There are many techniques for water analysis. A great deal, however, can be determined by a few physical and chemical tests. This article deals with fresh water analysis primarily and may not be suitable for saline water.
Tests for physical properties include: temperature, specific conductance, color, turbidity, taste and odor, dissolved solids and suspended solids, and pH.
There are many principal mineral constituents and gases that can be determined. Information is given for the determination of alkalinity, acidity, hardness, sodium and potassium, chloride, sulfate, nitrate and nitrite, fluoride, phosphate, boron and borates, silica and oxygen.
Analysis of minor mineral constituent and gases, BOD, detergents, pesticides, and radioactive materials, both artificial and natural, and identification of bacteria round out the article.