the two samples are considered to be of low alkalinity and thus
Introduction
Water finds its application in a range of activities with each of the uses have designated
chemical, biological and physical standards that are required to ensure success in the intended
use (Ganoulis, 2008, p.257). Water quality refers to the chemical, biological and physical
attributes of water and is usually about its suitability for designated use. Water quality analysis
aids in the determination of the various water parameters regarding the standard designs to
confirm is such parameters conform with the outlined standards. Water quality analysis is most
important in the monitoring of water to confirm that the water sample provided is suitable for the
intended use.
Measurement of the Alkalinity and pH
Alkalinity is a measure used in the determination of the neutralizing capacity of a water sample
or in words its ability to keep a fairly constant pH (Bhatti, 2013, p.89). The ability to maintain a
constant pH by a water sample is a factor of the carbonate, hydroxyl and bicarbonate ions that
would be present in the sample. Carbonate and calcium ions have to a significant extent an effect
on the ability of natural water to buffer. Limestone or calcium carbonate as it is scientifically
known is the primary source of calcium and carbonate ions. Ideally, when water is exposed to
limestone, it would gain both calcium and carbon ions thereby an increase in its alkalinity and
the hardness (Bhatti, 2013, p.69).
From the obtained results of the tests in the two samples, the pH values were 20.7 mg as CaCO3
for US and 21.4 mg as CaCO3 for DS. These indicate relatively neutral water samples showing
that the alkalinity in the two samples was average. Water samples with alkalinity of less than 45
mg as CaCO3 as in the case of the two samples are considered to be of low alkalinity and thus

Civil Engineering 3
low buffering capacity. The pH of such water samples quickly changes when acids are added to
them (Raikar, 2012, p.112). When the alkalinity of a substance is high, it is possible to add more
acid to the substance without a significant change in the pH of the substance. This is possible
since the carbonates and hydrogen carbonates present in the sample would react with the
hydrogen ions, which are responsible for the acidic properties, which would inhibit the decrease
in the pH.
Closely related to alkalinity is the pH, the concentration of hydrogen ions in a sample of water.
pH measures the amount or concentration of hydrogen ions in water. The higher the hydrogen
ion concentration, the lower the pH. From the obtained results of the analysis, the pH of the two
samples is found to be 7.65 for US and 7.4 for DS. These are an illustration of neutral samples of
water. The pH of the two samples is tending to low values (Maqbool, 2013, p.92).
The alkalinity and the pH of the water samples show that the water is neutral. The level of
acidity and alkalinity in both samples balance out. This makes the water be used for different
purposes. Neutral water can support the lives of living organism both human beings, plants and
aquatic creatures.
Analysis of Temperature and Dissolved oxygen
Temperature is the measure of the intensity of the heat that is stored in a volume of a sample of
water. Ideally, the temperatures of surface water range from 0⁰ to 40⁰ that is observable in hot
springs (Hing, 2012, p.87). Temperature is the main determinant of the intensity of water. It also
affects the amount of dissolved oxygen in a water sample since as the temperature of water
increases, the solubility of dissolved oxygen reduces. From the analysis, the temperature of the
US sample was found to be 10.5⁰ while that of DS was 10.6⁰. These are relatively low
low buffering capacity. The pH of such water samples quickly changes when acids are added to
them (Raikar, 2012, p.112). When the alkalinity of a substance is high, it is possible to add more
acid to the substance without a significant change in the pH of the substance. This is possible
since the carbonates and hydrogen carbonates present in the sample would react with the
hydrogen ions, which are responsible for the acidic properties, which would inhibit the decrease
in the pH.
Closely related to alkalinity is the pH, the concentration of hydrogen ions in a sample of water.
pH measures the amount or concentration of hydrogen ions in water. The higher the hydrogen
ion concentration, the lower the pH. From the obtained results of the analysis, the pH of the two
samples is found to be 7.65 for US and 7.4 for DS. These are an illustration of neutral samples of
water. The pH of the two samples is tending to low values (Maqbool, 2013, p.92).
The alkalinity and the pH of the water samples show that the water is neutral. The level of
acidity and alkalinity in both samples balance out. This makes the water be used for different
purposes. Neutral water can support the lives of living organism both human beings, plants and
aquatic creatures.
Analysis of Temperature and Dissolved oxygen
Temperature is the measure of the intensity of the heat that is stored in a volume of a sample of
water. Ideally, the temperatures of surface water range from 0⁰ to 40⁰ that is observable in hot
springs (Hing, 2012, p.87). Temperature is the main determinant of the intensity of water. It also
affects the amount of dissolved oxygen in a water sample since as the temperature of water
increases, the solubility of dissolved oxygen reduces. From the analysis, the temperature of the
US sample was found to be 10.5⁰ while that of DS was 10.6⁰. These are relatively low
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temperatures. Temperature has an impact on the solubility of chemical substances. High
temperatures increase the solubility of chemical substances in the water hence affecting the
pollution effect of the water. From these results, it is deducible that the water samples contained
a high amount of dissolved oxygen and had lower rates of dissolution of chemical substances or
compounds due to the low-temperature values of both samples (Kashif, 2011, p.57).
This water sample can thus be used in supporting aquatic life due to the high concentration of
dissolved oxygen. It is possible to incorporate such activities as fish farming into the site as one
of the developments. The aquatic plants and animals would easily adapt to the prevailing
conditions. The development is further facilitated by the low temperature of the water, which
was about 10⁰C. These conditions are ideal for fish farming and thus can serve to bring the site
under a varied range of activities thereby bringing about a balance in the ecosystem of the site
after construction (Kashif, 2011, p.105).
Electrical conductivity
This is the measure of the flow of electrons facilitated by ions through the ions. As a function of
the pH and temperature, water molecules are able to dissociate into ions thereby enabling
estimation of the electrical conductivity of the water. The extent of conduction of electricity in
water is determined by factors among them
The mobility of the ions: The higher the mobility, the higher the electrical conductivity
due to increased flexibility of the ions.
The concentration of the ions: More ions mean more conductivity substance and thus
higher conductivity.
temperatures. Temperature has an impact on the solubility of chemical substances. High
temperatures increase the solubility of chemical substances in the water hence affecting the
pollution effect of the water. From these results, it is deducible that the water samples contained
a high amount of dissolved oxygen and had lower rates of dissolution of chemical substances or
compounds due to the low-temperature values of both samples (Kashif, 2011, p.57).
This water sample can thus be used in supporting aquatic life due to the high concentration of
dissolved oxygen. It is possible to incorporate such activities as fish farming into the site as one
of the developments. The aquatic plants and animals would easily adapt to the prevailing
conditions. The development is further facilitated by the low temperature of the water, which
was about 10⁰C. These conditions are ideal for fish farming and thus can serve to bring the site
under a varied range of activities thereby bringing about a balance in the ecosystem of the site
after construction (Kashif, 2011, p.105).
Electrical conductivity
This is the measure of the flow of electrons facilitated by ions through the ions. As a function of
the pH and temperature, water molecules are able to dissociate into ions thereby enabling
estimation of the electrical conductivity of the water. The extent of conduction of electricity in
water is determined by factors among them
The mobility of the ions: The higher the mobility, the higher the electrical conductivity
due to increased flexibility of the ions.
The concentration of the ions: More ions mean more conductivity substance and thus
higher conductivity.
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Temperature: Increases the kinetic energy of the ions thereby increasing the speed of
flow and thus higher electrical conductivity and;
Oxidation state (Krenkel, 2012, p.530)
Among the applications about water quality that are determined using electrical conductivity
include;
Mineralization determination
Estimation of the sizes of samples that would be required for other chemical analyses
Taking note of the variations in natural water; and
Estimation of the number of chemical reagents that are to be added to a sample of water
Conductivity is affected by the presence of dissolved inorganic solids as well as temperature
(Council, 2012, p.208). A higher temperature increases the rate of conductivity since there would
be increased mobility of the ions and electrons responsible for conductivity. Temperature does
not affect the electrical conductivity of the two samples of water used in this experiment. The
samples were found to be at low temperatures that may not ignite the ions to flow freely.
The results obtained from the quality analysis of water indicate that the DS water sample had an
electrical conductivity of 188.6 uS/cm while US sample had a conductivity of 197.8 uS/cm.
Electrical conductivity of water in streams is, and rivers are influenced by the geological
composition of the region through which the water flows. It is possible to conclude from these
results that the streams were running through regions with clay soils. Such regions tend to have
higher conductivity due to the presence of materials that are able to ionize when they are washed
into the water (Krenkel, 2012, p.434). The results posted about electrical conductivity gives a
clue of the type of soil from which the water samples were collected which can be concluded to
Temperature: Increases the kinetic energy of the ions thereby increasing the speed of
flow and thus higher electrical conductivity and;
Oxidation state (Krenkel, 2012, p.530)
Among the applications about water quality that are determined using electrical conductivity
include;
Mineralization determination
Estimation of the sizes of samples that would be required for other chemical analyses
Taking note of the variations in natural water; and
Estimation of the number of chemical reagents that are to be added to a sample of water
Conductivity is affected by the presence of dissolved inorganic solids as well as temperature
(Council, 2012, p.208). A higher temperature increases the rate of conductivity since there would
be increased mobility of the ions and electrons responsible for conductivity. Temperature does
not affect the electrical conductivity of the two samples of water used in this experiment. The
samples were found to be at low temperatures that may not ignite the ions to flow freely.
The results obtained from the quality analysis of water indicate that the DS water sample had an
electrical conductivity of 188.6 uS/cm while US sample had a conductivity of 197.8 uS/cm.
Electrical conductivity of water in streams is, and rivers are influenced by the geological
composition of the region through which the water flows. It is possible to conclude from these
results that the streams were running through regions with clay soils. Such regions tend to have
higher conductivity due to the presence of materials that are able to ionize when they are washed
into the water (Krenkel, 2012, p.434). The results posted about electrical conductivity gives a
clue of the type of soil from which the water samples were collected which can be concluded to

Civil Engineering 6
be clay soil. An in-depth analysis of the properties of this clay soil can be conducted to establish
its strength among other attributes. Clay soils are known for their strength and thus able to
support heavy loads of structures. They can, therefore, be used to erect tall and storey buildings
to significant heights. In this regard, it would help in the conservation of space that is put under
construction and thus an environmental balance between the built and the unbuilt spaces.
Samples for inorganic chemical analysis
Organic materials are derivatives of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen and are extracted
from living organisms besides industrial sources (Li, 2010, p.258). Organic compounds may be
composed of sulfur, chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine among other elements. Various
organic compounds have different impacts on the quality of water thereby a determinant of the
usages of such water. While benzene and vinyl chloride are known as being an agent of
carcinogenesis, other compounds are known for other effects. Organic compound can either be
organic or synthetic. Natural organics substances find themselves in water in water through a
variety of processes inclusive of precipitation and interaction between precipitation and soils.
Fabricated organic compounds are composed of a variety of aromatic and aliphatic compounds
(Li, 2010, p.324).
The test results of the two water samples indicated the availability of insignificant levels of
organic compounds. Among the organic compounds whose presence were tested included
naphthalene, fluorene, anthracene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene
among other organic substances. The results indicated less than 1mg/L for some of the organic
substances and <2mg/L for others. This indicated that the samples were free from organic
substances. Closely related to organic substances in water is total organic carbon (TOC). This is
be clay soil. An in-depth analysis of the properties of this clay soil can be conducted to establish
its strength among other attributes. Clay soils are known for their strength and thus able to
support heavy loads of structures. They can, therefore, be used to erect tall and storey buildings
to significant heights. In this regard, it would help in the conservation of space that is put under
construction and thus an environmental balance between the built and the unbuilt spaces.
Samples for inorganic chemical analysis
Organic materials are derivatives of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen and are extracted
from living organisms besides industrial sources (Li, 2010, p.258). Organic compounds may be
composed of sulfur, chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine among other elements. Various
organic compounds have different impacts on the quality of water thereby a determinant of the
usages of such water. While benzene and vinyl chloride are known as being an agent of
carcinogenesis, other compounds are known for other effects. Organic compound can either be
organic or synthetic. Natural organics substances find themselves in water in water through a
variety of processes inclusive of precipitation and interaction between precipitation and soils.
Fabricated organic compounds are composed of a variety of aromatic and aliphatic compounds
(Li, 2010, p.324).
The test results of the two water samples indicated the availability of insignificant levels of
organic compounds. Among the organic compounds whose presence were tested included
naphthalene, fluorene, anthracene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene
among other organic substances. The results indicated less than 1mg/L for some of the organic
substances and <2mg/L for others. This indicated that the samples were free from organic
substances. Closely related to organic substances in water is total organic carbon (TOC). This is
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Civil Engineering 7
used in the determination of organics in water. It is estimated by finding the difference between
the total carbon and inorganic carbon in the water sample. The total organic carbon for the two
samples US and DS were18.1gml/L and 18.5 mg/L (Council, 2012, p.188).
Samples for inorganic chemical analysis
The presence and the quantity of a variety of inorganic substances were tested under this test.
Among the inorganic substances whose presence were detected in the two samples included
fluoride, chloride, nitrite, sulphate, phosphate, ammonium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and
sodium among other inorganic substances. The concentration of fluoride, bromide, nitrite,
phosphate and ammonium were found to be less than 0.20 mg/l of the samples. Calcium,
chloride and sulphate were found to be having a concentration of greater than 10mg/l while
nitrate sodium and potassium had a concentration of more than 1mg/l but less than 10mg/l
(Bhatti, 2013, p.87).
The samples contain nitrogen in different concentrations and forms. Nitrogen exits in such forms
as nitrite, ammonia and nitrates. Of all these forms, nitrates are found to be the most common
inorganic pollutant to water. Ammonia results as a product of decomposition of the remains of
dead plants and animals. Nitrites, on the other hand, are in most cases found to be in very low
concentrations in most of the samples of water as they are readily converted to nitrates by
nitrogen-fixing bacteria. From this analysis, nitrate was found to be in the highest concentration
of the three forms of nitrogen.
The presence of nitrates in the water samples is an illustration of the influence of the
groundwater by inadequate or improperly functioning septic systems. It provides an
understanding of the necessary adjustments that need to be made to the septic system before the
used in the determination of organics in water. It is estimated by finding the difference between
the total carbon and inorganic carbon in the water sample. The total organic carbon for the two
samples US and DS were18.1gml/L and 18.5 mg/L (Council, 2012, p.188).
Samples for inorganic chemical analysis
The presence and the quantity of a variety of inorganic substances were tested under this test.
Among the inorganic substances whose presence were detected in the two samples included
fluoride, chloride, nitrite, sulphate, phosphate, ammonium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and
sodium among other inorganic substances. The concentration of fluoride, bromide, nitrite,
phosphate and ammonium were found to be less than 0.20 mg/l of the samples. Calcium,
chloride and sulphate were found to be having a concentration of greater than 10mg/l while
nitrate sodium and potassium had a concentration of more than 1mg/l but less than 10mg/l
(Bhatti, 2013, p.87).
The samples contain nitrogen in different concentrations and forms. Nitrogen exits in such forms
as nitrite, ammonia and nitrates. Of all these forms, nitrates are found to be the most common
inorganic pollutant to water. Ammonia results as a product of decomposition of the remains of
dead plants and animals. Nitrites, on the other hand, are in most cases found to be in very low
concentrations in most of the samples of water as they are readily converted to nitrates by
nitrogen-fixing bacteria. From this analysis, nitrate was found to be in the highest concentration
of the three forms of nitrogen.
The presence of nitrates in the water samples is an illustration of the influence of the
groundwater by inadequate or improperly functioning septic systems. It provides an
understanding of the necessary adjustments that need to be made to the septic system before the
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Civil Engineering 8
commencement of engineering work on the site (Raikar, 2012, p.106). This knowledge is also
fundamental in the determination of the influence of different grain sizes of soil determines the
flow rates as well and an understanding of the concept of soil as a natural filter.
Samples for analysis of heavy metals
The presence of heavy metals in a water sample affects the level of contamination of the water.
Higher concentration illustrates high levels of contamination in the water and hence limiting the
applicable uses of the water. The analysis provided is for some of the heavy metals including
iron, aluminium, barium, beryllium, silver, lithium among other metals. Metals including silver,
beryllium had a concentration of less than 0.05 ug/l. aluminium, boron, iron was in very high
concentrations. This means engineering tasks that would not be in favor of using water
containing such elements would be discouraged. On the other hand, metals like iron are good for
the human body. It would thus be encouraged to use this water as drinking water for the dwellers
of the built structures (Bhatti, 2013, p.35).
Heavy metals have been confirmed as a major source of threat and associated with various health
risks in human beings. This has led to the need for caution even as water containing such
elements is to find their applications in engineering. These metals in as much as do not perform
any biological role in the human body are able to remain the human body in other forms that
would lead to the improper functioning and hence harmful to the human body. Some of these
metals including aluminium can be removed through processes of elimination. It is thus
recommended that a check is done on the level of heavy metals present in the samples to ensure a
proper choice of the designated application.
commencement of engineering work on the site (Raikar, 2012, p.106). This knowledge is also
fundamental in the determination of the influence of different grain sizes of soil determines the
flow rates as well and an understanding of the concept of soil as a natural filter.
Samples for analysis of heavy metals
The presence of heavy metals in a water sample affects the level of contamination of the water.
Higher concentration illustrates high levels of contamination in the water and hence limiting the
applicable uses of the water. The analysis provided is for some of the heavy metals including
iron, aluminium, barium, beryllium, silver, lithium among other metals. Metals including silver,
beryllium had a concentration of less than 0.05 ug/l. aluminium, boron, iron was in very high
concentrations. This means engineering tasks that would not be in favor of using water
containing such elements would be discouraged. On the other hand, metals like iron are good for
the human body. It would thus be encouraged to use this water as drinking water for the dwellers
of the built structures (Bhatti, 2013, p.35).
Heavy metals have been confirmed as a major source of threat and associated with various health
risks in human beings. This has led to the need for caution even as water containing such
elements is to find their applications in engineering. These metals in as much as do not perform
any biological role in the human body are able to remain the human body in other forms that
would lead to the improper functioning and hence harmful to the human body. Some of these
metals including aluminium can be removed through processes of elimination. It is thus
recommended that a check is done on the level of heavy metals present in the samples to ensure a
proper choice of the designated application.

Civil Engineering 9
Calculation of the TDS
Total dissolved solids (TDS) refer to the determination of the amount of organic and inorganic
substances that dissolve in a liquid, giving a clue on the proportion of the different solids. This
parameter can be used in the measurement of the level of pollution in water features.
TDS=KE×EC, where KE is the correlation factor and EC the electrical conductivity of the water
sample.
From the results of the sample used in the analysis, the electrical conductivity of US water
sample was found to be 197.8 uS/cm while that of DS water sample was 188.6 uS/cm (Ganoulis,
2008, p.68). Using these statistics, the TDS of the two samples were found to be 99 mg/l and 108
mg/l respectively. Pure water contains no dissolved mineral salts hence has a zero total dissolved
solids. In circumstances where there are dissolved mineral, pollutants and salts, the total amount
of such dissolved solids gives a clue on the quality of the water hence providing grounds for
monitoring the quality of such water.
Using the results of this analysis, the water samples are found to be containing relatively
significant levels of total dissolved solids. High values of totals dissolved solids are an indication
that the water is hard meaning there are numerous dissolved minerals that may be seen to form
scale on either side of a swimming pool or inside the pipes. The values of the TDS can thus be
used in establishing the most appropriate interventions before the scale is informed. This
information is also important in the establishment of the most appropriate materials that can be
used on the sides of the swimming pool or even the pipes to avoid being stained by the scale. The
scale is formed on metal surfaces and thus advisable to use plastic pipes in the distribution of this
water to avoid such a problem (Council, 2012, p.54).
Calculation of the TDS
Total dissolved solids (TDS) refer to the determination of the amount of organic and inorganic
substances that dissolve in a liquid, giving a clue on the proportion of the different solids. This
parameter can be used in the measurement of the level of pollution in water features.
TDS=KE×EC, where KE is the correlation factor and EC the electrical conductivity of the water
sample.
From the results of the sample used in the analysis, the electrical conductivity of US water
sample was found to be 197.8 uS/cm while that of DS water sample was 188.6 uS/cm (Ganoulis,
2008, p.68). Using these statistics, the TDS of the two samples were found to be 99 mg/l and 108
mg/l respectively. Pure water contains no dissolved mineral salts hence has a zero total dissolved
solids. In circumstances where there are dissolved mineral, pollutants and salts, the total amount
of such dissolved solids gives a clue on the quality of the water hence providing grounds for
monitoring the quality of such water.
Using the results of this analysis, the water samples are found to be containing relatively
significant levels of total dissolved solids. High values of totals dissolved solids are an indication
that the water is hard meaning there are numerous dissolved minerals that may be seen to form
scale on either side of a swimming pool or inside the pipes. The values of the TDS can thus be
used in establishing the most appropriate interventions before the scale is informed. This
information is also important in the establishment of the most appropriate materials that can be
used on the sides of the swimming pool or even the pipes to avoid being stained by the scale. The
scale is formed on metal surfaces and thus advisable to use plastic pipes in the distribution of this
water to avoid such a problem (Council, 2012, p.54).
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Civil Engineering 10
Ion charge balance
In order to calculate the ion charge balance, the concentration of each of the ions present in the
sample must be established (Raikar, 2012, p.77). Similarly, the seven major ions including
sodium sulfate, bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride, calcium and potassium can successfully be
used in establishing the ion charge of the two samples. The amount of these ions and their
molecular weights in the two samples is as follows
Ion/Sample 1US 1DS 1US 1DS Molecular
weight
Sulphate 15.16 15.37 15.21 15.33 96.06
Sodium 6.75 6.44 6.64 6.84 22.9898
Magnesium 3.20 3.16 1.87 1.88 24.305
Calcium 11.43 11.60 10.95 11.98 40.078
Potassium 1.88 1.98 1.87 1.88 39.0983
Chloride 20.98 20.41 20.08 20.13 35.543
Step 2
Determination of the concentration of the ions
Using these figures, the concentrations of the various cations and ions are calculated.
Concentration of
sulphate in
1US=96.06*15.16/1000=1.4563
Ion charge balance
In order to calculate the ion charge balance, the concentration of each of the ions present in the
sample must be established (Raikar, 2012, p.77). Similarly, the seven major ions including
sodium sulfate, bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride, calcium and potassium can successfully be
used in establishing the ion charge of the two samples. The amount of these ions and their
molecular weights in the two samples is as follows
Ion/Sample 1US 1DS 1US 1DS Molecular
weight
Sulphate 15.16 15.37 15.21 15.33 96.06
Sodium 6.75 6.44 6.64 6.84 22.9898
Magnesium 3.20 3.16 1.87 1.88 24.305
Calcium 11.43 11.60 10.95 11.98 40.078
Potassium 1.88 1.98 1.87 1.88 39.0983
Chloride 20.98 20.41 20.08 20.13 35.543
Step 2
Determination of the concentration of the ions
Using these figures, the concentrations of the various cations and ions are calculated.
Concentration of
sulphate in
1US=96.06*15.16/1000=1.4563
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Civil Engineering 11
1DS=15.37*96.06/1000=1.47644
1DS=15.21*96.06/1000=1.4610
2DS=15.33*96.06/1000=1.4726
Sodium in
1US=22.9898*6.75/1000=0.15518
1DS=22.9898*6.44/1000=0.1480
1DS=22.9898*6.64/1000=0.1527
2D=22.9898*6.84/1000=0.157
Magnesium in
1US=24.305*3.2/1000=0.077776
1DS=24.305*3.16/1000=0.0768
1DS=24.305*1.87/1000=0.0454
2D=24.305*1.88/1000=0.045645
Calcium in
1US=40.078*11.43/1000=0.4581
1DS=40.078*11.60/1000=0.4649
1DS=40.078*10.95/1000=0.43885
1DS=15.37*96.06/1000=1.47644
1DS=15.21*96.06/1000=1.4610
2DS=15.33*96.06/1000=1.4726
Sodium in
1US=22.9898*6.75/1000=0.15518
1DS=22.9898*6.44/1000=0.1480
1DS=22.9898*6.64/1000=0.1527
2D=22.9898*6.84/1000=0.157
Magnesium in
1US=24.305*3.2/1000=0.077776
1DS=24.305*3.16/1000=0.0768
1DS=24.305*1.87/1000=0.0454
2D=24.305*1.88/1000=0.045645
Calcium in
1US=40.078*11.43/1000=0.4581
1DS=40.078*11.60/1000=0.4649
1DS=40.078*10.95/1000=0.43885

Civil Engineering 12
2D=40.078*11.98/1000=0.48013
Potassium in
1US=39.0983*1.88/1000=0.0735
1DS=39.0983*1.98/1000=0.07741
1DS=39.0983*1.87/1000=0.07311
2D=39.09831.88/1000=0.0735
Chloride in
1US=35.543*20.98/1000=0.7457
1DS=35.543*20.41/1000=0.7254
1DS=35.543*20.08/1000=0.7137
2D=35.543*20.13/1000=0.7155
Step 3multiplicaton of the concentration with the valence of the ion
sulphate in
1US=>1.4563*2=2.9126 eq/L
1DS=>1.47644=2.953 eq/L
1DS=>1.4610=2.922 eq/L
2DS=>1.4726=2.9452 eq/L
2D=40.078*11.98/1000=0.48013
Potassium in
1US=39.0983*1.88/1000=0.0735
1DS=39.0983*1.98/1000=0.07741
1DS=39.0983*1.87/1000=0.07311
2D=39.09831.88/1000=0.0735
Chloride in
1US=35.543*20.98/1000=0.7457
1DS=35.543*20.41/1000=0.7254
1DS=35.543*20.08/1000=0.7137
2D=35.543*20.13/1000=0.7155
Step 3multiplicaton of the concentration with the valence of the ion
sulphate in
1US=>1.4563*2=2.9126 eq/L
1DS=>1.47644=2.953 eq/L
1DS=>1.4610=2.922 eq/L
2DS=>1.4726=2.9452 eq/L
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