Firstly, the components in the water filtration systems are too costly (some are worth several thousands) and since we are on a very tight and limited budget, we could not afford such expensive systems. Secondly, the scale of these systems are too big and the components might be too heavy and hence, the delivery of such components to Vietnam might be very costly and hence we might not afford it. Third, the components installed in these systems are very complex and complicated, and the operator would have to be very knowledgeable of such systems and areas of Science in order to operate them smoothly and efficiently. Lastly, such components might not be able to be installed at the site itself as high amounts of electricity are required to operate them and since the village floods very often, it might not be safe to install such fragile systems there.
We also utilised one of the various labs at the polytechnic to test the contents and chemical statistics of the water samples that the team that consists of Boy's Brigade boys had collected. They had collected the samples during their recce trip to the village in Quang Nam, Danang, Vietnam that we are helping, from the various water sources around the area that provided the villagers with the water, including the wells, rivers as well as the water that had been filtered using the rudimentary water filtration systems. In total, we tested seven water samples.
We ha tested for various concentration of contents in the water samples, such as iron, as well as the turbidity, hardness and the pH level of the water. We used various different methods of testing, and hence everyone could try their hand on the various methods of testing. After the lab teacher there had briefed us on the various procedures as well as demonstrating them for us, everyone of us were given at least one procedure to complete each, while at the same time passing around the water samples so that each could go through the various procedures provided. Hence, such an elaborate experiment required a very organised and co-ordinated team so that we could complete the procedures within the least time.
We took a total of three hours to complete all the demonstrations and also finish the tests for all the water tests. The teacher told us that the way we preserved the water samples might have caused some changes in the water and hence might cause the results to be quite inaccurate. Hence, this is a point to be taken note of so that we would preserve the water samples in a much more effective manner the next time we go to Vietnam for the actual trip. We had learnt a lot from this visit, from new lab procedures to new concepts in chemistry, biochemistry and advanced water filtration systems. Furthermore, now that we know the nature of the water, it is now easier for us to find the most suitable, sustainable and efficient system to be installed there.
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