Effects of different filtration on Foul Water

Gavin Rapelye, Sean Gordon, Blaine Johnson, and James Schaffer

Mr. Hardman Chemistry 1 honors 07B
August 29th, 2016
Introduction
We conducted a lab experiment to test whether or not our hypothesis was true, and
to also find out whether or not various types of filtration would filter out the
containments contained in the foul water. The foul water contained oil, used
coffee grounds, garlic powder, and a teaspoon of salt.
Materials
The materials used in this investigation were three beakers, a graduated cylinder, a
ring stand, a plastic cup filled with gravel and sand, it also had holes poked through
the bottom, a 100mL cup of foul water, multiple funnels, filter paper, and finally fine
charcoal dust.
Methods
To begin the experiment we put on the proper protective equipment, and obtained
our materials from Mr. Hardman. After we gained our materials from Mr. Hardman,
we followed the instructions that were given to us in the packets. First we poured
100mL of foul water into a graduated cylinder, afterwards we poured 50mL into a
closed funnel and let the oil separate from the water. Afterwards we poured the oil
out and cleaned the funnel. Then we took the left over mixture and poured it
through the sand and gravel mixture (it was pre-wet to help make sure the sand
didnt absorb the mixture). Then we took the fine charcoal dust and mixed it with
water to make a charcoal paste. We poured the paste into the water and poured it
through the funnel, which had filter paper in it. After running it through multiple
times (using many different pieces of filter paper). Afterwards out solution was still
not clear, so we tried again.
Data

color clarity Odor Oil Solids Volume

presenc presenc
e e
Before Orange- 0% Vinegar Yes Yes 100mL
separati brown
on
After oil Brown 5% Coffee No Yes 50mL
separati
on
Sand Orange 15% Coffee No Yes 50mL
and
gravel
filter
Charcoal Gray 75% Charcoal No Yes 50mL
Paste

Results
Based on the data table above we can see that it slowly became clearer and clearer
as the different filtrations were used, but in the end it never became 100% clear.
The odor did change which couldve meant that some of the contaminants were
removed. The color also changed which couldve meant that some of the
contaminants were removed. In the end though it only became about 75% clear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we found that even though we filter water many time through many
different forms of filtration, that it will most likely never become 100% clear. My
conclusion was also wrong, because I believe that the different forms of filtration
wouldve cleared the water up much more, but not entirely 100%.