Surface water research

Surface waters – these are land waters, which are permanently or temporarily on the earth's surface in the form of various water bodies in liquid form (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, rates, channels) and solid (glaciers, snow) condition. They are an important component of the hydrosphere and play a significant role in nature and human life.

The chemical composition of surface waters depends on many factors, in particular, from the composition of rocks, through which the waters flow, from precipitation, as well as from human activity.

Types of surface water:

  • Watercourses:
    • Rivers – these are water streams, that flow in a natural channel and are fed by atmospheric precipitation, melting of snow and ice, as well as groundwater.
    • Streams – these are small rivers.
    • Channels – these are artificially created watercourses.
  • Reservoirs:
    • Lakes – these are natural water bodies, which have an area of ​​the water mirror over 0,1 him.
    • Reservoirs – these are artificial water bodies, created to regulate water flow, irrigation, energy, etc.
    • Bets – these are small artificial reservoirs.
    • Swamps – these are overmoistened areas of dry land with a layer of peat.
  • Glaciers:
    • Glaciers – these are masses of ice, formed as a result of accumulation and compaction of snow.

Protection of surface waters:

Surface waters are subject to significant pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural fertilizers, household waste, etc. Pollution of surface water can lead to deterioration of water quality, reduction of drinking water supplies, death of fish and other aquatic organisms. Therefore, surface water protection is an important task.

Surface water protection measures:

  • Wastewater treatment: Before dumping into reservoirs, it is necessary to clean industrial ones, agricultural and domestic wastewater.
  • Rational use of fertilizers and pesticides: In agriculture, it is necessary to use fertilizers and pesticides in moderate quantities, to prevent them from entering water bodies.
  • Prevention of pollution by waste: It is necessary to prevent household and industrial waste from entering water bodies.
  • Restoration of natural ecosystems: It is important to restore natural ecosystems along the banks of rivers and lakes, as they play an important role in water purification.

Surface water analysis is a complex process, aimed at defining physical, chemical, biological and microbiological characteristics of water. This analysis is important for water quality assessment, its suitability for various needs (drinking water supply, irrigation, industry), as well as for monitoring the state of water resources and identifying sources of pollution.

Purpose of surface water analysis:

  • Assessment of water quality: Determination of compliance of water with established quality standards for various types of water use.
  • Pollution monitoring: Detection and identification of pollutants, determination of their concentration and distribution dynamics.
  • Assessment of the ecological state: Determining the impact of pollution on aquatic ecosystems, state of the biota (living organisms) and biodiversity.
  • Forecasting changes: Prediction of changes in water quality under the influence of various factors (climatic changes, anthropogenic load, etc).
  • Development of protection measures: Justification of the need and development of water resources protection measures, prevention of pollution and restoration of water quality.

Types of surface water analysis:

  • Physical analysis: Determination of physical properties of water, such as temperature, color, turbidity, scent, suspended matter content.
  • Chemical analysis: Determination of the chemical composition of water, content of various substances (organic, inorganic, heavy metals, pesticides, etc).
  • Biological analysis: Determination of the content and species composition of living organisms in water (bacteria, algae, zooplankton, fish etc).
  • Microbiological analysis: Determination of the content and types of microorganisms in water, in particular, pathogenic bacteria.
  • Radiological analysis: Determination of the level of radioactive contamination of water.

Methods of surface water analysis:

Various methods are used to analyze surface water, in particular:

  • Colorimetric methods: Methods, based on measuring the color of solutions using a photocolorimeter or spectrophotometer.
  • Titrimetric methods: Methods, are based on measuring the volume of a solution of known concentration, necessary for the reaction with the substance, which is defined.
  • Atomic absorption spectrometry: A method for determining the content of heavy metals in water.
  • Gas chromatography: Method for separation and identification of organic substances in water.
  • Mass spectrometry: Method for identification and quantification of substances in water.
  • Microscopic methods: Methods for studying the morphology and number of microorganisms in water.
  • Biochemical methods: Methods for determining the biochemical indicators of the state of water, such as BSK (biochemical oxygen consumption) you HSC (chemical oxygen consumption).

Selection of samples:

Water sampling is an important stage of analysis. Samples must be taken in accordance with established rules and standards, to ensure their representativeness. It is important to consider the sampling time, because the composition of water can change during the day and season.

Water quality standards:

Water quality standards are established for various types of water use. These standards determine the maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants, exceeding which can lead to negative consequences for human health and the environment.

Interpretation of results:

The results of surface water analysis are compared with water quality standards. Based on this, a conclusion is made about the quality of the water, its suitability for use and the need to take protective measures.

Monitoring of surface waters:

Surface water monitoring is a systematic observation of the state of water bodies. It involves regular water sampling and analysis to assess water quality and identify changes. Monitoring results are used to make decisions about water resources management and environmental protection.

In the specialized laboratory of "LIMIT PLUS" LLC, which has the appropriate equipment, certification and accreditation You can order surface water analysis according to your technical task.