This key facts covers Water Testing Methods within Water Treatment for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Water Treatment in Using Resources for GCSE Chemistry with 23 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 7 of 14 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🧪 Water Testing Methods
- pH Testing: Universal indicator or pH meter — drinking water should be pH 6.5-8.5
- Dissolved Oxygen: Electronic probe — healthy water needs >6 mg/L for fish
- Nitrate/Phosphate Levels: Chemical test kits — high levels indicate pollution
- Bacterial Testing: Grow bacteria on agar plates — count colony-forming units
- Heavy Metal Detection: specialist laboratory testing
- Turbidity (Cloudiness): Light scattering meter — clear water is safer
- Chlorine Residual: DPD colorimetric test — ensures disinfection effectiveness
Water quality standards: WHO and national agencies set maximum allowable concentrations for hundreds of chemical and biological contaminants.
Practice questions for Water Treatment
What does the term 'potable water' mean?
Explain what happens to the sewage sludge produced during waste water treatment, and why this process is useful.