Determination of Ammonia Nitrogen Levels in Reservoir Water by the Nessler Method in the Tirtanadi Sisingamangaraja PDAM Drinking Water Treatment Installation
Introduction
The quality of drinking water is a critical factor in maintaining public health and preventing waterborne diseases. Ammonia nitrogen is one of the parameters that must be monitored in water quality testing to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption. The Nessler method is a widely used technique for determining ammonia nitrogen levels in water. In this study, we aimed to determine the ammonia nitrogen levels in the reservoir water of the Tirtanadi Sisingamangaraja PDAM drinking water treatment installation using the Nessler method.
Background
The Tirtanadi Sisingamangaraja PDAM drinking water treatment installation is a critical infrastructure that provides clean drinking water to the community. However, the quality of the water supplied by the installation is dependent on various factors, including the quality of the reservoir water. Ammonia nitrogen is a parameter that must be monitored in water quality testing to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption. High levels of ammonia nitrogen in water can potentially endanger health, including disorders of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal.
Methodology
The analysis of ammonia nitrogen levels in the reservoir water was carried out using the Nessler method. The process began with mixing reservoir water samples with Nessler reagents, which will react with ammonia and produce yellow complexes. This color intensity was then measured using a spectrophotometer, which gives the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in water. The spectrophotometer used in this study was a DR-3900, which is a high-precision instrument that provides accurate results.
Materials and Reagents
The following materials and reagents were used in this study:
Reservoir water samples
Nessler reagents
Mineral Stabilizer
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) dispersant
Spectrophotometer (DR-3900)
Water bath
Procedure
The procedure for analyzing ammonia nitrogen levels in the reservoir water using the Nessler method is as follows:
Collect reservoir water samples from the Tirtanadi Sisingamangaraja PDAM drinking water treatment installation.
Mix 1 mL of the reservoir water sample with 3 tetes of Mineral Stabilizer, 3 tetes of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) dispersant, and 1 mL of Nessler reagent.
Place the mixture in a water bath at a temperature of 25°C.
Measure the color intensity of the mixture using a spectrophotometer (DR-3900) at a wavelength of 420 nm.
Calculate the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the water sample using the following formula:
Concentration of ammonia nitrogen (mg/L) = (Absorbance x 100) / (Slope x 1)
Results
The results of the analysis of ammonia nitrogen levels in the reservoir water using the Nessler method are presented in the following table:
Sample ID
Concentration of Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/L)
TDS-1
0.07
TDS-2
0.06
TDS-3
0.08
Discussion
The results of the analysis of ammonia nitrogen levels in the reservoir water using the Nessler method show that the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the water samples is within the safe limits for human consumption. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the water samples ranged from 0.06 to 0.08 mg/L, which is below the maximum allowable limit of 1.0 mg/L set by the Indonesian government.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the analysis of ammonia nitrogen levels in the reservoir water using the Nessler method shows good results. The method is effective and efficient in providing accurate results. It is essential for the PDAM and related parties to continue to monitor water quality to ensure that the water supplied to the community always meets health standards. These steps are crucial in maintaining public health and good environmental quality.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:
The PDAM and related parties should continue to monitor water quality to ensure that the water supplied to the community always meets health standards.
The use of the Nessler method for analyzing ammonia nitrogen levels in water should be continued and improved to provide more accurate results.
The concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the water samples should be monitored regularly to ensure that it remains within the safe limits for human consumption.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
The sample size was limited to three water samples, which may not be representative of the entire reservoir water.
The Nessler method may not be sensitive enough to detect low levels of ammonia nitrogen in water.
The study did not investigate the effects of other parameters, such as pH and temperature, on the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in water.
Future Studies
Future studies should aim to:
Investigate the effects of other parameters, such as pH and temperature, on the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in water.
Develop more sensitive and accurate methods for analyzing ammonia nitrogen levels in water.
Monitor water quality regularly to ensure that the water supplied to the community always meets health standards.
References
Minister of Health Regulation No. 492/MENKES/PER/I/2010.
World Health Organization. (2011). Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality.
American Public Health Association. (2012). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determining Ammonia Nitrogen Levels in Reservoir Water by the Nessler Method
Q: What is the Nessler method?
A: The Nessler method is a widely used technique for determining ammonia nitrogen levels in water. It involves mixing the water sample with Nessler reagents, which react with ammonia to produce yellow complexes. The color intensity of the mixture is then measured using a spectrophotometer to determine the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the water.
Q: What are the advantages of the Nessler method?
A: The Nessler method is a simple and cost-effective technique for determining ammonia nitrogen levels in water. It is also relatively fast and can provide accurate results within a short period of time.
Q: What are the limitations of the Nessler method?
A: The Nessler method may not be sensitive enough to detect low levels of ammonia nitrogen in water. It also requires careful handling and storage of the Nessler reagents to ensure accurate results.
Q: What are the health risks associated with high levels of ammonia nitrogen in water?
A: High levels of ammonia nitrogen in water can potentially endanger health, including disorders of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal. It is essential to monitor water quality regularly to ensure that the water supplied to the community always meets health standards.
Q: How often should water quality be monitored?
A: Water quality should be monitored regularly to ensure that the water supplied to the community always meets health standards. The frequency of monitoring depends on various factors, including the type of water treatment process used and the level of contamination in the water.
Q: What are the consequences of not monitoring water quality regularly?
A: Failure to monitor water quality regularly can lead to the supply of contaminated water to the community, which can result in health problems and other environmental issues.
Q: Can the Nessler method be used to determine other parameters in water?
A: The Nessler method is specifically designed to determine ammonia nitrogen levels in water. However, other techniques may be used to determine other parameters in water, such as pH, temperature, and turbidity.
Q: What are the future prospects of the Nessler method?
A: The Nessler method is a widely used technique for determining ammonia nitrogen levels in water, and its use is likely to continue in the future. However, new and more advanced techniques may be developed to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the method.
Q: Can the Nessler method be used in conjunction with other techniques?
A: Yes, the Nessler method can be used in conjunction with other techniques to determine other parameters in water. For example, it can be used in combination with pH and temperature measurements to provide a more comprehensive understanding of water quality.
Q: What are the costs associated with using the Nessler method?
A: The costs associated with using the Nessler method are relatively low compared to other techniques. However, the cost of the Nessler reagents and the spectrophotometer may vary depending on the supplier and the location.
Q: Can the Nessler method be used in field testing?
A: Yes, the Nessler method can be used in field testing to determine ammonia nitrogen levels in water. However, it requires careful handling and storage of the Nessler reagents to ensure accurate results.
Q: What are the regulatory requirements for water quality monitoring?
A: The regulatory requirements for water quality monitoring vary depending on the country and the type of water treatment process used. In general, water quality monitoring is required to ensure that the water supplied to the community meets health standards.
Q: Can the Nessler method be used to determine other types of nitrogen compounds in water?
A: The Nessler method is specifically designed to determine ammonia nitrogen levels in water. However, other techniques may be used to determine other types of nitrogen compounds in water, such as nitrate and nitrite.