Water Quality An Introduction

This volume is of great importance to humans and other living organisms. The study of water quality draws information from a variety of disciplines including chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, engineering, and resource management.

University training in water quality is often limited to specialized courses in engineering, ecology, and fisheries curricula. This book also offers a basic understanding of water quality to professionals who are not formally trained in the subject.

The revised third edition updates and expands the discussion, and incorporates additional figures and illustrative problems. Improvements include a new chapter on basic chemistry, a more comprehensive chapter on hydrology, and an updated chapter on regulations and standards.

Because it employs only first-year college-level chemistry and very basic physics, the book is well-suited as the foundation for a general introductory course in water quality. It is equally useful as a guide for self-study and an in-depth resource for general readers.

Chapter 1 Physical Properties of Water

Introduction

The Water Molecule

            Structure

            Dipolar nature

            Size

Properties of Water

            Thermal characteristics

            Vapor pressure

            Density

            Surface phenomena

            Viscosity

            Elasticity and compressibility

            Water pressure

            Dielectric constant

            Conductivity

Transparency

Conclusions

References

Chapter 2 An Overview of Hydrology

Introduction

The Hydrologic Cycle

Evaporation

            Measurement

Rainfall

            Measurement

Soil Water

Groundwater

Runoff and Streams

Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ponds

Wetlands

Water Measurements

            Overland flow

            Stream flow

            Volumes of water bodies

            Water Budgets and chemical mass balance

Oceans and Estuaries

Conclusions

References

Chapter 3 Water Temperature (new chapter)

Introduction

Energy, Heat, and Temperature

Solar Radiation and Heating

Heat Transfer in Water bodies

Stream Temperatures

Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ponds

Thermal Stratification

            Thermal stratification process

            Patterns of lake stratification

            Stratification in ponds

            Effects of water quality

Temperature in Water Quality

            Physical aspects

            Chemical reactions

            Biological processes

Conclusions

References

Chapter 4 Dissolved Solids

Introduction

Dissolved Solids and Their Measurement

            Dissolved or suspended – particle sizes

            Major cations and anions

            Total dissolved solids

            Total dissolved organic matter

            Salinity

            Specific conductance

            Alkalinity and hardness

Cation-Anion Balance

Accuracy checks

Concentrations of Major Ions in Natural Waters

            Rainwater

            Inland surface water

            Groundwater

            Coastal and ocean water

Minor Ions and Other Solutes

Relative Abundances of Elements

Total Dissolved Solids and Colligative Properties

            Vapor pressure

            Freezing and boiling points

            Osmotic pressure

Removal of Dissolved Solids

            Ion exchange

            Activated carbon

            Desalination

Conclusions

References

Chapter 5 Particulate Matter, Color, Turbidity, and Light

Introduction

Suspended Particles

            Sources

            Settling characteristics

            Colloidal particles

Humic Substances and Color

Turbidity and Light Penetration

Assessment of Turbidity and Color

            Direct turbidity measurement

            Suspended solids

            Settleable solids

            Secchi disk

            Color

Visual Aspects of Water Bodies

Suspended Solids Removal

            Water shed protection

            Sedimentation basins

            Coagulation

            Filtration

 Conclusions

References

Chapter 6 Dissolved Oxygen and Other Gases

Introduction

Atmospheric Pressure

Gas Solubility

            Partial pressure

            Henry’s law constant and Bunsen coefficient

            Weight of air in water

            Use of gas solubility tables

            Percentage saturation and oxyen tension

The ?P

Gas Transfer

            Stream re-aeration

Concentrations of Dissolved Oxygen

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Respiration

Conclusions

Chapter 7 Redox Potential

No changes in outline.

Chapter 8 pH, Carbon Dioxide, and Alkalinity

Introduction

pH

&n

Claude E. Boyd

Auburn University

School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Science

Auburn, AL

USA