Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Laboratory 2 - Water Quality Testing

Group No. 1/BSSE-4203
Dates Performed: February 15, 2023
Date Submitted: February 22, 2023
Group Members: SR-CODE Roles
Caiga, Samuel Paul P. 19-55554 Filtration & Water Sampling
Espeleta, Baby Angel B. 19-06596 Documentation
Tanierla, Angelica Cherry Ubena D.19-08402 Filtration
Vergara, Joemarc Nicolas L. 19-03117 Centrifugation & Water Sample
Villapando, Aziel Gem I. 19-00896 Data Gathering

I. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES
● To determine the physical characteristics of the obtained swine wastewater
sample from Baday's Piggery Backyard considering the parameters:
A. TDS; and
B. TSS;
● To identify the significant differences between the amount of TDS and TSS of the
swine wastewater sample using:
A. Centrifugation; and
B. Filtration; and
● To evaluate if the Total Suspended Solids of swine wastewater sample meets the
Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards (DENR Administrative
Order No. 2016-08).

II. THEORY
Solids refer to matter suspended or dissolved in water or wastewater. The
determination of solids in water is very important in assessing the suitability of water
used for drinking and industrial purposes as well as being an indicator of the effects of
runoff from construction, agricultural practices, logging activities, sewage treatment
plant discharges, and other sources.

Total solids, TS, is a measure of all the suspended, colloidal, and dissolved
solids in a sample of Water. This includes dissolved salts such as sodium chloride,
NaCl, and solid particles such as,silt and plankton.Total solids, is also a measure of the
suspended and dissolved solids in water. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are those that
can be retained on a water filter and are capable of settling out of the water column
onto the stream bottom when stream velocities are low. While, the Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of the combined content of all inorganic and
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

organic substances contained in a liquid in molecular, ionized or micro-

granular suspended form.

To collect the intended data and results, centrifugation and filtration will be
performed. Centrifugation is a method of separating molecules having different densities
by spinning them in solution around an axis at high speed. On the other hand, filtration,
the process in which solid particles in a liquid or gaseous fluid are removed by the use
of a filter medium that permits the fluid to pass through but retains the solid particles.

III. MATERIALS/REAGENT
Description Qty. Unit Material/Equipment/Apparatus

Swine Wastewater sampling 3 pieces Sterile Glass Bottle

and Collection
1 piece Masking Marker

3 samples Sampled Water

Centrifugation of the Swine 1 set Centrifuge

Wastewater Sample
3 pieces Centrifuge Tube

1 piece Pipette

1 piece Aspirator

3 pieces Beaker

1 piece Graduated Cylinder

3 piece Funnel

3 pieces Filter Paper

1 set Analytical Balance

Filtration of the Swine 1 piece Graduated Cylinder

Wastewater Sample
3 piece Funnel

1 set Analytical Balance

Determination of Total 1 set Oven

Suspended Solids
1 set Analytical Balance
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

1 set Desiccator

5 pieces Calculator

Determination of Total 1 set Oven

Dissolved Solids
3 pieces Evaporating dish

1 set Analytical balance

1 set Desiccator

5 pieces Calculator

Laboratory Kit 5 pieces Laboratory gown

1 bottle Wash Bottle

1 pack Rugs

10 liter Distilled Water

1 pack Tissue

1 roll Tape

1 piece Marker

1 box Gloves

5 pieces Goggles

1 piece Notebook

IV. PROCEDURE
1. Water Sampling and Collection
Collection:
First, identify the sampling location (Sabang, Ibaan, Batangas), numbers and
types of samples to be collected (3 glass containers of wastewater samples), and the
quality control requirements during the process (wear face mask, gloves and eye
protection during the collecting process). Once the sampling location is determined,
collect the water samples from the location. Wear a face mask, gloves and eye
protection during the collecting process. Then, get three water samples using the
container. Open the lid off and let the water flow in then, back the lid on if it is filled up.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

After collecting the sample water, bring the samples into the laboratory. Afterwards,
prepare the sample for centrifugation, filtration, and determination of TSS, and TDS.

2. Centrifugation of the Swine Wastewater Sample

Start with placing the centrifuge on a firm, level surface. Then, inspect centrifuge
bottles and tubes for cracks before use. Using pipette and aspirator, measure 10 mL of
the swine wastewater sample and transfer it to the centrifuge tube, then cap tubes with
the proper lid. Wipe the outside of the tube with disinfectant before placing it in the
centrifuge. Clearly label tubes for identification using masking tape and marker. Then,
choose the proper rotor to use at the speed you need. Once the rotor is set, load the
tubes opposite each other in the centrifuge. Make a counterbalance for the centrifuge
tube you want to put in the centrifuge and enter the centrifugation speed. Keep a safe
distance while the centrifuge is running. After starting the centrifuge, stay close until it
gets up to full speed in case it needs to be turned off. When a centrifuge is off balance it
may shake or wobble. Open the lid only after the rotor has completely stopped. If the
rotor stopped, gently remove the tubes so that the separated suspensions do not mix
again. On the other hand, take a filter paper and record its weight in mg. Put the filter
paper on the funnel which is placed on a funnel stand and beaker to dry out the
sediment residue on the centrifuge tube. Proceed to the determination of TSS and
TDS.

3. Filtration of the Swine Wastewater Sample

Begin with measuring 10mL of collected swine wastewater on a graduated
cylinder. Then, take a filter paper and record its weight in mg. Put the filter paper on the
funnel which is placed on a funnel stand and beaker to catch the filtrate on the funnel.
Once the filter is set, pour the measured 10mL swine wastewater on the filter. Proceed
to the determination of TSS and TDS.

4. Determination of Total Suspended Solids

First is to place the filter with residue in an oven with the evaporating dish and
evaporate it to dryness at 105˚C. Once the residues are dried, place the evaporating
dish to the desiccator to remove the remaining moisture. Once moisture is removed,
read and record the weight of the filter paper and dry residue then calculate the TSS.

5. Determination of Total Dissolved Solids

Determination of Total Dissolved Solids can be identified by taking an
evaporating dish and recording its weight in mg. Then, transfer the supernatant/filtrate
on the beaker to the evaporating dish. After obtaining the weight of the evaporating
dish, place the evaporating dish with the filtrate in an oven with the evaporating dish and
evaporate it to dryness at 105˚C. When the dryness is achieved, place the evaporating
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

dish to the desiccator to remove the remaining moisture. Read and record the weight of
the evaporating dish and residual then calculate the TDS.

V. OBSERVATIONS & DATA

CENTRIFUGATION
Description Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Weight of Filter Paper (mg) 1039.3 1029.8 1072.7
Filter Paper with Dried
Residue (mg) 1046.8 1042.1 1092.0
Total Suspended Solids
(mg/L) 750 1230 1930
TSS AVERAGE (mg/L) 1303.33
Weight of Evaporating Dish
(mg) 69202.7 73128.4 70434.5
Evaporating Dish with Dried
Residue (mg) 69224.5 73171.8 70464.5
Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 2180 4340 3000
TDS AVERAGE (mg/L) 3173.33

The experiment followed two methods including centrifugation and filtration upon
determining the solid components of the wastewater sample. For the centrifugation, the
samples were placed in the centrifuge for 15 minutes with the maximum speed of 40
rpm. Shown above are the detailed information regarding the items used for the
execution of the experiment along with the output upon performing the centrifugation.
The amount of Total Suspended Solid (TSS) of the wastewater sample was acquired.
Upon relying on the precision of three trials, the average of TSS is 1303.33 mg/L while
the average amount of Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) is 3173.33 mg/L.

FILTRATION
Description Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Weight of Filter Paper (mg) 1075.5 1053.3 1029.1
Filter Paper with Dried
Residue (mg) 1083.5 1107.7 1055.0
Total Suspended Solids
(mg/L) 800 5440 2590
TSS AVERAGE (mg/L) 2943.33
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Weight of Evaporating Dish

(mg) 69202.7 73128.4 70434.5
Evaporating Dish with Dried
Residue (mg) 69249.0 73138.8 70449.2
Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 4630 1040 1470
TDS AVERAGE (mg/L) 2380.00

To implement the solids measurement on the wastewater sample, another

method was applied, filtration process in particular. It is clear that this technique takes
more time because the full filtration process took three hours to complete. As the solid
tests were performed by filtration process, the recorded data shown in the table
explained that the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) average is 2943.33 mg/L and the
computed average of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) attained from three trials of the
same wastewater is 2380.00 mg/L.

VI. ANALYSIS OF DATA/RESULTS

1. Physical Characteristics of the Collected Swine Wastewater
After acquiring the weight of filter paper, filter paper with residue, evaporating
dish, and evaporating dish with residue from both the centrifugation and filtration
processes, calculations are needed to determine the total suspended solids and total
dissolved solids. The following are the formulas used in the determination of TSS and
TDS:

(A−B) 1000 mL
TSS(mg/ L)= ×
10 mL 1L
(C−D) 1000 mL
TDS (mg / L)= ×
10 mL 1L
where:
A = Weight of Filter Paper with Residue (mg)
B = Weight of Filter Paper (mg)
C = Weight of Evaporating Dish with Residue (mg)
D = Weight of Evaporating Dish (mg)

In order to determine the precision and accuracy of the obtained data, the values
will undergo averaging, which is shown below.
Trial 1+Trial 2+Trial 3
ave=
3
Presented below are the values of TSS and TDS from both the centrifugation and
filtration processes and their averages.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Centrifugation Filtration
Trial No.
TSS (mg/L) TDS TSS (mg/L) TDS (mg/L)
(mg/L)

1 750 2180 800 4630

2 1230 4340 5440 1040

3 1930 3000 2590 1470

AVERAGE 1303.33 3173.33 2943.33 2380.00

The table shows the total suspended solids and total dissolved solids from
centrifugation, which have an average value of 1303.33 mg/L and 3173.33 mg/L,
respectively, and filtration, which have values of 2943.33 mg/L and 2380.00 mg/L. The
computed values of both centrifugation and filtration exhibited a high value of TSS,
which is one of the primary parameters of General Effluent Standards (DENR
Administrative Order No. 2016-08); hence, it is not recommended to dispose of the
swine effluent in bodies of water such as the Sabang River, which is classified as Class
C water. It also showed a significant difference in terms of the total suspended solids
and total dissolved solids obtained by the two processes of removing the solid contents
of wastewater.

2. Centrifugation vs Filtration
It is observed that the collected TSS on both processes shows significant
discrepancies in the value. Filtration has a higher TSS value, 2943.33 mg/L, than
centrifugation, which has a value of 1303.33 mg/L. This means that filtration can remove
impurities more effectively than centrifugation, which explains why TDS is much higher
on centrifugation than on filtration, which has values of 3173.33 mg/L and 2380.00
mg/L, respectively.
However, despite the efficiency of filtration to remove impurities, there are other
variables that must be considered, such as the volume of the sample and its time.
Taking into account that centrifugation only took 15 minutes to achieve the TSS
compared to a 3-hour filtration process for a 10 mL does not justify its efficiency. Thus, it
is inevitable that centrifugation is still preferred as it can outperform filtration in terms of
time and capacity.

All in all, both processes are essential in the treatment of wastewater as they
both have the primary goal of separating solids from liquids.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

3. Compliance of the Swine Farm Wastewater in accordance to DENR

Administrative Order No. 2016-08
The Baday's Piggery Backyard is located in Sabang, Ibaan, Batangas. The farm
is situated near the Sabang River, which is considered a Class C water body. Thus,
parameters for the TSS of the swine wastewater shall abide by the standard indicated in
the General Effluent Standards of Class C. Shown in the table are the TSS values
obtained and the standard set from DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08.

Obtained Values of TSS (mg/L) General Effluent Standards of

Class C (DENR Administrative
Order No. 2016-08)

Centrifugation Filtration (mg/L)

1303.33 2943.33 100

The raw wastewater from Baday's Piggery Backyard shows a huge amount of
TSS on both processes, which is higher than the standard set by the DENR. Thus, this
implies that Baday's Piggery Backyard should not dispose of their wastewater on bodies
of water as it contains high amounts of TSS, causing pollution in the water. They can
only dispose of their wastewater once it undergoes treatment and the standard of TSS
is in accordance with the DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08.

VII. CONCLUSION
The collected swine wastewater from Baday's piggery backyard shows a high
amount of TSS and TDS in relation to the waste it disposes of, which has high solid
particles. The wastewater is not recommended to be disposed of in a water body as it
contains huge amounts of TSS, which can cause pollution. The experiment is able to
identify the differences between the two different processes for separating solids from
liquids, where TSS and TDS are effectively removed using filtration. However, upon
looking at the time of both centrifugation and filtration, centrifugation only took 15
minutes to attain its value compared with 3 hours of removing solid constituents from
liquids of filtration. Thus, this suggests further studies on the time of centrifugation to
see if it can exceed the removal of TSS and TDS of filtration.

Concept questions in each of the report include the following:

1. What is your set control? Why is it necessary to have that as control?
The experiment's set of controls consist of trials for each experimental setup.
The three trials on both centrifugation and filtration as a set of control is necessary as it
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2121 / 2221
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

will help to obtain the data for specific parameters by means of its average. It plays a
significant role in achieving the objectives and testing the hypothesis of the experiment.

2. What are the sources of error in your experiment?

The possible source of error during the experiment is the process of decantation
and acquiring the sediments from the centrifuge tubes. There may be instances where
the pellet reacts due to minor agitation or shaking movement, resulting in its
transmission to the supernatant.

How can they be improved?

It can be improved by being extra careful of handling the tubes. Moreover,
instead of using the centrifuge holder with the usual design, use the holder with pointed
bottom so that pellet will be able to settle securely.

How have you made adjustments to cope up with the sources of errors
encountered during the conduct of the lab?
We had a uniform experimental set up and procedure on the three trials that we
have tested. Moreover, the same type of centrifuge holder was used to prevent having
discrepancies on the result.

3. Where will you recommend a large scale of this experiment? Or what are
the potential applications of this activity?
Identification of the amount of solids present in the water is necessary as it will
indicate its quality and usability. Moreover, this experiment is applicable on testing the
solids in various sectors of the industry including business, establishments, and the like.
Particularly, this could be performed for getting the TDS and TSS of water from
wastewater treatment facilities, purification systems, industrial plants, or extensive crop
irrigation. Moreover, Total solids measurements can be useful as an indicator of the
effects of runoff from construction, agricultural practices, logging activities, and other
sources.
REFERENCES
Dr. Mohammed Tariq Saeed. (15 Jun 2020). Experiment 3 - Water Solids, TDS and
TSS. https://youtu.be/hke_RuSrUIE.
Easy Learning. (10 Nov 2020). EXPERIMENT NO-3 To Determine The suspended
Solids, Dissolved Solids and Total Solids of Water Sample.
https://youtu.be/82RL5sDako0.