Is Dilution the Solution to Pollution?
(Adapted from "How Well Is Your Water? NDSU Extension Service)
Goal: To show the effect of dilution on certain contaminants.
Indiana Proficiencies and Competencies:
Middle/Junior High School 1.1, 1.2, 3.2, and 7.2;
First year Earth and Space Science 1.1, 1.2, 6.2, and 7.2;
Environmental Science, Advanced 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, and 6.1.
Sometimes there may be very small amounts of contaminants in our drinking water. Depending on what the contaminant is, this may be a serious problem. Because some contaminants are dangerous in very small amounts, it is important to know the amount of contaminant in a specified volume of (drinking) water. The federal government specifies maximum contaminant levels (MCL’s) for certain chemicals that can be found in drinking water. If the MCL is exceeded, public water supply operators must take steps to ensure the health and safety of the public.
This activity demonstrates factors of dilution for two different substances, one that can be observed by sight and one by smell.
Part one - the food coloring
Now that you have added 1/2 ml of coloring to 1/2 liter of water what is the dilution? (Remember one liter is the same as 1000 milliliters)
What is the dilution of the food coloring in the second container? Can you see any trace of color remaining?
Part two - the diesel fuel
What is the dilution of the diesel fuel in the second container? Can you smell the fuel?
What is the dilution of the diesel fuel in the second container? Can you still smell the fuel?
For more discussion:
To enhance this activity:
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