An Introduction to water quality analysis

Abstract

Hydro-Informatics Engineering, under Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Agartala, Barjala, Jirania, Tripura (W) – 799046, INDIA ----------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract Water is perhaps the most precious natural resource after air. Though the surface of the earth is mostly consists of water, only a small part of it is usable, which makes this resource very limited. This precious and limited resource, therefore, must be used with prudence. As water is required for different purposes, the suitability of it must be checked before use. Also, sources of water must be monitored regularly to determine whether they are in sound health or not. Poor condition of water bodies are not only the indictor of environmental degradation, it is also a threat to the ecosystem. In industries, improper quality of water may cause hazards and severe economic loss. Thus, the quality of water is very important in both environmental and economic aspects. Thus, water quality analysis is essential for using it in any purpose. After years of research, water quality analysis is now consists of some standard protocols. There are guidelines for sampling, preservation and analysis of the samples. Here the standard chain of action is discussed briefly so that it may be useful to the analysts and researchers.