Filtering muddy water

LO1- Design and carry out an experiment
LO2: Explain separation via filtration

Goal: Our goal is to separate mud from water using only the equipment provided

Equipment used:

• Eight cotton balls
• Approximately 70 centimetres of string
• Paper towels
• One 1.5 Litre plastic bottle
• Two plastic cups
• A beaker filled with muddy water

           

Experiment method/design 1

In science, we are designing our own experiment to filter muddy water. My group and I made a filtering system that managed to get all of the mud out of the water. The first part of the filtration system consisted of a cotton ball wrapped in a paper towel. We tied it around the neck of the bottle after we put the muddy water in, then poured the water into a cup. This got rid of most of the mud. Then we put a cloth over another plastic cup and tied them together. We pushed down the centre of the cloth so that when we poured the water in it didn't spill over the side. This part of the filtration system took a while, because the water took a long time to filter through the cloth,but eventually all of the water was transferred into the cup. At this point, all of the mud was out but the water was still discoloured.

Results and conclusion for Experiment Design 1: My group and I didn't manage to filter the water so it was completely clear. We did however manage to get all of the mud and big clumps of dirt out of the water, which left the water slightly discoloured, but not as contaminated as it originally was.

                  

Here are some other designs and concepts for water filters that I found online. 

   

These are two diagrams showing how to make a home made water filtration system using the following materials/items: Rocks, coarse sand,fine sand, cloth, charcoal, water, string (or a rubber band) and a plastic bottle. 

Here are some links to sites that also shows you how to make a water filter:

How To Make Your Own Homemade Water Filter

Top 5 Easiest DIY Water Filters You Can Make At Home