CHEMISTRY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

NAME - SOUVIK MONDAL

CLASS - 12 B4
BOARD – CBSE
ROLL.NO. – 38
SESSION – 2024-2025
OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this project is to study the

methods of purification of water.
Acknowledgement:
I am deeply grateful to Swapan Kumar Mondal,
our esteemed Chemistry teacher, for her
unwavering guidance, valuable insights, and
continuous encouragement throughout the
development of this investigatory project, "Study of
the Methods of Purification of Water". Her
expertise and mentorship have been invaluable in
shaping the direction and quality of this work.
I would also like to thank my classmates and
laboratory staff for their support and assistance
during the experimental phases of the project.
Lastly, I am thankful to Hariyana Vidya Mandir for
providing the resources and environment
necessary to complete this study.
Introduction:
Water is the cornerstone of life and plays an essential role in
maintaining human health and environmental balance.
However, access to clean and safe drinking water is a global
challenge due to increasing pollution, industrial waste, and
contamination from various sources. This issue highlights the
urgent need for consumption and reduce the risk of waterborne
diseases.

The process of water purification involves removing

contaminants, microorganisms, and unwanted chemicals to
improve water quality. Different purification methods have
evolved over the years, ranging from simple boiling and
filtration to advanced techniques such as reverse osmosis and
ultraviolet (UV) purification. Each method varies in its
mechanism, effectiveness, and suitability for different
conditions.

This investigatory project, "Study of the Methods of Purification

of Water," aims to examine various techniques used for water
purification. It explores both traditional and modern methods,
analyzing their principles, processes, and outcomes. By
comparing these methods, this study seeks to provide insights
into the most effective and practical solutions for achieving
clean water, considering factors like cost, energy consumption,
and ease of use.

The importance of water purification cannot be overstated, as it

impacts health, economic stability, and the overall quality of life.
Understanding and implementing efficient purification methods
can significantly contribute to safeguarding public health and
promoting sustainable water management practices.
Theory:
Types of Contaminants in Water:
1. Physical Impurities: These include suspended solids such as dirt,
sand, and organic matter.
2. Chemical Contaminants: Includes dissolved substances like
heavy metals (lead, mercury), nitrates, pesticides, and industrial
chemicals.
3. Biological Contaminants: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other
microorganisms that can cause waterborne diseases.
4. Radiological Contaminants: Radioactive substances that may be
present due to natural deposits or pollution.

Principles of Water Purification Methods:

1. Physical Methods:
o Filtration: A process that separates suspended solids from
liquids by passing the water through a porous medium.
Filters can be made of materials such as sand, activated
carbon, or ceramic.
o Sedimentation: The natural settling of heavy particles to the
bottom of a container, often enhanced with coagulants to
speed up the process.
o Boiling: Heating water to its boiling point kills most
pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.
2. Chemical Methods:
o Chlorination: The addition of chlorine or chlorine
compounds to disinfect water by killing bacteria and other
microorganisms. It is one of the most common and cost-
effective water treatment methods.
o Ozonation: Using ozone gas as a powerful oxidizing agent
that destroys microorganisms and breaks down harmful
substances in water.
o Flocculation and Coagulation: Adding chemicals (like
alum) to water causes fine particles to clump together and
form larger aggregates, which can then be removed through
sedimentation or filtration.
Aim:
To study and compare different methods of water purification
and evaluate their effectiveness in removing physical, chemical,
and biological contaminants from water samples.

Apparatus Required:

1. Beakers (250 mL, 500 mL)

2. Conical flasks
3. Glass funnels
4. Filter paper
5. Measuring cylinders
6. Test tubes and test tube rack
7. Distillation apparatus
8. UV lamp for disinfection
9. Heating setup (Bunsen burner or electric heater)
10. Stirring rods
11. Water sample containers
12. Thermometer
13. pH meter
14. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter
15. Stopwatch

Chemicals Required:

1. Chlorine solution or bleaching powder (for chlorination)

2. Alum (for coagulation and flocculation)
3. Activated carbon or charcoal granules (for activated
carbon filtration)
4. Distilled water (for control tests)
5. Reagents for water testing (e.g., methyl orange,
phenolphthalein for pH indicator)
6. Sodium hypochlorite solution
7. Ozone generator (optional, for advanced studies)
8. Universal indicator solution
Experiment 1: Boiling for Water
Purification
Procedure:
1. Take a 250 mL sample of water in a beaker.
2. Heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil and
maintain it for 5 minutes.
3. Allow the water to cool and transfer it to a sterile
container.
4. Test the water for microbial presence using a water
testing kit or culture plates before and after boiling.
Observation Table:

Parameter Before Boiling After Boiling

Microbial Presence High None/Reduced
pH Level 7.2 7.2
TDS (mg/L) 500 500
Temperature (°C) Room temperature 100 (boiling)

Result: Boiling effectively kills most microorganisms,

making the water safer for consumption. However, it
does not remove dissolved solids or chemical pollutants.
Experiment 2: Filtration Using Activated
Carbon
Procedure:
1. Prepare a filtration setup using a funnel and filter
paper.
2. Add activated carbon to the funnel.
3. Pour 250 mL of the water sample slowly through
the activated carbon filter.
4. Collect the filtered water in a clean beaker.
5. Test the water for TDS levels, odor, and any
chemical contaminants before and after filtration.
Observation Table:
Parameter Before Filtration After Filtration
TDS (mg/L) 500 450
pH Level 7.5 7.5
Chemical Present Reduced/Not
Contaminants (chlorine, VOCs) detected
Odor Present Removed

Result: Activated carbon filtration effectively reduces

chemical impurities and odor, leading to clearer and
better-tasting water, though it does not significantly
alter TDS or pH.
Experiment 3: Chlorination for
Disinfection
Procedure:
1. Add a measured amount of chlorine solution or a
small amount of bleaching powder to 1 liter of water
(ensure safe dosage).
2. Stir the water thoroughly and let it stand for 30
minutes.
3. Test the water sample for microbial contaminants
and residual chlorine before and after treatment.
Observation Table:

Before After
Parameter
Chlorination Chlorination
Microbial Presence High None/Reduced
pH Level 7.2 7.3
Residual Chlorine
0 0.5
(mg/L)
Slight chlorine
Odour Neutral
odor

Result: Chlorination effectively disinfects water, killing

bacteria and viruses. Some residual chlorine may
remain, which is safe within recommended limits but
may impart a slight taste and odour.
Experiment 4: UV Light Disinfection
Procedure:
1. Pour 250 mL of the water sample into a
transparent container.
2. Expose the water to a UV lamp for 10-15
minutes.
3. Test for microbial content before and after
exposure using a water testing kit.
Observation Table:
Before UV After UV
Parameter
Treatment Treatment
Microbial
High None/Reduced
Presence
pH Level 7.0 7.0
TDS (mg/L) 500 500
Visual Clarity Slightly cloudy Clear

Result: UV light disinfection is highly effective in

inactivating microorganisms by disrupting their
DNA. This method does not affect the TDS or pH
levels of the water.
Precautions:
1. Boiling:
o Use heat-resistant glassware and handle hot containers
carefully to avoid burns.
o Ensure the water is boiled for a minimum of 5 minutes to
effectively kill microorganisms.
o Allow the boiled water to cool down before testing or
transferring it to another container.
2. Filtration Using Activated Carbon:
o Rinse the activated carbon thoroughly before use to remove
any dust or loose particles.
o Ensure the filtration setup is securely placed to avoid spills.
o Use clean, sterile containers to collect the filtered water to
avoid contamination.
3. Chlorination:
o Measure the chlorine solution or bleaching powder
accurately to avoid overdosing, as excessive chlorine can be
harmful.
o Allow the water to stand for at least 30 minutes after adding
chlorine for effective disinfection.
o Handle chlorine solutions carefully; wear gloves and avoid
direct contact as chlorine can irritate the skin.
4. UV Light Disinfection:
o Avoid direct exposure to UV light as it can harm the eyes and
skin.
o Ensure the container used for UV treatment is clear and
transparent to allow maximum penetration of UV rays.
o Do not test or drink the water immediately after UV exposure
without proper microbial testing to confirm disinfection.
5. General Precautions:
o Wear safety gloves and goggles when handling chemicals or
hot water.
o Use sterilized or clean equipment to prevent cross-
contamination of water samples.
o Follow proper disposal methods for chemicals used in the
experiments.
o Conduct all experiments under adult supervision and in a
well-ventilated area, especially when working with chlorine
and UV light.
Bibliography:

1. NCERT, *Chemistry Textbook for Class XII*, India.

2. Mendham, J., et al., *Vogel’s Textbook of Quantitative Chemical
Analysis*, 6th Edition, Pearson Education.
3. A.K. De, *Environmental Chemistry*, New Age International
Publishers, 6th Edition.
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). "Water
Purification Methods."
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Water Treatment
and Purification." [https://www.cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov)
6. World Health Organization (WHO). "Safe Drinking-Water from
Household Water Treatment." [https://www.who.int](https://www.who.int)
7. ScienceDirect. "Filtration and Water Purification Techniques."
[https://www.sciencedirect.com](https://www.sciencedirect.com)
8. ThoughtCo. "Different Water Purification Methods and Their
Applications." [https://www.thoughtco.com](https://www.thoughtco.com)
9. *Journal of Environmental Engineering*, "Review of Water Purification
Methods," ASCE.
10. *Environmental Science & Technology*, “Advancements in UV
Disinfection Techniques.”
Note Of certificate:
This is to certify that Souvik Mondal, a student of
Class 12 B4 at Hariyana Vidya Mandir, has
successfully completed the investigatory project
titled "Study of the Methods of Purification of
Water" as part of the Chemistry curriculum for the
academic session 2024-2025.
This project has been conducted under the
guidance of Swapan Kumar Mondal, Chemistry
teacher, and has been evaluated based on
originality, thoroughness, and attention to scientific
methodology. The project is a result of the
student’s sincere efforts and dedication.
Signature of Teacher:
______________________
Date: ______________________
Teacher’s Name: Swapan Kumar Mondal