Colour vs. Phosphate

Phosphate Source

•Clay soil, rocks & minerals, plants, animal waste, urine

Bacterial decomposition in plants and animals contribute to the total dissolved solids in the water body.

•Improper treatment water body.

•Fertilizer runoff from urban landscape

•Storm water percolate the soil

•Atmospheric deposition

•Similar to nitrate, provide nutrients for aquatic weeds

•Color µ Phosphate

•No visible pattern for phosphate

The recommended concentration limit for Phosphate is 0.1mg/L

Reflections of Colour

• Huge difference in the measurement of color between the swimming pool (7 Hazen units) and the pond (avg. 46.5 Hazen units)

• It is true as the pond has a dark green color and the pool is crystal clear that the base of the pool can be seen.

• The color in the pond is affected by the waste of the aquatic creatures living in the pond, the food given, the soil particles around the pond, the dissolved ions, leaf litter which in all affect the clarity of the water body.

• The color of the swimming pool is crystal clear as it has no living organisms, or solids in it except for humans.

• Moreover, it is well maintained for hygiene and aesthetic purposes. Based on NEA requirements, the color should be 5 Hazen units.

• The difference may be due to the fact that they were cleaning the pool when the measurement is taken