Biology, asked by princeaman8455, 1 year ago

What is the scope of checking bacterial contamination in drinking water by testing sulphide ions

Answers

Answered by sagar2996
0
The sulphide ion test for bacterial contamination is good. In surface waters, hydrogen sulphide is formed under oxygen deficient conditions. Hydrogen sulphide is also produced from the decomposition of sulphur containing organic compounds. The concentration of sulphide ion becomes significant only at pH 10 or above.

Under acidic conditions, the concentration of hydrogen sulphide predominates. Hydrogen sulphide is a weak acid, which ionizes to yield hydrosulphide (HS_-) and sulphide (S2) ions. Hydrogen sulphide is extremely toxic to fish. Concentrations of total sulphide as low as 0.01 mg/L make the water unfit for uninhibited fish culture. Hydrogen sulphide also reduces the aesthetics value of the water body due to foul color. The bacterial contamination can be tested using H2S strip .

The water to be tested is to be filled in the bottle having H2S strip, and keep it in the incubator ;at 35degree centigrade for 14 to 16 hours. If the strip becomes black then the water is not fit for human consumption as it is contaminated and bacteriologically not potable. This is the simple and quick method as it needs no sterilization.

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