Water Quality Research Paper

Introduction

Water quality refers to the characteristics of water in terms of chemical, physical, biological, and radiological properties of water. It is also a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which compliance can be assessed. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to the health of the ecosystem, human contact safety, and drinking water.

When human consume untreated water, this is some of the contaminants that are found in untreated water include microorganisms such as viruses, protozoa, and bacteria. Water quality depends on the local geology and ecosystem,

The most familiar of these is probably the presence of ions of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) which interfere with the cleaning action of soap and can form hard sulfate and soft carbonate deposits in water heaters or boilers.[4] Hard water may be softened to remove these ions. The softening process often substitutes sodium cations.[5] Hard water may be preferable to soft water for human consumption since health problems have been associated with excess sodium and with calcium and magnesium deficiencies. Softening decreases nutrition and may increase cleaning effectiveness.[6] Various industries' wastes and effluents can also pollute the water quality in receiving bodies of water.[7]

Environmental water quality, also called ambient water quality, relates to water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Water quality standards for surface waters vary significantly due to different environmental conditions, ecosystems, and intended human uses. Toxic substances and high populations of certain microorganisms can present a health hazard for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, swimming, fishing, rafting, boating, and industrial uses. These conditions may also affect wildlife, which uses the water for drinking or as a

Tests must be performed daily to check the chemical dosage rates. This is to prevent odors developing and also to avoid corrosion as a result of high levels of alkalinity.

Biological sewage treatment

The biological system utilizes bacteria to completely break down the sewage into an acceptable substance for discharge into any waters. The extended aeration process provides a climate in which oxygen-loving bacteria multiply and digest the sewage, converting it into a sludge. These oxygen-loving bacteria are known as aerobic.

The treatment plant uses a tank which is divided into three watertight compartments: an aeration compartment, settling compartment and a chlorine contact compartment.

The sewage enters the aeration compartment where it is digested by aerobic bacteria and microorganisms, whose existence is aided by atmospheric oxygen which is pumped in. The sewage then flows into the settling compartment where the activated sludge is settled out. The clear liquid flows to the chlorinator and after treatment to kill any remaining bacteria it is