Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

I. Research Method

The proponents of the research used descriptive and experimental method of research.

A descriptive research uses books, journal and articles that have been proven by other

researchers. Descriptive research is usually based on known authors or researcher so it is a

reliable source. The proponents of the study are to look for correct interpretation of the

findings based from other literature and studies. The study also used experimental method

to show the relationship between the variables. By definition, experimental research is any

research conducted with scientific approach, where a lot of factors are considered, where

set of variables are kept constant while others are being measured. Experiment research is

one of the founding quantitative research techniques. Through this method, the study

established correct parameters for cleaning wastewater with formalin content.

II. Preparation of Materials

This research will use wastewater coming from embalming procedures. If this study is

a success, this will improve the quality of the wastewater so it will be dispensed into water

bodies or agricultural land without any damage to the natural environment.. The said

mixture of fluids will be collected from embalming establishments.

Chemicals used in embalming

FORMALDEHYDE PHENOL
 METHANOL HUMECTANT

III. Collection of Data

Dilution of Formalin for Reed Bed

The Formalin content wastewater will be diluted so that the reed bed can handle its

pH. It cannot be place directly into it because it may destroy the reed bed. A bacteria will also

form naturally in the formalin wastewater, that will also help for it to be handle by the reed

bed.

Bottle Number Volume of Formalin Wastewater per % concentration of Formalin

1L of Water (for dilution)

1 0.25 2%

2 0.35 4%

3 0.45 7%

Table 3.1. Formalin Percent Concentration

Wastewater Parameters

Wastewater contains a variety of inorganic and organic substances from domestic

sources. The wastewater parameters namely BOD, COD, TDS, TSS and pH are to be

analyzed.

(a) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

The test for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is a bio-assay procedure that

measures the oxygen consumed could be a bio-assay procedure that measures the oxygen

consumed by bacteria from the decomposition of organic matter. The change in

dissolved oxygen concentration is measured over a given amount of your time in water

samples at a given temperature. The following preparations are needed before implementing

the BOD test procedure:

1. Prepare dilution water 3 to 5 days before initiating BOD tests to ensure that the BOD of

the dilution water is less than 0.2 mg/L. Discard dilution water if there is any sign of

biological growth.

2. Determine sample pH. Adjust sample to a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, if necessary, using

sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for samples with pH greater than 7.5 or sodium hydroxide

(NaOH) for samples with pH less than 6.5.

Bottle Sample Initial DO Date/time Final DO Date/time BOD BOD

Number Size Reading of reading Reading of reading
(D1) (D2) D1 D 2 Average
(Liter) P
(mg/L)

1 1 130 Septembe 25 Septembe 105 77.5

r 1, 2019 r 6, 2019

2 1 396 Septembe 30 Septembe 366 213

r 1, 2019 r 6, 2019
3 1 140 Septembe 27 Septembe 113 83.5
r 1, 2019 r 6, 2019
Table 3.2. 5-day biochemical oxygen demand worksheet

To compute:

The general equation for the determination of a BOD5 value is:

D1 D 2
BOD(mg/L) = where : D1 = initial DO of the sample,
P

D2 = final DO of the sample after 5 days, and

P = decimal volumetric fraction of sample used.

(b) Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

This test, COD is used to measure the capacity of water to consume oxygen during the

decomposition of organic matter and the oxidation of inorganic chemicals. It monitors the

treatment process in day-to-day operations and takes only few hours to complete.

The following preparations are needed before implementing the COD testing:

1. This test requires a digestion step wherein heating block will be used for samples to

ensure accuracy and precision of the results.

2. In order to read the absorbance of the samples after digestion, spectrophotometer

device will be used.

3. Prepare the reagent (EPA-compliant reagents) needed for oxidizing the organic

material

To compute:
mg O2 (A − B)𝑥 𝑀 𝑥 8000
𝐶𝑂𝐷 ( )=
L mL sample

Wavelength 225 nm 250 nm

R2
Adjusted R2
 Standard Error
Table 3.3. Tabulation for Chemical Oxygen Demand

(c) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of the combined total of organic and

inorganic substances contained in a liquid. This includes anything present in water other than

the pure H20 molecules.

The following preparations are needed before implementing the TDS testing:

1. Measure total dissolved solids then mix and filter the sample well.

2. Put the sample in the oven to dry and get the constant mass.

3. Cool the container.

4. Measure samples accurately and carefully.

To compute:
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑒 (𝑔), 𝑊 = 𝑊2 − 𝑊1

Description Weight (g)

Weight of the clean porcelain evaporating dish (g) W1
Weight of the dish and the residue (g) W2
Weight of residue (g) W
Volume of the sample (mL) V
Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) TDS
Table 3.4. Tabulation for Total Dissolved Solid

(d). Total Suspended Solid (TSS)

These are particles that are larger than two microns found within the water

column. Anything smaller than two microns which is that the average filter size is taken into

account a dissolved solid. If TSS isn't removed properly through treatment, high

concentrations will lower the water quality within the receiving environment. The suspended

solids absorb light, causing increased water temperature and decreased oxygen which creates
an unfavorable environment for aquatic life. For this reason, total suspended solids effluent

levels are usually regulated for waste treatment plants discharging to the environment, such

as NPDES permits. It is also advantageous to monitor TSS in conjunction with BOD and

COD as a part of the BOD/COD is within the TSS form.

The following preparations are needed for determination of TSS.

1. Place filtration apparatus with weighed filter in filter flask.

2. Mix sample well and pour into a graduated cylinder to the selected volume.

3. Apply suction to filter flask and seat filter with a small amount of distilled water.

4. Pour selected volume into filtration apparatus.

5. Draw sample through filter into filter flask.

6. Rinse graduated cylinder into filtration apparatus with three successive 10ml portions

of distilled water, allowing complete drainage between each rinsing.

7. Continue suction for three minutes after filtration of final rinse is completed.

8. Dry filter in an oven at 103-105°C for at least 1 hour.

To compute:

Weight of residue (g): W = W2 - W1

Weight of residue (mg) = W(g) x 1000W(mg)

TSS:

V = Volume of the sample (mL) (To convert mL to L, multiply by 1000)

Description Weight (g)

Weight of the clean filter paper (g) W1
Weight of the filter paper and the residue (g) W2
Weight of residue (g) W
 Volume of the sample (mL) V
Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) TSS
Table 3.5. Tabulation for Total Suspended Solid