Foul Water Lab

Layla Molayem

6 -18 - 13

Chemistry 

Dr. Forman 

Foul Water Experiment 

The Chemical Bond Group: Layla, Abby, Jilly

FOUL WATE

Abstract: Although you may think water is only used for drinking and showering, water is applied in everything you do. Because there is a lack of fresh water supply, scientists are trying to devise a way to purify large quantities of water at a low cost. The goal of the Foul Water Experiment was to purify filthy water by oil water separation, sand filtration, and charcoal absorption so it can be utilized.  

Procedure

1) Preparing for your lab 

a) create a data table that presents: volume (mL), color, clarity, oder, presence of oil, and presence of solids

2) With a clean beaker collect 100 mL of foul water

 a) measure its volume
 b) record the volume of the water

 c) leave the sample in the cylinder 

3) Describe the original sample 

a) appearance, color, clarity, and odor
b) describe the apearrance of the foul water before the procedure 

Oil Water Separation 

4)  Let the sample rest in the cylinder for about a minute 

5) Using a pipet, remove the upper liquid layer, and place it in a test tube 

6) Add several drops of distilled water into the liquid that was placed in the test tube 

7) Read & record the volume of the liquid sample remaining in the gradated cylinder 

8) Dispose of the liquid in the test tube as directed by your teacher 

Sand Filtration 

9)  Poke small holes into the bottom of a disposable cup using a paper clip 

10) Add remoistened gravel and sand layers to the cup (should look like this):

(gravel)

(sand)

(sand)
(gravel)

                    

11) Pour the sample to be filtered through the cup and place a beaker underneath to catch the filtrate 

12) Discard of the gravel and sand that was used 

13) Record the qualities of the filtered water sample and document its volume. Save the filtered water sample

Charcoal Adsorption and Filtration 

14) Fold a piece of filter paper and place it in a tunnel; wetten it so it rests on the sides of the funnel 

15) Place the funnel on a ring stand and lower the ring so the rubber tube extends 2-3 cm inside a 150 mL beaker 

16) Add one teaspoon of car coal in a 125 mL or 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask 

17) Add the water sample into the flask and mix 

18) Pour liquid through the filter paper, and filter until filtrate is no longer darkened by charcoal particles 

19) Pour the filtered water sample into a graduated cylinder. Record the final volume and qualitative properties of 

the purified sample 

Results: At first, the water was a yellowish brown color with a disgusting odor. Through the filtration process, the water slowly became less murky. First, the oil was removed during the oil water separation, then, the solid particles were removed in sand filtration, and finally, the water was filtered through charcoal adsorption to remove many additional substances. Starting with 100 mL of foul water, and resulting with 77 mL of clean water, we successfully purified the foul water only losing 23 mL.