EnE 205 Environmental Engineering Laboratory I

25 May, 2015

FINAL EXAMINATION ANSWER SHEET

ALEXIS BRYAN G. RIVERA
MS Environmental Engineering, 2008-40165
E-mail: agrivera40165@gmail.com

1) SKILL: Preparation of solutions, calculations

(a) Assumptions: Calculations are done using a 500 mg/L K2PtCl6 stock solution

500 x=CU50
x (mL)=

50 CU
500

Color Units

Stock Solution (mL)

Distilled Water (mL)

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
TOTAL

0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
52.5

50.0
49.5
49.0
48.5
48.0
47.5
47.0
46.5
46.0
45.5
45.0
44.5
44.0
43.5
43.0
697.5

(b) 4 sets of standard solution = 52.5 mL * 4 = 210 mL stock solution needed

Assuming that all sizes of volumetric flasks are available (10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL, 250
mL, 500 mL, 1000 mL), it is proper to prepare a stock solution using TWO 100 mL volumetric

flasks and ONE 10 mL volumetric flask, for a total of exactly 210 mL. However, you can also use
ONE 250 mL volumentric flask to have some extra quantities in case of emergencies and spilling.
(c) For a 210 mL of 500 mg/L stock solution, we need

0.210 L500

mg
=105 mg of K 2 Pt Cl 6
L

(d) For comparison of the samples from the standard solution spectrum, you should first remember to
have adequate lighting in the room. Color comparison is done against a white background. The
standard tube closest in color to the sample is chosen.

2) SKILL: Treatment of data, kinetics, linearization, plotting/graphing, OriginPro, errors

(a)

(b) Basic Michealis-Menten Kinetics Equation:

V=

V max [ S ]
K M+ [ S ]

Regrouping terms to linearize the equation, we arrive at

1 KM 1
1
=
+
V V max [ S ] V max

( )

Where KM/Vmax is the slope of the linear equation and 1/V max is the y-intercept. This type of
plot/equation is more commonly known as Lineweaver-Burk Plot.

(c) Using the equation of the line obtained from the linearized data set

y=0.00203 x +0.01386

Obtaining the x-intercept of the equation, which is equal to -1/K m

0=0.00203

( )

1
+ 0.01386
KM

K M =0.146465 mM
To calculate for the Vmax, we use the slope of the linear equation, which is equal to KM/Vmax.

KM
=0.00203
V max
Knowing Km = 0.146465, we compute that

V max =72.1502mM /s

(d) Q-test was performed in order to determine if there are outliers present in
each set of data. Results show that all computed values of Q are below the
Qcritical indicated in the table of values for all confidence intervals, meaning
there are no outliers present.
However, by inspection, one set of data doesnt follow the expected trend.
Unfortunately, you cannot simply ignore such type of data since it is not
considered as an outlier, unless you perform the experiment again under
similar parameters and it gives you a different value.

3) SKILL: Sampling, protocols, analysis

(a) In order to adequately identify sampling points, a general sight inspection of the site is needed. In
case the sight inspection is not achievable, random selection of sampling points throughout the
area is permissible.
In this case, I based my selection of sampling points on the presence of river/stream tributaries
around Laguna de Bay. In addition to that, I selected some random points scattered all around
Laguna de Bay. Additional sampling points will be established after inspection (heavily polluted
areas that needs to be checked).

(b) Since Diclofenac is known to undergo photodegradation, the presence of light during sampling is
important. As much as possible, conduct water sampling during night / dawn, where sunlight has
minimum contact on the water. If possible, conduct separate sampling during the day to compare
the effect of photodegradation to the samples. Use containers that are dark and opaque, where

light cannot pass through and affect the samples. Store the samples in a cool area, preferably 4oC,
until analyzed.
(c) Among the instruments we have observed, the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
is the most appropriate to use in analyzing the quantities of Diclofenac present in Laguna de Bay.
HPLC is a technique in analytic chemistry used to separate the components in a mixture, to
identify each component, and to quantify each component. It can effectively analyze the amount
of Diclofenac present in water samples obtained from Laguna de Bay, and also the by-products.
(d) Quantification is done using the HPLC machine. HPLC will give out a time-domain curve with
multiple peaks with corresponding areas under each curve. First, the researchers should prepare a
laboratory prepared water sample with known Diclofenac concentration. Using HPLC, you can
now create a calibration curve and the response factor to be used in computing the actual amount
of Diclofenac present in each water sample.
(e) - for selection of sampling points, it is better to perform a site inspection so that you can identify
all tributaries that might contribute to the presence of the pollutant, and also so that you can
identify possible points where the pollutant might be abundant (i.e. heavily polluted areas, areas
with different color, smell, etc.)
- for sampling, be sure not to disturb the underlying sediments, as it may alter the quality of the
water sample. We are only concerned about surface water quality for Diclofenac, and the
inclusion of sediments in water samples may require filtration for sample preparation an
additional task that can be avoided.
- for HPLC procedure, it is much preferred to have as many injections from each samples as you
can; however, more data means more time required for the analysis to be finished.