Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

Module - CE 4052 Environmental Engineering

Assignment Concepts of unit processes for water treatment (LO-1, LO-2) Marks 10%

Students
response
Learning • Demonstrate his/her ability to plan a water supply scheme for a given
Outcomes of community based on sound engineering principles and determine the Yes/No
the Practical operating levels and sizes of all components
• Select suitable unit operations for treatment of the source water to achieve
the required quality to meet drinking water standards and Yes/No
formulate/develop a conceptual design for a water treatment plant

Programme PO1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic sciences and engineering

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Outcomes fundamentals to solve complex engineering problems
PO2: Identify, formulate, research literature, and analyse complex engineering
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problems to arrive at valid conclusions.
PO3: Design solutions to complex engineering problems; involving systems,
components or processes that meet specified needs, including conflicting
constraints.
PO4: Conduct investigations of complex engineering problems using research-based
knowledge and research methods (including experimental design, analysis & M
interpretation of data and synthesis of information)
PO5: Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern
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engineering and IT tools to complex engineering activities
PO6: Assess societal, health, safety, legal, cultural, and environmental issues related
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to professional engineering solutions
PO7: Demonstrate broad knowledge of sustainable development concepts and
practices required for dealing with contemporary issues related to professional H
engineering practice.
PO8: Demonstrate broad knowledge of ethical responsibilities and professional
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standards
PO9: Demonstrate ability to function effectively as an individual and in
multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or M
manager as well as an effective team member.
PO10: Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the
engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to
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comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make
effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.
PO11: Demonstrate broad knowledge of management and business practices,
including financial management, risk and change management.
PO12: Engage in independent and lifelong learning in the broad context of
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technological change.
H – High M – Medium L– Low
Lecturer Ms. R. M. B. C. K. Rathnayake

Student Name
Registration Number:
Date of Assignment: Date Due:
Initial Submission Date: Re Submission Date:

B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 1 of 10

Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

Important
1. Please note that plagiarism is treated as a serious offence and therefore the work you produce must
be individual and original.
2. All sources of information must be referenced using “Harvard Referencing” where a reference
list/Bibliography should be included at the end of the assignment. (You may refer the information
given in http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm).
3. Please note that the submission date given for the assignment (14 days after the date of performance
for the laboratory session) is the final date that you can submit the assignment. If the given submission
date is a public holiday, redefined submission deadline will be at 1300 hr of the immediate following
working day. Late submissions will be graded lower.
4. Assignments returned to students for corrections must be re-submitted within 10 days
5. Failure to re-submit the previously marked assignment with the re-submitted assignment will mean
that results cannot be released for the respective unit.

Plagiarism

Although research and discussion form an essential part of the assignment, deliberate copying of
the work of others or unacknowledged copying from printed or electronic sources is NOT
permitted. Disciplinary actions will be taken against those who are found guilty of plagiarism.
Signing of this sheet is required to indicate your compliance with the above regulations.

Student’s Signature: ……………………………….. Date: .…………………

Student’s Comments (prior to the submission) if any:

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Student’s feedback (after the the submission) if any:

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B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 2 of 10

Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

Identification of general hazards associated with the practical

Hazardous Chemicals, Substances, Biohazards
Chemicals/Substances ☐Acutely toxic chemicals Biohazards
☐ Compressed Gases - Flammable ☐Carcinogens ☐Animal Infection Studies
☐ Compressed Gases - Oxidizing ☐Nanomaterials ☐Large Scale Culture
☐ Compressed Gases - Toxic ☐Reproductive Toxins ☐Risk Group – 2 Pathogens
☐ Compressed Gases - Inert ☐Simple Asphyxiant ☐Risk Group – 3 Pathogens
☐ Cryogenic materials ☐Corrosive Liquid ☐ Plant Pathogens
☐ Organic peroxides ☐DEA/Controlled Substances ☐Biological Toxins
☐ Peroxide Formers ☐Specific Organ Toxicity ☐Human, Blood, Body Fluids
☐ Self-reactive substances ☐Explosives ☐Cell Culture
☐ Water-reactive substances ☐Flammable Liquids ☐Viruses
☐ Pyrophorics ☐Oxidizers/reducing agents ☐Transgenic Plants or Animals

Hazardous Processes or Equipment

☐ Explosion hazard ☐Hand/power tools ☐Unattended Reactions
☐ Exothermic, with potential ☐Moving Equipment or parts ☐Respiratory Hazard
for fire or excessive heat ☐Electrical hazards ☐Vacuum/Pressure Systems
☐ Acid Baths ☐Noise > 85 dBa ☐Refrigerators and Freezers
☐ Hazardous reaction or products ☐Hot surfaces ☐Stirring and Mixing devices
☐ Generation of air contaminants ☐Ergonomic Hazard ☐Laboratory Microwave ovens
(e.g. gases, aerosols, particulates) ☐Needles/Sharps ☐Slip, trip, falls
☐ Heating chemicals ☐Drying Oven/Furnace ☐Repetitive Motion/vibrations
☐ Large volumes ☐Centrifuge
☐ Chemical transferring ☐Working alone/ Afterhours
Field Hazards
☐ Foul Weather ☐Vector-borne or other endemic disease ☐Lifting/carrying
☐ Temperature Extremes ☐Hygiene/water or food-borne ☐Strenuous physical activity
☐ Darkness/low light illness (e.g. long days, high stress, etc.)
☐ Altitude ☐Falling objects ☐Driving/Operating a Vehicle
☐ Smoke/dust ☐Boating/swimming/water hazards (e.g. Tractor, OSU or personal)
☐ Wild Animals/insects ☐Limited Communication ☐Uneven Surfaces
☐ Plants/Allergens ☐Remote area/limited medical services ☐Heights
Shop/Laser/Radiation
Shop Laser Radiation
☐ Aerial Lift ☐Class IIIb Laser ☐X-ray Machine
☐ Air Compressor ☐Class IV Laser ☐Magnetic Field (e.g. NMR, MRI)
☐ Crane ☐Radioactive Materials
☐ Forklift ☐Unsealed Source Radionuclides
☐ Hot Work ☐Sealed Source Radionuclides
☐ Used/New Oil ☐Ultraviolet Light/Infared Light

Required laboratory PPE/Safety Supplies

☐Appropriate clothing (long pants, closed-toed shoes, etc) ☐ Fire extinguisher

☐ Gloves; indicate type: ☐ Eyewash/safety shower
☐ Safety glasses ☐ First aid kit
☐ Safety goggles ☐ Spill kit
☐ Hearing protection ☐ Specialized medical supplies (e.g., calcium
☐ Face shield and googles gluconate for hydrofluoric acid)
☐ Hard hat ☐ Others (list):……………………………….
☐ Lab coat
☐ Flame-resistant lab coat

B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 3 of 10

Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

Risk assessment tool

Consequence/Severity
Risk Matrix
Low Medium High
High (almost certain) Medium High High
Likelihood/
Probability Med (likely/possible) Low/Medium Medium High
Low (rare) Low Low Medium

The following table defines what a low, medium and high severity risk is based on risk to people, environment,
operations, and reputation. Use this table to assist with the Risk Matrix above.

Consequence/ Impact
People Environment Operations Reputation
No safety or health hazards Minor spill or emission/ Insignificant or minimal Lab/ Department/ level
present, first aid injury, Slight effect. impact on operations. attention.
Low
short-term exposure to mild
health effect.
Medical treatment injury, Controlled Could delay operations due Local area attention,
Severity
chronic health effects, time- environmental release, to minor property damage. University level
Medium
loss <7 days, moderate minor and/or localized attention.
health effect. effects.
Severe health effect, time- Some permanent Significant or long-term State, National and
loss > 7 days, permanent /widespread ecological effects on the ability to International attention.
High incapacitation or disability damage, major effect continue operations, results
of fatality. in significant property
damage and financial loss.

The following table defines what a low, medium and high likelihood/probability is for the Risk Matrix tool.
Likelihood/Probability Explanation
Low Nearly unlikely to happen in the near future and no immediate action is needed.
Medium Moderately unlikely or likely to occur and actions should be taken to reduce or control the risk.
High More than likely to occur or high probability the risk will occur; immediate action plans required.

The risk rating for the practical w.r.t. the above assessment tool: Low

Student feedback on laboratory health and safety practices

Are satisfactory post-experiment processes adapted? (e.g., waste disposal, material reuse,
Yes/No
cleaning equipment, floor/tables, switch off unused equipment, etc.)
If not, please suggest the post-experimental measures you propose.

Are you satisfied with the overall occupational safety of the laboratory? (e.g., safety during the
experiment, adequate lighting and ventilation, unobstructed exits, availablity and easy access Yes/No
to first aid box, fire extinguishers, availability of trained staff in an emergency etc.)
If not, what additional safety measures do you propose to improve the overall safety of the laboratory
and/or the safety during the experiment?

I am aware of the general health and safety practices adapted in the laboratory and have
read and understood the general hazards and risks associated with the practical.

Students signature:…………………….. Date:………………………

B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 4 of 10

Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

CONCEPTS OF UNIT
PROCESSES FOR WATER
TREATMENT
Environmental Engineering

B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 5 of 10

Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

Introduction and Problem Statement

Clean and safe water is a prerequisite for human health and well-being. The water sources which
are used for abstraction of water for everyday use may not always satisfy the required water quality
due to the presence of pollutants. Therefore, the quality of source water should be improved
through an appropriate sequence of water treatment processes before it is supplied to end users.
Usually, conventional water treatment is carried out in the context of a chain of unit processes
including, but not limited to screening, aeration, coagulation & flocculation, sedimentation,
filtration and disinfection. The unit processes employed in a water treatment process may vary
upon source water quality and the intended objectives for product water quality.
Through this assignment, students will acquire knowledge and hands on experience on two main
unit processes practiced in a conventional water treatment plant; i.e., coagulation & flocculation
and disinfection (with chlorine).
• Coagulation &flocculation processes are used for the removal of colloidal suspended
solids in water by adding a coagulant to destabilize the colloidal particles and aggregate them
together to form larger flocs that are heavy enough to settle under gravity. The two processes are
demonstrated using the Jar Test.
• Disinfection is used for the elimination or inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in
water. The most widely used method of disinfection is "chlorination" where chlorine is added to
the water to maintain the required free residual chlorine level. The chlorination process is
explained using the Breakpoint Chlorination Test.

Description of the Assignment

• Jar Test will be performed using the Jar Test Apparatus and Alum [Al2(SO4)3.14H20] as
the coagulant. At the end of the experiment, the students are required to determine the
optimum Alum dose which gives minimum turbidity by plotting the graph against Alum
dose (mg/I) and residual turbidity (NTU). Turbidity and pH of the water is measured at the
beginning and after conducting the Jar Test using turbidimeter and pH meter, respectively.

• During the Breakpoint Chlorination Test, the students are expected to determine the
"breakpoint" at which further addition of chlorine to the water results in a corresponding
increase in the chlorine residual, by plotting the "breakpoint chlorination curve" against
chlorine dose (mg/I) and residual chlorine (mg/I). Residual chlorine is determined from
the DPD colorimetric method, using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer.

Deliverables

A report, including results of Jar Test and Break-Point-Chlorination Test will be submitted in two
weeks from the second day of the Assignment

B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 6 of 10

Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

Coagulation & Flocculation (Jar Test)

Introduction

One of the objectives of a water treatment plant is to produce finished water which is clear and
colorless. Therefore, appearance and taste should be acceptable to the consumer. Surface water
generally contains suspended matter called turbidity which varies in size and amount. Turbidity
can remove using sand filters. Further removal of turbidity can be done adding coagulant like alum
(Aluminum Sulfate) to the water, mixing rapidly for a brief interval, stirring slowly for a longer
period and then settling for an even longer time. During these steps the coagulation forms a 'floc'
which attracts and enmeshes the small particles of color, dirt, algae and other particulate matter.
The resulting combination of floe and particulate matter, being heavier than water, largely settles
out in the settling chambers. Alkalinity and pH both influence the coagulation process. The jar
tests are designed to show the nature and extend of the chemical treatment which will prove
effective in the plant. Many of the chemicals (coagulants, coagulant aids, alkaline compounds,
softening chemicals) added to a water supply can be evaluated on a laboratory scale by means of
Jar tests. This experiment attempt to determine optimum coagulant does for a given sample of
water.

Optimum Coagulant Dose

Different doses of coagulant are added simultaneously to several samples of water to be tested
under identical condition. The optimum does is the maximum does which will in a moderate time.
Produce a floc which will settle readily and have suitable filterability properties.

B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 7 of 10

Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

Determination of residual chlorine and finding the break point of the

chlorination curve
Introduction
The most common chemical used in the disinfection process is chlorine. Chlorine is usually
preferred over other disinfectants because of cost, availability and effectiveness. The amount of
chlorine which must be applied is dependent on how much it takes to obtain free available
chlorine residual. Chlorine in this form has the highest disinfection ability. To obtain a chlorine
residual, enough chlorine must be added to satisfy the chlorine demand of the water. Chlorine
demand may be caused by iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide or other inorganic or organic
materials in the water.
The Process of adding chlorine to the water until the demand is satisfied and a free residual is
obtained is called breakpoint chlorination. The breakpoint chlorination curve is included in the
following figure.

.
The chlorine solution will not increase the volume of the treated portions by more than 5%.

B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 8 of 10

Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

2. Determination of Concentration of Chlorine(mg/L) in the above solution

Select a sample volume that will require no more than 20 ml 0.01N/0.025N Na2S2O3 and not
less than 0.2m1 for the starch-iodide end point.
I. To a titration flask, add 5 ml acetic acid or enough to reduce the pH to between 3.0 and
4.0.
II. Add about 1 g of solid potassium iodide.
III. Pour the sample in and mix with a stirring rod.
IV. Titrate immediately with 0.01N/0.025N Na2S203 titrant until a pale-yellow color appears.
Add 1 ml starch indicator solution and continue titrating until the blue color disappears.

mg Cl as C12/m1 =A x N x 35.45 / ml Sample

A = ml titrant for sample
N= Normality of Na2S2O3

3. Determination of Chlorine Demand

Estimate the chlorine demand by adding 5 or 10 ml of the prepared chlorine solution to a portion
of the sample (200m1) and titrate with 0.01N Na2S2O3 after mixing well.
Measure the sample temperature and pH.
Note: Keep sample and sample portions at desired temperature and protect from light throughout
the procedure.
I. Measure at least 10 equal sample portions of at least 200 mL each into dark glass-
stopped bottles or flasks of sample capacity to permit mixing.

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Department of Civil Engineering University of Moratuwa

Marking Rubric:

Marks Relevant
KPI’s Criterion for marking Emphasis
(out of 100) PO’s
1. Use of correct (i). Use of correct methodology in PO5 L
methodology and the conducting the practical.
quality of …../25 (ii). Reliability of measurements.
measurements. (iii). Correct use of precision.
2. Calculations and (i). Accuracy of calculations, plotting, etc. PO1 L
results …../25 (ii). Presentation of results.
PO10 L
3. Discussion. (i). Results and the applications of the PO2 L
practical are discussed, and the results PO6 M
are interpreted and presented in the PO7 M
appropriate context.
…../20 (ii). Demonstrate the knowledge on PO2 L
assumptions, limitations and errors of the PO7 M
practical.
(iii). Demonstrate the potential for engage in
self-learning and lifelong learning. PO12 L
4. Coursework and (i). Neatness and clarity. PO10 L
presentation. (ii). Proper use of English.
…../15 (iii). Present the content in own words.
(iv). Adhering to the format.
(v). Appropriate use of references.
5. Teamwork. (i). Ability to lead a team. PO9 L
(ii). Sharing work, credit and responsibility.
…../10 (iii). Active participation in the team learning
activities.
6. Adhering to health (i). Wear appropriate attire (shoes, no PO6 M
and safety guidelines tangled hair, no dangling objects, loosely
of the laboratory. fit garments, etc).
(ii). Adhere to the laboratory health and
…../5 safety guidelines during the laboratory
session.
(iii). Demonstrate the knowledge on risks
associated with the practical, their
likelyhood and consequences.

…../100
Assessed By:

Signature Date

Lecturers’
Remarks

B.Sc Engineering, Semester VII, CE 4052 – Environmental Engineering Page 10 of 10