ERCEL S.

SALUDO
 Water Quality

“Water quality" is defined as

"those physical, chemical or
biological characteristics of
water by which the user
evaluates the acceptability of
water".
What is monitoring?
Webster's dictionary defines monitoring as:

1) to check and sometimes to adjust for

quality,
2) to watch, observe or check,
especially for a special purpose,
3) to keep track of, regulate or control
(as a process for the operation of a
machine
A distinction can be made between different
monitoring activities:

• Survey: short term observation(s) on

water quality (in present context) to fulfil
definite objective(s);
• Surveillance: a continued programme of
surveys systematically undertaken to
provide a series of observations in
definite time period;
• Monitoring: continuous surveillance
undertaken to fulfil set of objectives.
 Monitoring Strategy

monitoring network design,

sampling frequencies,
choice of variables and
frequency of laboratory
analysis
 based on clear scientific
understanding of:

Issues
the
dynamics Relevant
and Background
characteristi information
cs of water
systems

Scoping and
designing of
water quality
monitoring

Monitoring
Objectives
Appropriate
Methods

Desired
Outcomes
 Water quality monitoring
involves 8 steps

Step-2 Assessment Step-3

Step-1 of Resources Reconnaissance
Setting Availability Survey
Water • Laboratory facilities • Map of the area
Quality • Background information
and competence
Monitoring • Human activities
• Transport • Potential polluting sources
Objectives • Manpower -adequate • Water abstractions and
number and uses
competence • Hydrological information
• Water regulation
 Water quality monitoring
involves 8 steps

Step-4 Network Step-5 Step-6

Design Sampling Laboratory Work
• Selection of sampling • Representative • Laboratory
locations sampling procedures
• Optimum number of
locations
• Field testing • Physical,
• Parameters to be measured • Sample chemical analysis
• Frequency of sampling - preservation - Microbiological
Component to be samples and and biological
• water, sediment or biota • transport analysis
 Water quality monitoring
involves 8 steps

Step-7 Data Management Step-8 Quality Assurance

• Storage - • Production of reliable data
• Statistical analysis • Quality control
• Presentation • Internal AQC
• Interpretation • External AQC
• Reporting
 Sampling

is a process of collecting
representative water samples from
surface water bodies to ensure that
acceptable field methods and
Quality Assurance/ Quality Control
procedures are followed when
performing water quality
assessments to ensure integrity
and reliability of results.
Purpose of Sampling
Objectives, parameters, levels of accuracy and use of the data

Sampling Location

Sampling frequency

Sample collection

On-site Analysis Sample Preservation

Analytical methods and Instrumental Techniques

Data handling and reporting

Some general criteria for selecting appropriate
sampling sites :

1) Always have a reference station up-

stream of all possible discharge points.
The usual purpose of a monitoring
exercise is to determine the degree of
man induced pollution, and the damage
that is caused to aquatic life. The
reference station serves to assess the
situation with respect to background
water quality and biological aspects,
which may vary locally and regionally
2) Drinking water intake points, bathing
ghats, irrigation canal off-take points
should be considered for monitoring.

3) Sampling stations should be located

upstream and downstream of significant
pollution outfalls like city sewage drains
and industrial effluent outfalls.
4) All samples must be representative,
which means that the determinants in
the sample must have the same value as
the water body at the place and time of
sampling. In order to achieve this it is
important that the sample is collected
from well-mixed zone. A homogeneity
test must be performed to identify the
well-mixed zone.
5) Additional downstream stations are
necessary to assess the extent of the
influence of an outfall, and locate the
point of recovery.

6) In large rivers, where mixing is poor and

incomplete, the effluent may tend to
follow one bank. Stations on both sides
downstream are useful to make an
estimate of the extent of the mixing zone
7) In order to enable comparisons among
sampling stations, it is essential that all
stations be sampled approximately at the
same time. Not more than two weeks
should elapse between the sampling of the
first and last station in a river.

8) Sites for biological sampling should match

with sites for chemical sampling.
9) The sampling team normally has to carry
an appreciable burden of sampling gear
and water samples, and the distance they
can walk is limited. Easily accessible sites
should be selected. The site should also be
accessible under all conditions of weather
and river flow. Accessibility is therefore an
important consideration.
10) With respect to preservation, samples
are taken to perform analysis on three
types of parameters: for some parameters,
such as heavy metals, the samples need
not be preserved. For other parameters,
samples can be preserved by cold storage
or by the addition of certain preservatives.
Travel time greater than 24 hours between
the site and laboratory is not
recommended.
11) The collection of samples can be
hazardous at some locations in bad
weather (such as high flow). Such sampling
sites can better be avoided.

12) Dams and barrages provide a different

kind of habitat. Such sampling sites should
be avoided.
13) Availability of sampling facilities such as
bridges, boats, and possibilities for wading
are important criteria in the selection of
sampling sites. .

14) In case of groundwater sampling select

only wells (tubewell, dug-well,
handpump), which are in use.

15) For groundwater pollution monitoring

generally existing structures in the
potentially polluted sites is selected.
 Sampling frequency
Purpose of Frequency of sampling Minimum Duration of
monitoring Monitoring
Trend Monitoring Once a month 3 years
Baseline Survey Once a month 1 year
Preliminary Survey As necessary depending < 1 year
on objective
Emergency Survey High, depend on impact Very short (days or week)
area and parameter

Impact surveys Based on project design Variable depending on

and objective duration and impact of the
project
Classification Quarterly 1 year
Re-classification Once a month 3 years
Monitoring for ECC As prescribed in the EMoP As prescribed in the EMoP or
Compliance or in the ECC in the ECC
Significant
Parameters
 Check list for the
field visit
Itinerary for the trip (route, stations to be Personnel and sample transport
covered, start and return time) arrangement

Area map Sampling site location map

Icebox filled with ice or icepacks or ice Weighted bottle sampler

BOD bottles Rope

Special sample containers: bacteriological, Sample containers

heavy metals, etc.

Sample preservatives (e.g. acid solutions) Thermometer

Tissue paper Other field measurement Kit

 Check list for the
field visit
Sample identification forms Labels for sample containers

Area map Pen / pencil / marker

Field notebook Match box

Soap and towel Distilled water

Spirit lamp Sample containers

First-aid box Gloves and eye protection

 Tips before going to field
All the arrangements are made
Make sure, how to reach sampling site(s).
Field operator may make his/her own personal
checklist.
Decide on the number of each item that would be
required depending on the number of samples to
be collected.

If the laboratory conducting analyses is different

from the laboratory doing sampling...informed the
concerned lab. to receive samples on time,
particularly those which would need immediate
attention.
 General Guidelines
for Sampling

• Label the sample container

properly, preferably by attaching an
appropriately inscribed tag or label.
The sample code and the sampling
date should be clearly marked on
the sample container or the tag.
 General Guidelines
for Sampling

• Rinse the sample container three

times with the sample before it is
filled.
• Leave a small air space in the
bottle to allow mixing of sample at
the time of analysis.
 General Guidelines
for Sampling

• Complete the sample identification

form for each sample.

• The sample identification form

should be filled for each sampling
occasion at a monitoring station
 Surface water
Sampling

• Samples will be collected from well-

mixed section of the river (main
stream) 30 cm below the water
surface using a weighted bottle or
DO sampler.
 Surface water
Sampling
• Samples from reservoir sites will be
collected from the outgoing canal,
power channel or water intake
structure, in case water is pumped.
When there is no discharge in the
canal, sample will be collected from
the upstream side of the regulator
structure, directly from the reservoir.
 Surface water
Sampling

• DO is determined in a sample
collected in a DO bottle using a DO
sampler. The DO in the sample must
be fixed immediately after collection,
using chemical reagents. DO
concentration can then be
determined either in the field or
later, in a level I or level II laboratory.
 Groundwater
Sampling
three types of wells:
• Open dug wells - in use for domestic or
irrigation water supply
• Tube wells fitted with a hand pump or a
power-driven pump - for domestic water
supply or irrigation
• Piezometers, purpose-built for recording of
water level and water quality monitoring.
 Groundwater
Sampling

• Use a weighted sample bottle to

collect sample from an open well
about 30 cm below the surface of
the water.

•Samples from the production tube

wells will be collected after running
the well for about 5 minutes.
 Groundwater
Sampling

• For bacteriological samples, when

collected from tubewells/hand
pump, the spout/outlet of the pump
should be sterilised under flame by
spirit lamp before collection of
sample in container.
 Rivers and Streams

• Selection of monitoring station

should be based on the objective of
sampling, availability of resources,
site accessibility, and educated
judgment as to whether a site can
represent the water quality and
biological diversity of the river or
stream or segment thereof.
• Stationing should start from the
mouth going upstream.
Theoretical Sampling Stations for Rivers and Streams

creek
$

Mouth of $the river

• Indicate its description (water body,
location, geographical coordinates
or landmarks)

• Samples will be collected from well-

mixed section of the river (main
stream) 30 cm below the water
surface using a weighted bottle or DO
sampler.
Proper Position in Taking Water Sample in Wadable Waters
Proper Position in Taking Water Sample in Wadable Waters for DO Test
 Coastal and Offshore Waters

Beaches
- <1 kilometer length – three (3) monitoring
sites

- > 1 kilometer length – normally spaced 300

meters apart;

- presence of fresh water inflow to the

coastal areas, monitoring stations
should be established near the
outlet inflow
 Wastewater Sampling

 Samples should be collected from a location

that is representative of the facility’s
discharge
 If the facility has more than one discharge
point it may be necessary to collect samples
from several locations in order to adequately
characterize the facility’s entire discharge.
 Sample should be collected from the center
of the flow with container facing upstream
to avoid contamination.
 Samples should be collected in
areas that are turbulent and
well mixed and where the
chance of solids settling is
minimal.
 Samples should not be collected
from stagnant areas containing
immiscible liquids or suspended
solids
 All wastewater samples
obtained for analysis must be
from a point in the effluent
stream that is representative of
the whole stream composition.

 The volume of sample taken

must be sufficient to allow for
analysis of all required
parameters.
 R2

Process Building

E2

I E3
E1

Wastewater Treatment Plant

MAP OF SAMPLING STATIONS R3

…Sample collection
…Sample collection
…Sample collection
 Sample Labeling

Label the sample container

properly, preferably by attaching an
appropriately inscribed tag or label.

Alternatively, the bottle can be

labelled directly with a water-proof
marker.
 Information on the sample
container or the tag should
include:

source and type of sample

sample code number (identifying location)

 date and time of sampling

sampler’s name

pre-treatment or preservation carried out

on the sample
 any special notes for the analyst
Example of Sample
Labeling
Sample Preservation
and Transport
Sample Preservation
and Transport
Sample Preservation
and Transport
Sample Preservation
and Transport
Sample Preservation
and Transport
Sample Preservation
and Transport
Sampling devices
Sampling devices

A Field Test
Kit
 Types of Samples

• Grab Sample
• Composite Sample
• Control Sample
 Grab Sample
Provide “snapshot”
Used for process control
Short hold time
Used for testing that
requires immediate analysis
Cl2, pH, temp, organic,
volatiles
 Composite Sample
Represent heterogeneous matrix
Can be set to represent flow based
Can result in loss or dilution of
analyte

Can result in increase interferences

Can not be used on certain tests
Cl2, pH, temp
 Control Samples
- Tests for contamination/proper
technique & Indicates background levels

Field blank
-prepared in the sampling site

Trip blank
-beginning of the trip.

Equipment blank
 Cleaning procedures

For heavy metals rinsing with:

• - 1:1 diluted Nitric acid

• - three times washing with

double distilled water.
 Cleaning procedures

for trace organic:

(chlorinated) compounds, like

pesticides, should be cleaned with
the solvent used for extraction
(also of high purity quality).
 Cleaning procedures

for the general physical-chemical:

Thorough cleaning with water to

remove particulates and two times
rinsing with distilled water will
usually be sufficient.
 Cleaning procedures

for Bacteriological:
Thorough cleaning with water to
remove particulates and two times
rinsing with distilled water will usually
be sufficient.

Sterilized at 121oC & 15 psi for 30

min.
 Cleaning procedures

• All bottles should arrive at

the sampling site in a fully
cleaned state, protected
from accidental
contamination.
 Cleaning procedures

• The last cleaning step is in

most cases rinsing 2-3 times
with the water to be
sampled.
Sample Containers
Reminders:

Inspect all containers and covers for cracks an

chips and for cleanliness. Do not use containers
with visible defects or discoloration;
Do not use containers that have been used for
storage of chemicals or other liquids. All
containers must be decontaminated according to
recommended procedure;
For microbial analysis, strong thick-walled, glass
sample bottles with minimum capacity of 300 ml
are recommended. The bottles should have screw
caps of a type that will maintain an effective seal;
Use only the type of containers that are
prescribed for the analysis to be performed.
Prevention of Sample
Contamination
 Field Measurements should always be
made on-site on a separate sub-sample,
which is then discarded;
 Sample container, new or used, must be
cleaned according to the recommended
methods;
 Only the recommended type of container
for each parameter should be used;
 Water sample containers should be
employed for water samples only;
 Recommended preservation methods
must be followed;
 The inner part of sample containers and
caps should not be touched with bare
hands, gloves, mitts, etc. (Do not put
anything in the sample bottle except the
water sample and recommended
preservatives)
 Preservatives should be freshly prepared
and dispensed with, using clean
glassware;
 Sample containers which have been
sterilized for microbiological sampling
must remain sterile until the sample is
collected;

 All foreign objects, must be kept out of

contact with preservatives and water
samples;

 Sample containers must be kept in a

clean location, away from dust, dirt,
fumes and grime;
 Samples must never be left to stand in
the sun; they should be stored in a cool,
dark place; ice chest are recommended.
Keep the empty sample bottles in the
coolers for additional cleanliness;
 Samples must be submitted to the
laboratory as promptly as possible;
 All sampling instrument, equipment,
containers, supplies and materials to be
used in sampling should be packed
properly in clean containers before
leaving for the site.
Reminders:

• All samples that will be sent to laboratory

for analysis should be preserved within 15
minutes after sample collection;
• If the sample to be preserved will require
filtration, filtration must be done before
preservation;
• Samples should be kept in an insulated
sample container to avoid contamination;
• Ensure that the recommended holding time
for the parameter to be analyzed is not
exceeded by the time the sample reaches
the laboratory.
 Packing Materials and Containers for Transport

 Prepare sufficient size and quantity of

packing materials and transport
containers to hold all the samples
securely during transport to the
laboratory;
 Transport containers should be made of
sturdy materials; should be suited for ice
packs; and able to protect sample
containers and samples from heat, dust,
and breakage during travel;
 Sample containers for bacteriological
analysis should be placed in clear plastic
bags to protect contamination. It must
be packed separately from samples for
analysis of other parameters;

 “Blue ice” or other types of commercial,

re-freezable containers that have a
freezing point below 0oC are not
recommended, it may cause sample
containers to freeze and can result in
ruined samples or break sample
containers.
Laboratory Analyses
What are we measuring?

1. OXYGEN DEMANDING MATERIAL

Usually • Common organic materials -

biodegradable organic carbohydrates,
matter and certain fats, proteins,
inorganic compounds phosphorus
that can be oxidized in containing
the receiving water compounds, urea
with the consumption
of dissolved molecular
oxygen
1. OXYGEN DEMANDING MATERIAL

COMMON WQ PARAMETERS:
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) at 20C
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Oil and Grease
ORGANIC
CO2,NH3,

OXIDATION
MATTER

BACTERIAL
H2S, H2O,
+
etc
OXYGEN

NEW CELLS

DISSOLVED
OXYGEN IN RECEIVING
WATER

AEROBIC
OXIDATION
Parameter
What are we
measuring?
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD5)

• Measurement of dissolved oxygen

used by microorganisms in the
biochemical oxidation of organic
matter.

• Quantity of oxygen needed by

microorganisms to stabilize
organic matter present in
wastewater.
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

• Measures the organic matter that

contain compounds that are toxic to
biological life

• Generally higher than BOD because

more compounds can be chemically
oxidized than biologically oxidized
Can be determined in three hours
compared with five days for BOD
 2. NUTRIENTS
They must be present
Nutrients of in lakes and rivers to
primary support the natural
food chain.
concern:
Excessive nutrient
NITROGEN levels often lead to
PHOSPHORUS large growth of algae,
which in turn become
oxygen demanding
substances when they
die and settle to the
bottom
COMMON WQ
PARAMETERS

Ammonia (NH3-N)
Nitrate (NO3)
Phosphorus (P)
Surfactants
 Include:
BACTERIA
VIRUSES
PROTOZOA
Organic and inorganic particles that
are carried by wastewater into a
receiving water.
• Reduce the amount of sunlight
available to aquatic plants
• Cover spawning areas and food
supplies
• Smother coral reefs
• Clog and harm the gills of fish
COMMON PARAMETERS
pH
Electrical Conductivity
Dissolved Solids
Hardness
Chlorides
Sodium
HARDNESS – the property of water which
hampers the lather formation with soap.
Ions, especially Ca 2+, Mg 2+, Cl -, CO3 2+,
HCO3 -, impart hardness to water.
Hardness of Water, Description
mg/l CaCO3

0-17 SOFT
17-60 SLIGHTLY HARD
60-120 MODERATELY HARD
120-180 HARD
More than 180 VERY HARD
 Heavy Metals
Pesticides
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Phenols
Heavy Metals –
arsenic, lead, mercury,
chromium, cadmium,
zinc, chromium
hexavalent , etc.
TOXIC ORGANIC
COMPOUNDS

Not readily biodegradable and

accumulate in the food chain (bio-
magnification process)
Pesticides – chlorinated pesticides
such as DDT, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
Dioxins
Phenols
heat – cause adverse impacts, such as
- death of microorganisms due to
thermal shock

- dissolved oxygen reduction

- intensification of taste and odor
problems
EMB Approved Methods of
Analysis for Water and
Wastewater
 THANK YOU
AND
GOD BLESS US
ALL!