PAREF SPRINGDALE SCHOOL, INC.

J. Solon Street, Lahug, Cebu City 6000

Tel. Nos. 232-2220, 232-2234 Fax No. 233-3158
e-mail: springdale@paref.org

QUALITATIVE CHEMICAL AND

MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF WATER
SAMPLE FROM
PUROK KAYMITO, LILOAN, CEBU CITY

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS IN
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II

Lim, Lance Jeremy Y.

Colina, Craig Marchelm A.
Cubil, Jejomar Anthony F.
Varron, George Nathan D.
Student Analysts

Mr. Randy Delostrico

Subject Teacher

A.Y. 2017 - 2018

 Acknowledgement
We would like to thank the following for aiding in the success of the water
analysis and the succeeding products of the experiment:

Liloan Municipality Government

Mr. Rex Paolo Colina
P.A.R.E.F. Springdale School, Inc.
Mr. Jojo Bacolod
Mr. Randy Delostrico

2
 Table of Contents

Abstract ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4
Chapter I: Introduction •••••••••••••••••••••••• 5-8
Chapter II: Objectives •••••••••••••••••••••••• 9 - 12
Chapter III: Methodology •••••••••••••••••••• 13 - 21
Chapter IV: Results and Discussion ••••••••••••••• 22 - 38
Chapter V: Conclusions •••••••••••••••••••••••• 39 - 40
and Recommendations
References ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 41

3
Abstract

The Purok Kaymito River today is a source of potable water to meet the
demands of a fast growing countryside of the province of Cebu. A qualitative
chemicals analysis of the river was conducted to assess its water quality
status. A sample was obtained from the Purok Kaymito River, contained in a
bottle for easy access, and underwent multiple experiments to determine its
content; namely, physical properties, power of hydronium ions, heavy metals,
anions, hydrocarbons, and bacteria. The sample and control groups were
subjected to analysis by Group 2 of Grade 10-B of P.A.R.E.F. Springdale
School, Inc. to help determine its contents. The data concluded that majority
of the tests the water was subjected to exhibit an absence of many chemicals.
Chemicals present were of different categories; namely, carbon dioxide,
silver, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate. The data also concluded that none of the
extremely threatening waterborne bacteria were present. This indicates that
the sample from the river is not extremely polluted or dangerous. The study
and analysis also called for an extensive investigation on water systems and
the effects of multiple factors in rivers and lakes. This is also reflected on the
understanding of the importance of water, especially to different communities
as these rivers and systems are often the main source of water to them.

4
Chapter I. Introduction

One of the characteristics that make our planet unique is the presence
of liquid water. Water is fundamental for all life: without it, living things
around the world would cease to exist. It covers about 70 percent of earth’s
surface and it constitutes roughly 60 percent of the human body. Water is
everywhere, and its presence allows us to live. Although water may seem
very uninteresting–no color, taste, or smell– it has properties that give rise to
its necessity for supporting life.
Conditions of water around the world have continually deteriorated. A
river in eastern China caught fire after years of pollution from factories
upstream had turned it flammable. The river had become so contaminated
that it was set alight by a lit cigarette being thrown into the water. The flames
shot up more than 16ft into the air and had to be extinguished by firemen in
the city of Wenzhou in Zhejiang province. [4]
A 2007 study found that discharge of untreated sewage is the single
most important source of pollution of surface and ground water in India.
There is a large gap between generation and treatment of domestic waste
water in India. The problem is not only that India lacks sufficient treatment
capacity but also that the sewage treatment plants that exist do not operate
and are not maintained. [5]
Aside from untreated sewage systems, the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers
also suffer from heavy pollution. More than 500 million people live along the
Ganges River. An estimated 2,000,000 persons ritually bathe daily in the
5
river, which is considered holy by Hindus. Ganges river pollution is a major
health risk. NRGBA was established by the Central Government of India, on
20 February 2009 under Section 3(3) of the Environment Protection Act,
1986. The chair includes the Prime Minister of India and Chief Ministers of
states through which the Ganges flows. By an estimate by 2012, Delhi's
sacred Yamuna River contained 7,500 coliform bacteria per 100cc of water.
A lot number of NGOs, pressure groups, eco-clubs, as well as citizens'
movements, have been active in their task to clean the river. Even though
India revised its National Water Policy in 2002 to encourage community
participation and decentralize water management, the country's complex
bureaucracy ensures that it remains a "mere statement of intent."
Responsibility for managing water issues is fragmented among a dozen
different ministries and departments without any coordination. The
government bureaucracy and state-run project department has failed to solve
the problem, despite having spent many years and $140 million on this
project. [5]
The Pasig River is a river in the Philippines running right through the
heart of Manila. The river runs through some of the most populated areas in
the Philippines. Throughout history, the river was used as a major source of
transportation, water, food, and livelihood for a large number of Filipino
people living in Manila. In a June 2017 report, the Pasig River was ranked
eighth in the top 20 polluting rivers as predicted by the global river plastic
inputs model. The study said the river dumps up to 63,700 tons of plastic into
the ocean each year. [6]

6
 Although water resources have become scarce in some regions and
seasons, the Philippines as a whole has more than enough surface and
groundwater. However, neglecting to have a coherent environmental policy
has led to the contamination of 58% of the groundwater in the Philippines.
The main source of pollution is untreated domestic and industrial wastewater.
Only one third of Philippine river systems are considered suitable for public
water supply. It is estimated that in 2025, water availability will be marginal
in most major cities and in 8 of the 19 major river basins. Besides severe
health concerns, water pollution also leads to problems in the fishing and
tourism industries. [7] Today, Boracay suffers from water pollution because
of the sewage systems that are connected to hotel establishments. The color
of the water has turned into black and green while high coliform counts have
been detected, resulting in the government’s decision of closure of the island.
In October of 2013, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD)
found coliform bacteria beyond allowable limits in water samples taken from
Inayawan White Road and the landfill. MCWD monitoring also revealed high
coliform levels in creeks and rivers in Sitio Buli in Duljo Fatima, Forbes
Bridge in Pasil, and Tayud-Tagonol in Basak Pardo, all in Cebu City and
Cordova. [8]
This study aimed to examine the contents of the water. Many have
noted that the water systems within our nation have been constantly ravaged
with different substances that make it unsafe for people to use as a source.
Our water source the sample was obtained from is in Liloan, specifically the
Purok Kaymito River. This specific part of Liloan is a rural area, where the
lifestyle of the populace is similar to that of those in the province. When the

7
sample was obtained, the river seemed clean as only the redolence of nature
was present. Despite only being used for household chores, the minimal
presence of trash was detected in the area.
Qualitative chemical analysis is a branch of chemistry that deals with
the identification of elements or grouping of elements present in a sample.
The techniques exhibited in qualitative analysis vary in complexity. In some
cases it is only necessary to verify the presence of certain elements or groups.
Sometimes it is complex, and a systematic analysis must be conducted. In our
case the water sample that was obtained required the identification of
elements or groupings of elements present through a series of tests.
Along with a thorough chemical analysis, a microbial test was
performed due to the large amount of people who suffer and die of
waterborne bacterial infections. Especially with Boracay’s present situation
and closure in the near future, the demand for the identification of dangerous
bacteria in our waters in order for health organizations to develop antibiotics
to combat bacteria has risen. Microbiological water analysis is mainly based
on the concept of fecal indicator bacteria. [1] This study evaluated the safety
of the water through the strains of bacteria present in the culture.

8
Chapter II. Objectives

1) Primary Objective
 Determine the quality and contents of the water sample from Purok
Kaymito River to analyze the substances’ effects on the water and
relate it to the type of surroundings that the water was obtained from.
2) Secondary Objectives
 Utilize chemical equations to describe the process of the chemical
reactions and its corresponding results.
 Culture bacteria to probe for the presence of deadly bacteria.
 Provide data about the quality of Purok Kaymito River’s water for the
public to determine whether action should be or is being taken to
protect the river and its inhabitants.
3) Significance of the Study
 The researchers were able to provide information about the type of
water that certain communities live with. It cannot be ignored that these
types of water sources are the main sources of water for some
communities.
 It is also important to determine whether or not this water contains safe
properties. Communities, especially those living near Purok Kaymito,
depend on this tributary as one of their water sources. In some
societies, nearby water sources are not even tested, increasing the

9
 health risk in those areas. Water analysis avoids this because it shows
the true contents of the water and what kind of effects it could possibly
generate.
 Moreover, it provides a higher level of understanding concerning the
properties of water and its composition as a solvent. The conducting of
tests also provides significant information to those living in the area,
and even the respective municipalities or governments around. Indeed,
this can be used in regulating bodies of water so that people may be
protected from harm, should there be any.
 Furthermore, the accomplishment of the objectives will be beneficial
to the following:
Scientific Community. The results provide information to the
scientific community of Cebu, enabling them to further
understand the different components of specified river systems.
This form of data holds certain value in terms of bounded
knowledge.
Government Agencies. The information that is to be provided by
this research operation will help government agencies learn
exactly what type of chemicals/materials are present in the
examined body of water. This information will help them easily
identify what to focus their resources on for the improvement of
this river system.
Local Community. The information provided by this research
operation will help raise awareness to the people, informing them

10
 of the current status of the river. This will prompt them to take
action to make better the river for future generations.
Future Analysts. Future analysts will be given the chance to
accurately compare and contrast the data concerning the
composition of the water given the time that will have passed.
4) Limitations and Scope
 The analysis is limited to the amount of water collected and at what
time. Therefore, like most experiments, tests of Purok Kaymito
River’s water should be repeated among other analysts to collect data
for the most precise analysis of Purok Kaymito.
 Considering the conditions of the river system recently, it is a
necessity to closely monitor it. Thus the analysis aims to evaluate the
river system to determine whether or not it is still habitable with life.
Specifically, it seeks to:
i. Identify the physical characteristics of Purok Kaymito in terms
of:
a. color; and
b. odor
ii. Determine the chemical content qualitatively according to:
a. power of hydronium ions (pH);
b. gases;
c. heavy metals;
d. anions;
e. hydrocarbons; and
f. metal cations (flame test)

11
 iii. Determine the presence of dangerous epidemic bacteria;
iv. Draw implications of the presence or absence of such content;
and
v. Hypothesize possible life forms which may strive in the river’s
environment.
 The scope of this analysis surrounds the evaluation of the condition of
the selected river system. The tests are used for determining the
present and absent components, not the amount. Moreover, they are
done manually and do not include those which require heavy, hi-
precision apparatuses. Apart from the mentioned tests, the analysts
examined for the possibility of bacteria present in the water samples.

12
Chapter III. Methodology
1) Apparatuses/Equipment
 Test tubes
 Test tube rack
 Bunsen burner
 Stirring (glass rod)
 Watch glass
 Inoculating wire
 Graduated cylinder
 Medicine droppers
 Camera
 Flashlight
 Hot plate
2) Chemicals
 Water sample
 Litmus papers (blue and red)
 Phenolphthalein
 Calcium hydroxide
 Forceps
 Cotton Swab
 MHA plate or Nutrient agar plate
 Zip lock bag
 Antibiotic discs [Streptomycin (S),
Ciprofloxacin (CIP),
Chloramphenicol (C), Doxycycline
(D), Penicillin G (P), Gentamicin
(G)]
 Clean glass slides and cover
 Microscope
 Manganese (II) compounds
 Potassium iodide
 Hydrochloric acid
 Iron (II) sulfate
13
  Iron fillings  Aluminum shavings
 Distilled water  Barium nitrate
 Potassium chromate  Nutrient Agar
 Ammonia  Saline solution
 Nitric acid  Immersion oil
 Calcium nitrate  Crystal violet
 Calcium chloride  Grams Iodine
 Sulfuric acid  Ethyl Alcohol
 Sodium hydroxide  Safranin

3) Experimental Procedures
i. Pre-analysis
a. Wear the proper laboratory attire: lab coat, mask, gloves, googles,
and closed shoes. Observe all the laboratory rules and procedures.
b. Prepare at least ten test tubes and place them into a rack.
c. Use 5 mL of water sample from the designated water sample.
[Note: Pour 5 mL of the water sample if it is to be tested directly.
Do not pour the sample if you are not going to test it.]
ii. Analysis Proper
[Note: Label each test tube with the correct type of test, TAKE
PICTURES before and after each test and OBSERVE
IMMEDIATELY after mixing, heating, or stirring.]
A. Physical Properties
1. Identify the color of the water sample.
2. Identify the odor of the water sample.
3. Measure the temperature of the water sample.

14
B. Power of Hydronium Ions (pH)
Litmus Paper
1) Dip moist blue and red litmus papers into the water sample. If
the blue litmus paper turns red, then it is acidic. Otherwise, it is
basic.
Universal Indicator
A. Dip a universal indicator into the water sample. Obtain the pH
level of the solution by comparing the color change with the
color-interval chart in the paper’s container.
C. Gases
Test for Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
1. Add 3 drops of calcium hydroxide and heat to boil. If it
precipitates into a milky or cloudy solid, then carbon dioxide is
present.
Test for Ammonia (NH3)
[Note: If ammonia is present, it produces a strong, pungent smell.]
1. Dip a glass rod in hydrochloric acid.
2. Bring the glass rod near the water sample. If dense white fumes
of NH4Cl appear, then ammonia gas is present.
Test for Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
[Note: If hydrogen sulfide is present, it produces a rotten egg smell.]
1. Place a pinch of iron (II) sulfate into the sample. If a black
precipitate will form, hydrogen sulfide is present.
D. Heavy Metals

15
[Safely Note: The heavy metals are toxic. Therefore, wash your hands
thoroughly with soap before leaving the lab. If the soap is not set out
in the lab, ask your instructor for it. This hand washing should be a
normal routine at the end of each laboratory period.]
Test for Lead (II) (Pb2+)
1. Add 2 drops of hydrochloric acid into the water sample. The
precipitate will be white. Centrifuge. If no precipitate is present,
then there are no lead, mercury and silver present in the water
sample.
2. Add 2 mL of water into the precipitate and heat it to boil with
constant stirring.
3. If some or all of the precipitate will dissolve, then possibly lead
is present.
4. To continue, decant the liquid and save the precipitate for tests
in mercury and silver.
5. Into the liquid, add 2 drops of potassium chromate. If a bright
yellow precipitate forms, then lead is present.
Test for Mercury (I) (Hg22+)
1. To the precipitate in No. 4 above, add 4 mL of NH3 and stir
thoroughly. Decant the liquid and save the solid for the test for
silver. The precipitate may be colored gray or black. This
proves the presence of mercury.
Test for Silver (Ag+)
1. To the solid in No. 1 above, add 1 mL of nitric acid until acidic
in litmus paper.

16
 2. If silver is present in the acidified solution, it will precipitate as
white AgCl.
Test for Copper (Cu2+)
1. To another water sample add three drops of ammonia water. If a
bright blue color precipitate is formed, it confirms the presence
of copper.
2. As a confirmatory test, add more drops of ammonia. If the
precipitate dissolves, it forms a deep blue solution.
E. Anions
Test for Chloride (Cl-)
1. Add 5 drops of nitric acid into the solution.
2. Add three drops of silver nitrate solution. If a white precipitate
forms, then there is chloride in the water sample.
Test for Fluoride (F-)
[Safety Note: Fluoride and HF are harmful, irritating, and corrosive
substances. Wear proper clothing when handling these.]
1. Add 3 drops of calcium nitrite. A white precipitate should be
formed.
2. On the precipitate, add 3 drops of sulfuric acid.
3. Heat for 1 minute and put a stirring rod into it. If etching effects
are observed on the rod, then fluoride is present as the gas HF.
Test for Nitrate (NO3-)
1. Add 2 mL of sodium hydroxide and 5 pieces of aluminum
shavings into the solution.

17
 2. Cover with a watch glass with water-wet red litmus paper and
boil the solution. If the litmus paper turns blue, then nitrate is
present.
Test for Cyanide (CN-)
1. Add a pinch of iron (II) sulfate into the solution.
2. Acidify the resulting mixture with hydrochloric acid. The
formation of Prussian blue is a positive result for cyanide
content.
Test for Sulfate (SO42-)
1. Add 5 drops of hydrochloric acid, and 3 drops of barium nitrate
into the solution. If a white precipitate forms, then sulfate is
present.
Test for Perchlorate (ClO4-)
1. Add 3 drops of potassium iodide into the solution. If a
precipitate forms, then perchlorate is present.
F. Hydrocarbons
Flashlight Test
1) Go to a darker part of the laboratory.
2) Scatter light through the solution (from one side) using a
flashlight.
3) Observe the direction of the light if it is reflected back,
refracted, or blocked. If light does not pass through the solution,
hydrocarbons (oil, grease, gasoline, etc.) are present.
G. Flame Test
1) Wash the inoculating wire with hydrochloric acid.

18
 2) Dip unto the water sample, and then obtain a small drop in the
looped wire.
3) Put into the flame of the burner and observe the different colors
it might give. Use the definitive colors below:

Barium: apple green Lithium: crimson

Calcium: orange-red Manganate: purple

Chromate: yellow Nickel: green

Cobalt: pink Potassium: violet

Copper: blue-green Sodium: yellow

Iron: red-orange Strontium: red

H. Microbial Analysis
Preparation of Nutrient Agar
1) Suspend 28 g of nutrient agar powder in 1 liter of distilled
water.
2) Heat this mixture using Hot plate while stirring to fully dissolve
all components.
3) Once the nutrient agar has been dissolve, allow it to cool but not
solidify.
4) Pour nutrient agar into each plate and leave plates on the sterile
surface until the agar has solidified.
Inoculate bacteria on the Nutrient Agar
1) Take out the nutrient agar plates and the cotton swab pack.
19
 2) Use steam sterilized cotton swabs to collect bacteria from your
water sample, touch the swabs containing bacteria on the agar
surface gently by draw a “zigzag” pattern.
3) Place the lid back, and put agar plate upside down. Label the
agar plates into five (5) quadrants with a Marker Pen / Sharpie
on the bottom of the agar plate (the agar side, not the lid side).
Sensitivity test for bacteria
1) After the streaking is complete, allow the plate to dry for 5
minutes.
2) Antibiotic discs can be placed on the surface of the agar using
sterilized forceps.
3) Gently press the discs onto the surface of the agar using flame
sterilized forceps or inoculation loop.
4) Carefully invert the inoculated plates and incubate using zip
lock bag for 24 hours at 37° C.
5) After incubation, use a metric ruler to measure the diameter of
the zone of inhibition for each antibiotic used.
6) Compare the measurement obtained from the individual
antibiotics with the standard table to determine the sensitivity
zone.
Gram Staining Technique
1) Prepare of the smear; with a sterile cooled loop, place a drop of
sterile water or saline solution on the slide. Sterilize and cool
the loop again and pick up a very small sample of a bacterial

20
 colony and gently stir into the drop of water/saline on the slide
to create an emulsion.
2) Allow the smear to air dry.
3) After the smear has air-dried, hold the slide at one end and pass
the entire slide through the flame of a Bunsen burner two to
three times with the smear-side up.
4) Place slide with heat fixed smear on staining tray.
5) Gently flood smear with crystal violet and let stand for 1
minute.
6) Tilt the slide slightly and gently rinse with saline solution.
7) Gently flood the smear with Gram’s iodine and let stand for 1
minute.
8) Tilt the slide slightly and gently rinse with saline solution. The
smear will appear as a purple circle on the slide.
9) Decolorize using 75% ethyl alcohol or acetone. Tilt the slide
slightly and apply the alcohol drop by drop for 5 to 10 seconds
until the alcohol runs almost clear. Be careful not to over-
decolorize.
10) Immediately rinse with saline solution.
11) Gently flood with safranin to counter-stain and let stand for 45
seconds.
12) Tilt the slide slightly and gently rinse with saline solution.
13) View the smear using a light-microscope under oil-immersion.
[Note: Take care to prevent overheating the slide because proteins in the
specimen can coagulate causing cellular morphology to appear distorted.] [3]
21
Chapter IV. Results and discussions

1) Visual Observation of the River Environment

There were not that many architectural structures and buildings around the
river as only a few homes, majority makeshift, were present. This
supported the indication of it being a more rural type of environment.
Trees, other plants, and domestic animals; namely, pigs and goats (which
were being utilized in sustaining the lifestyles of the communities living in
the area) constituted the living component of this environment. The water
of the river itself was not extremely polluted despite the minimal presence
of trash.

22
2) Qualitative Chemical Analysis
[Note: Refer to pages 13-21 for a complete list of the apparatuses, materials,
and chemicals used along with detailed descriptions of the processes.]

23
Power of Hydronium Ions
(pH)

Before dipping litmus paper After dipping litmus paper

Before dipping litmus paper After dipping litmus paper

Discussion
- The litmus paper test revealed that the water is slightly acidic
because the blue litmus paper turned minimally red.

24
 Universal Indicator Test

Before dipping the After dipping the indicator

indicator

Discussion
- The universal indicator did not change color. It indicates that the water
sample has a pH of 7, meaning that it is neutral.

25
 Carbon Dioxide

Before adding calcium After adding calcium

hydroxide and heating hydroxide and heating

Discussion
- No change occurred when 2 drops of calcium hydroxide were added.
- Once it was boiled, however, it precipitated into a cloudy substance or had the
physical properties resembling that of milk.
- The whole test for carbon dioxide undergoes the following reactions:
Ca(OH)2 (aq) + CO2 (g)  CaCO3 (s) + H2O (l)

- The test verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito River has carbon
dioxide present in its contents. This is because of the cloudy solid that
precipitated. When there is an increase of CO2, the chemical reaction that takes
place produces carbonic acid, which increases the acidity (lowers the pH) of
water. Some scientists believe that the decreasing pH could potentially
interfere with the ability of certain marine animals to do their life processes. In
the case of this river, the presence of carbon dioxide may not be too high in
content.

26
Ammonia

Before dipping the glass After dipping the glass rod

rod

Discussion
- Based on the test for ammonia, no change occurred when the
glass rod dipped in hydrochloric acid was brought near to the
water sample.
- The whole test for ammonia undergoes the following reactions:
NH3 (g) + HCl (aq)  NH4Cl (aq) (absent)

- The test had verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito
River does not have ammonia present in its contents. This is
because there was no presence of white fumes of NH4Cl when the
glass rod dipped in hydrochloric acid was placed in the water.

27
Hydrogen Sulfide

Before placing iron fillings After placing iron fillings

Discussion
- Based on the test for hydrogen sulfide, no change occurred when
iron (II) sulfate drops were placed into the water sample.
- The whole test for hydrogen sulfide undergoes the following
reactions:
Fe (s) + H2S (g)  FeS (s) + H2 (g) (absent)

- The test verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito River
does not have hydrogen sulfide present in its contents. This is
because of the absence of a black precipitate when the iron (II)
sulfate drops were added to the water sample.

28
Lead

Before adding hydrochloric After adding hydrochloric

acid acid

Mercury

Before adding ammonia After adding ammonia

29
 Silver

Before adding nitric acid After adding nitric acid

Tests for Lead (II), Mercury (I), Silver

Discussion

- Based on the test for Lead (II), no change occurred when hydrochloric acid was added to
the water sample. There was no indication of a white precipitate at the beginning. This
entailed that there is no lead, mercury, (and supposedly silver) present in the water sample.
The succeeding tests were continued to ensure the absence/presence of the two other
chemicals.
- The test for Mercury (I) confirmed that there is no mercury present in the water sample.
- However, a white precipitate was formed when nitric acid was added to the solid in the
mercury test, verifying the presence of silver.
- The whole test for Lead (II) and the precipitate is described in this equation:

Pb2+ (aq) + HCl (aq)  PbCl2 (s) + H+ (aq) (absent)

Pb2+ + K2CrO4  PbCrO4 + K+

- The whole test for Silver undergoes the following reactions:

AgCl(s) + 2NH3(aq) ⇌ [Ag(NH3)2]+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

Ag+(aq) + Cl-(aq) ⇌ AgCl(s)

- Because of the lack of a white precipitate, the test had verified that there is no Lead (II)
and Mercury (I). Silver is, however, present in the water sample from the Purok Kaymito
River.

30
Test for Copper

Before adding ammonia After adding ammonia

water water

Discussion
- Based on the test for copper, no change occurred when ammonia
water was added to the water sample.
- The whole test for copper undergoes the following reactions:
Cu2+ (aq) + NH3 (aq) + H2O (l)  Cu(OH)2 (aq) + NH4+ (aq) (absent)

- The test had verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito
River does not have copper present in its contents. This is because
of the absence of a bright blue precipitate formation.

31
 Chloride

Before adding HNO3 and After adding HNO3 and

AgNO3 AgNO3

Discussion
- Based on the test for chloride, a white precipitate formed in the water
sample after adding nitric acid and silver nitrate to the sample.
- The whole test for copper undergoes the following reactions:
Cl- (aq) + HNO3 (aq)  HCl (aq) + NO3 (aq)
HCl (aq) + AgNO3 (aq)  AgCl (s) + HNO3 (aq)

- The test had verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito River
does have Chloride in its contents. This is because there was a presence
of a white precipitate. A presence of Chloride ions in the environment
can come from sodium chloride or from other chloride salts such as
potassium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. However,
a high level of chloride can also affect the life around these
environments. The life of amphibians laying their eggs around the area
can be affected by chloride.

32
Fluoride

Before adding Ca(NO3)2 After adding Ca(NO3)2 and

and H2SO4 H2SO4

Discussion
- Based on the test for fluoride, there were no etching effects
observed on the stirring rod.
- The whole test for fluoride undergoes the following reactions:
F(aq) + Ca(NO3)2 (aq)  CaF (s) + Ca2+(aq)
CaF (s) + H2SO4 (aq)  HF (g) (absent)

- The test had verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito
River does not contain Fluoride. This is because no gas was
present or there were no etching effects once the stirring rod was
placed in it while heating took place.

33
 Nitrate

Before adding sodium After adding sodium

hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide and aluminum
Discussion shavings

- Based on the test for nitrate, the water-wet litmus paper turned blue when
it was boiled with the solution.
- The whole test for nitrate undergoes the following reactions:
NaOH (aq) + NO3- (aq)  NH3 (g) NaNO3 (aq) + O2 (g)

- The test had verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito River
does contain nitrate. This is because once the solution was boiled, the
water-wet red litmus paper turned blue. This indicates a presence of
nitrate.
- Unlike temperature and dissolved oxygen, the presence of normal levels
of nitrates usually does not have a direct effect on aquatic insects or fish.
However, excess levels of nitrates in water can create conditions that
make it difficult for aquatic insects or fish to survive. [2]
- Drinking water with high levels of nitrate can also be harmful for
humans as that can interfere with the ability of red blood cells to
transport oxygen. An active precaution when drinking from sources like
these is a must. [2]
34
Cyanide

Before adding iron (II) After adding iron (II)

sulfate and hydrochloric sulfate and hydrochloric
acid acid
Discussion
- Based on the test for cyanide, there was no cyanide present in the
test tube.
- The whole test for cyanide undergoes the following reactions:
[CN-] + FeSO4  Fe(CN)2 + SO42-
Fe(CN)2 + HCl ⇌ FeCl2 + HCN (absent)
- The tests have verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito
does not contain cyanide. Cyanide is responsible for some major
decline in collar and fish population.

35
Sulfate

Before adding hydrochloric After adding hydrochloric

acid and barium nitrate acid and barium nitrate
Discussion
- Based on the test for sulfate, a white precipitate formed when the
hydrochloric acid and barium nitrate was added to the water
sample.
- The whole test for sulfate undergoes the following reactions:
SO42- (aq) + HCl (aq)  H2SO4 (aq) + Cr (aq)

- The test had verified that the water sample from Purok Kaymito
River does contain sulfate. This is because of the presence of a
white precipitate after the hydrochloric acid and barium nitrate
were added.
- Sulfate promotes methylation of mercury to its most toxic and
bioaccumulative form: methylmercury. Sulfide in high levels is
toxic to plants and animals. Sulfate promotes release of nutrients
from sediments (internal eutrophication). Sulfide binds metal ions
and sequesters them in soils as metal sulfides. Sulfate enhances
biodegradation of organic soils.

36
 Perchlorate

Before adding potassium After adding potassium

iodide iodide
Discussion
- Based on the test for sulfate, there was no precipitate that formed after
adding the potassium iodide.
- The whole test for perchlorate undergoes the following reactions:
ClO4- (aq) + Kl (aq)  KClO4 (aq) + I2 (s) (absent)

- Because of the absence of a precipitate, we can conclude that there is no

perchlorate in the Purok Kaymito River. No precipitate formed when the
3 drops of potassium iodide were added to the river water sample.
- Perchlorates are salts that are taken from perchlorate acid. They are
colorless solids which are soluble in water which is why we conduct tests
such as this one to properly check if perchlorate is present in the water.
Perchlorates, when concentrated, are highly toxic to humans because
they present a great threat towards the human thyroid gland.

37
Hydrocarbons

Discussion
- Based on the flashlight test, the light was
refracted slightly.
- This indicates that there was a presence of
hydrocarbons in the water sample.
Hydrocarbons, or inorganic compounds
consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon.
Hydrocarbons are a common and natural
occurrence in the environment and varying
Checking for
concentrations in storm water and effluent water
Hydrocarbons are not unusual. Hydrocarbons in water can be
found as free floating, emulsified, dissolved, or
absorbed to suspend solids. These hydrocarbons
can affect marine life and can affect the way that
organisms in these environments can survive.

Flame Tests

Discussion
- The flame test displayed no change of
color.
- This indicates that there was an absence of
these metals in the water sample.

Checking through
inoculating wire

38
Chapter V. Conclusions and Recommendations
1) Summary of findings
pH
Test Acidic/Base Observations
Litmus Papers Slightly acidic Blue turned faintly red
Universal indicator pH 7 (neutral) Did not change color
Phenolphthalein Acidic/near-neutral Slight change of color

Gases
Test Present/Absent Observations
Carbon dioxide Present Cloudy test tube
Ammonia Absent No precipitate
Hydrogen sulfide Absent No precipitate

Heavy Metals
Test Present/Absent Observations
Lead Absent No precipitate
Mercury Absent No precipitate
Silver Present Precipitate formed
Copper Absent No precipitate

Anions
Test Present/Absent Observations
Chloride Present Precipitate formed
Fluoride Absent No gas
Nitrate Present Litmus paper turned blue
Cyanide Absent No Prussian blue color change
Sulfate Present Precipitate formed
Perchlorate Absent No precipitate

Hydrocarbons
Test Present/Absent Observations
Flashlight Partial Refraction

Flame Tests
Test Present/Absent Observations
General Examination Absent No color change

39
2) Conclusions
The tests determined that the water sample from Purok Kaymito River
has a pH level of 7 indicating neutrality. It also determined that only
carbon dioxide, silver, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate are present in the
water, and that none of the dangerous strains of bacteria were present.
This also means that there was sufficient study on the effects of the
present substances on water and how this necessarily affects things. For
example, the presence of carbon dioxide in high levels may be harmful.
The water analysis was able to prove that the water sample from Purok
Kaymito is relatively safe. This means that the use of the river as a
water source is not highly harmful.
3) Recommendations
In order to improve future water analysis experiments, those
conducting it must be keen on noticing changes within the experiments.
There must also be a better organization of the process as it is tedious
and requires a lot of concentration. The amount of focus of analysts
must be stressed on the way the experiment flows as it is reflected on
their notes and on the products that they come up with.

40
References/Electronic Sources
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Pathogens and Water. Retrieved Mar. 10, 2018 from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996186/
[2] Gallant, M. (2003, March 1). Nitrates and Their Effect on Water Quality – A
Quick Study. Retrieved Mar. 11, 2018 from
http://www.wheatleyriver.ca/media/nitrates-and-their-effect-on-water-
quality-a-quick-study/
[3] vlab.amrita.edu. (2011). Gram Stain Technique. Retrieved Mar. 11, 2018
from vlab.amrita.edu/?sub=3&brch=73&sim=208&cnt=2
[4] Malm, S. (2014, March 6). River of fire: Chinese waterway becomes so
polluted it bursts into flame after lit cigarette is thrown into it. Retrieved
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fire-Chinese-waterway-polluted-bursts-flame-lit-cigarette-thrown-it.html
[5] Wikipedia (2018, March 25). Water Pollution in India. Retrieved Apr. 5,
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[6] BusinessMirror (2017, September 17). Pasig River 8th in top 20 polluting
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river-8th-in-top-20-polluting-rivers/
[7] Mateo, P. C. (2018, March 3). SAVE OUR COUNTRY: STOP
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philippines
[8] SunStar. (2014, March 22). Coliform found in creeks and rivers. Retrieved
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