Currently, one of the significant problems that directly concern residents is the quality of water consumed. Therefore, every day more and more in demand are liquid analysis tools, both laboratory and for home use. Due to the increased demand, the modern market offers a wide range of special kits and devices for express analysis of water. In the article, we will consider what the analysis is, why it is performed and what distinguishes laboratory testers from home ones.
Feasibility of testing
Since most water supply systems do not meet the requirements of sanitary norms, it becomes appropriate to test the supplied water for quality. Testing can be carried out in any area where there is access to liquid. These are wells, wells, water from pipes of city water supply.
For every person it is important what kind of fluid they consume. Therefore, conducting tests and rapid analysis of water is a necessary method of protecting the human body from toxins. In a domestic environment, any resident can conduct testing using special tools.
First of all, evaluate the organoleptic properties of water:
- taste;
- smell;
- color;
- turbidity.
It is known that purified water is colorless, has no smell and taste, and is also transparent. But impurities and water treatment sometimes endow a liquid with certain tastes. For example, carbon dioxide gives acidity.
When is the analysis done?
Water quality testing can be carried out in the laboratory, upon the provision of the sample by the customer, or at home by an ordinary resident using test kits or special devices.
During the rapid analysis of water in the laboratory, it is customary to conduct two types of quality testing:
- technological indicators are checked;
- toxicological indicators are determined.
The analysis should be carried out at the first suspicion of changes in the chemical composition of the liquid and the threat to life, as well as in such cases:
- when changing the physical properties of water (taste, smell, color, turbidity);
- approximate construction of any facilities;
- if there is a well or a well on the acquired site;
- installation of treatment facilities near the home;
- when reusing a well or well after prolonged conservation.
If an independent check reveals deviations in the indicators, then it is recommended to call specialists to identify and eliminate ambiguities.
Water quality characteristics: table
An express analysis of drinking water shows certain results that must be correlated with sanitary standards and analyzed. The quality parameters of the fluid supplied are regulated at the legislative level by such normative acts:
- SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 - the standard sets out the general requirements for regulating the quality of tap water.
- SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02 - provisions for the regulation of packaged water.
- Rules for the collection of material for laboratory examinations - GOST R 53415-2009.
Sampling rules are necessary for the most objective and accurate assessment of water quality. If errors are made during the collection of the material, the analysis result may be erroneous.
Laboratory water analysis
Laboratory rapid analysis of water is carried out not only for drinking liquid, but also for anyone in contact with a person. For testing, special spectrophotometric equipment, various reagents and reagents, indicators and colorimeters are used.
Timely monitoring of water quality will assess the state of the liquid and affect its chemical composition. The results of laboratory examinations show:
- microbiological components;
- the presence of nitrites and nitrates;
- volume of fluoride and nitrogen;
- amount of heavy metals and salts;
- stiffness and alkalinity;
- general mineralization.
The quality control of the sample should be carried out by an independent laboratory, which has no relations with enterprises for the supply of water to the population and its treatment. It is important that the examination is carried out on modern equipment.
Analysis Instruments
The devices for express analysis of water according to the number of investigated quality parameters are divided into monoparametric (which analyze the liquid according to one specific component) and multiparameter (which test water according to several parameters).
A monoparametric device can examine water according to one of the following parameters:
- pH level
- salt concentration;
- rigidity;
- turbidity and others.
The basis of the work of all devices is the analysis methods: chemical, optical, electrochemical, chromatographic and photochemical.
By categories of the investigated fluid, all analysis instruments can be divided into:
- drinking water testers;
- groundwater testers at the site;
- liquid analysis instruments in artificial reservoirs;
- process water analyzers;
- sewage testers.
Chlorimeters and Oximeters
To conduct an express analysis of water for the oxygen content in it, oximeter devices are used. The most popular models are:
- Extech DO600 +. This is a waterproof device that can be used both in the laboratory and at home. The gas analyzer has a 5-meter extension cord, which allows testing at depth (for example, a reservoir or in a vessel). Oxygen values can be presented as a percentage from 0 to 200 or as a concentration from 0 to 20 mg / L. The device is equipped with a self-calibration function and memory for 25 examinations.
- AZ8401. The device not only shows the level of oxygen in the water, but also determines the suitability of the liquid for fish. For the accuracy of the calculations, it is recommended that several analyzes be carried out, since the indicators can vary depending on the water layer, season, and much more. The results are presented in percent, mg / L or ppm concentrations. Before operation, the device automatically calibrates.
Reviews on these devices are mostly positive. The devices are convenient to use, have autonomous batteries.
Chlorimeters are devices for studying water for the content of chlorine. The most popular models are:
- CL200 +. The device stands out among analogues in a wider measuring range of 0.01-10 mg / l. This is a multifunctional device that determines not only the pH of water, but also its redox potential. The chlorimeter is intended for use in pools, large aquariums, water treatment systems and others. The device has a built-in memory for several changes, auto-calibration, three replaceable electrodes and a set of flasks for research.
- Solemer (TDS-meter) TDS - 3. A device for the determination of salts and minerals in water. Also, it can measure the conductivity and degree of purification of the liquid.
Reviews of chlorimeters indicate that devices are especially necessary for housekeeping and water quality control in public places (for example, swimming pools).
Multiparameter Instruments
Rapid water analyzes for several parameters can be performed by one device. Among those most in demand:
1. Models of the company CHEMetrics (USA) and reagents:
- Photometer V-2000. The device is equipped with many programs (more than 50) and we consider it the most accurate among analogues. The user can independently configure programs, as well as update them.
- TDS meter portable. A device for conducting water research on the content of various solid components.
- Portable turbidimeter. The device is mainly used in the food or chemical industry. It can also be used for field examinations.
2. Analyzers of the U-50 series. These devices measure 11 indicators. They have built-in sensors, and the length of the connecting cable reaches 10 meters. The devices are equipped with a GPS system, which indicates the location of the study on the map. The measurement results are entered into a special program and are available for processing on a computer.
Reviews note that the devices are reliable in operation and have a convenient, protected design. Also, users like the clear menu and the ability to track settings on a PC.
Express sets
The express water analysis kit is mainly used at home. Test strips can be used to test water for one component or for several.
Modern sets are represented by such types:
- Test systems of the IT line. Testing is carried out using indicator tubes. The concentration of the test substance affects the staining of the tube. This method is characterized by increased accuracy, simplicity and good sensitivity.
- Test systems of the PC line. Testing is carried out using ready-made solutions or mixtures of reagents. The color of the solution shows the concentration of the desired substance in water. Such strips are used for colorimetric and spectrophotometric analysis.
- Test systems of the IP range. Testing is carried out using indicator powders. Depending on the concentration of the substance, the powder changes color. Such tests are easy to use and also show quick results.
- Specialized kits for assessing water quality. Such kits help determine the analysis of the liquid specifically for a given parameter: chlorine, cyanuric acid and others.
Analysis instruments and express kits are compact and easy to use. Almost all of them are suitable for use at the household level. Each device has instructions for use, which describes in detail the analysis process. Reasonable price is also an advantage for the average user. Timely water analysis allows you to prevent diseases of the body.