SCH 3U – Chemistry

Colorimetric analysis of water quality

In this half-day activity, students visit the Grand River, an Artesian well, and Bannister lake where we discuss local case studies of water contamination (Uniroyal in Elmira, Artificial sweeteners in the Grand River, and nutrient pollution in lake Erie). Back at Wrigley’s an unknown sample is tested for nitrite, sulphate, phosphate, iron, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH and conductivity. The student’s results are then compared to a chemical description of our three study sites and the students decipherer where their sample came from. Students will use Hach test kits, colorimeters, and spectrophotometers for the activity. A big part of this activity is determining concentrations using beer-lambert plots.

Key Concepts

  • Chemical reactions
  • Quantities (and healthy ranges)
  • Solutions and solubility
  • Chemistry in our environment
  • Electrochemistry (How a DO probe works)
  • Organic Chemistry (pollutants)
  • Beer-Lambert Plots

Quick Links:

(3) SCH3U-4C Chemistry – Handout and Instructions 2017.4