A Comparison Of Phosphate And Total Dissolved Solid Levels In City Water And Well Water In South Carolina
School Name
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
Grade Level
9th Grade
Presentation Topic
Environmental Science
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to compare levels of phosphorus and total dissolved solids (TDS) in city water and well water. It was hypothesized that well water would have higher levels of phosphorus and TDS, because well water is not treated but is pumped directly from the ground to pipes. Water samples were collected from city sources and well sources from the Columbia SC area in 40 mL vials. The phosphorus test relied on color to determine the amount present in the water sample, while TDS were measured using a digital tester. The data partially rejected the hypothesis, with the statistical analysis showing a statistically significant difference in phosphorus levels and a very slight significant difference in TDS levels, with city water having higher levels of both.
Recommended Citation
Willhide, Kate, "A Comparison Of Phosphate And Total Dissolved Solid Levels In City Water And Well Water In South Carolina" (2016). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 217.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2016/all/217
Location
Owens 210
Start Date
4-16-2016 8:45 AM
A Comparison Of Phosphate And Total Dissolved Solid Levels In City Water And Well Water In South Carolina
Owens 210
The purpose of this experiment was to compare levels of phosphorus and total dissolved solids (TDS) in city water and well water. It was hypothesized that well water would have higher levels of phosphorus and TDS, because well water is not treated but is pumped directly from the ground to pipes. Water samples were collected from city sources and well sources from the Columbia SC area in 40 mL vials. The phosphorus test relied on color to determine the amount present in the water sample, while TDS were measured using a digital tester. The data partially rejected the hypothesis, with the statistical analysis showing a statistically significant difference in phosphorus levels and a very slight significant difference in TDS levels, with city water having higher levels of both.
