This key facts covers Water Testing Methods within Water Treatment for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Water Treatment in Using Resources for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 6 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 6 of 13
Practice
20 questions
Recall
15 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: Atomic absorption spectroscopy (advanced)
- 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.