Physical Examination of Water: Key Tests
Physical examination of water involves various tests to assess its quality based on physical characteristics. Here are the key tests: Turbidity Description : Measures the clarity of water. Method : Turbidity meters or nephelometers measure the scattering of light by particles in water, reported in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Significance : High turbidity indicates the presence of suspended particles, which can harbor pathogens and reduce the effectiveness of disinfection. Color Description : Evaluates the color of water. Method : Visual comparison with standard color solutions or using a colorimeter. Significance : Color can indicate the presence of organic matter, metals, or pollutants. Pure water should be colorless. Odor Description : Assesses the smell of water. Method : Sensory evaluation by a panel or by dilution methods to determine the Threshold Odor Number (TON). Significance : Odor can indicate contamination from organic compounds, industrial pollutants, or bio...