LABORATORY 5: JAR TEST

1.0

INTRODUCTION

The jar test is a method of measuring the effect of coagulation, flocculation, and
sedimentation on turbidity.

Although the procedure is not outlined in Standard

Methods, it is used in most water treatment plants to find the best coagulant dosages
under varying conditions.
Coagulation/flocculation is the process of binding small particles in the water together
into larger, heavier clumps which settle out relatively quickly. The larger particles are
known as floc.

Properly formed floc will settle out of water quickly in the

sedimentation basin, removing the majority of the water's turbidity.

In this laboratory, we will perform the jar test on a lake water samples taken from the
Lake in Cheras Public Park. By adding varying amounts of alum and measuring initial
and final pH values, conductivity, temperature, and turbidity, we were able to determine
the optimum dosage of alum solution added to water sample by looking at trends in the
data what the most effective approach to the lake water treatment.
2.0

OBJECTIVE
I.

To visualize the coagulation-flocculation process in the laboratory

II.

To determine the optimum dosage of alum solution added to water

sample.

3.0

APPARATUS

i.

Six beakers (500ml)

ii.

Stock solution (10g/l)

iii.

Measuring cylinder

iv.

Jar Testing Machine (Flocculator)

v.

Turbidity Meter

vi.

Watch

4.0

PROCEDURE
1. Firstly, water sample is filled into measuring cylinder and being analyze for
turbidity and initial pH by manually stir it up for 10 times then measuring is
taking by using the turbidity meter. These steps are repeated for 3 times to
collect the average reading from the result analyze and the data is recorded in
the Initial Turbidity Table.
2. Secondly, filled each of the six 500 mL beakers with water sample and labeled
each of beakers with 1 till 6.
3. Thirdly, the alum dosage required for each jar and the volume of alum solution
to be added are calculate to preparing the stock solutions. Stock solutions are
prepared by dissolving 20.0 grams of alum into 500 mL distilled water so each
1.0 mL of the stock solution will equal 10 mg\L (ppm) when added to 1,000 mL
of water to be tested. The stock solution of 0, 1,2,3,4 and 5mL was measured
and filled into the bottle.
4. The 6 Beakers contain the prepared sample is placed in the Jar Testing Machine.
The paddles are release and adjusted to be in middle of the beakers then
beginning the two stirrers using rapid mixing (coagulation) that is at 100 rpm
for 1 minute.
5. After the rapid mixing, immediately add 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mL of stock solution
in each beaker respectively then reduce the stirrer speed to 40 rpm and
flocculate for 10 minutes.
6. After the flocculation period, remove the paddles and allow solids to settle for
30 minutes. The floc settling characteristics is being observed. (A hazy sample
indicates poor coagulation. Properly coagulated water contains floc particles
that are well-formed and dense, with clear liquid between the particles)

7. The final turbidity being measured by taking a sample from the center of each
one sample, about 2 inches down, and being done carefully for not disturb the
flocs that have settled.
8. Graph of Turbidity versus Alum dosage is plotted using the data recorded.
5.0

SAFETY AND HEALTH PRECAUTION

i.

Wear KLIUC jacket, long pan and shoe before enter laboratory

ii.

Check the equipment before using it and handle it with caution

iii.

Use glove when handing with sample

iv.

Record all the test

6.0

RESULTS CALCULATION AND DISCUSSION

Data obtained from the Jar test in the following tabular form.

Alum Stock Solution Concentration 10,000 mg/L

JAR

Alum Stock
Solution
Added (mL)

Alum
Dosage
(mg/L)

Initial
Turbidity
(NTU)

Residual
Turbidity
(NTU)

Residual pH

10

20

87.3

12.8

6.80

15

30

87.3

3.90

6.84

20

40

87.3

1.39

6.85

25

50

87.3

0.630

6.81

30

60

87.3

0.402

6.76

35

70

87.3

Turbidity (NTU)

0.311

6.68

Optimum Dose

Alum Dose (mg/L)

mg

Graph of Turbidity versus Alum concentration as shown above and determine the
optimum alum dose

7.0

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

As base on our data and observation, the sample indicates poor coagulation. Properly
coagulated water contains floc particles that are well-formed and dense, with the liquid
between the particles clear. The turbidity tests of the water in each beaker by using a
turbidometer giving us the result that our sample is least turbid and it is correspondent
with the optimal coagulant dosage that being used.
4

This is because alum will make the water more acidic, and it is for this reason that
buffer is added at the same time, and in the same amount as the alum. After analyzing
the data, we have decided that the optimum dosage of alum for this system is
approximately 30.0 mL of alum. We reached this conclusion based on the fact that the
turbidity is at a minimum at this point, at 3.90 NTU.
Our recommend for this type of water sample is based on how often jar tests are
performed here. These lakes which treat groundwater may have very little turbidity to
remove are unlikely to be affected by weather-related changes in water conditions. As
a result, groundwater plants may perform jar tests seldom, if at all, they can have
problems with removing the more difficult small suspended particles typically found in
groundwater. So system operators at this lake should perform jar tests frequently,
especially after rains, to adjust the coagulant dosage and deal with the changing source
water turbidity.

8.0 APPENDIX AND REFERENCE

References:
1. http://www.ci.slc.ut.us/utilities/parleys/
2. http://www.phippsbird.com/products.html#pb-700
3. http://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/operations/water/docs/class%20I.pdf
4. http://water.me.vccs.edu/courses/env211/lab5_print.htm