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Description
Examines the work of the District Inspectors and the Water Authority chemist in dealing with discharges to rivers, and shows laboratory methods of measuring oil pollution, dissolved oxygen, BOD, pe...rmanganate value and suspended solids.
Examines the work of the District Inspectors and the Water Authority chemist in dealing with discharges to rivers, and shows laboratory methods of measuring oil pollution, dissolved oxygen, BOD, pe...rmanganate value and suspended solids.
| Module code and title: | PT272, Environmental control and public health |
|---|---|
| Item code: | PT272; 04 |
| First transmission date: | 17-05-1975 |
| Published: | 1975 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:32 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | David Jackson |
| Contributors: | Frank Clough; Frank Crossland; Edward Felton |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Tame river; Water authorities; Water pollution |
| Footage description: | Programme opens with District Inspector Frank Crossland receiving a radio message in his car about a case of river pollution which he then drives to inspect. Shots of oil pollution on river. The source is not identifiable. At the water authority chemist's laboratory, (Mersey and Weaver River Unit), Sheila Rawson explains how a sample of the oil is analysed using a gas-liquid chromatograph. It is shown to be a standard heavy lubricating oil, which is little help in identifying its source, as Frank Crossland points out. He discusses other aspects of pollution control and stresses the need for full documentation of all incidents. Shots of him collecting river samples from a bridge. In the lab., Sheila Rawson explains the importance of dissolved oxygen tests and the fixation and filtration methods used. Using graphics Frank Clough considers the significance of dissolved oxygen figures in the area of the River Tame examined in TVO3. BOD value at its confluence with Chew Brook is high. This is the result of effluent from Fletcher's paper mill. Clough talks to Eddy Pelton, Effluent Manager, about this. He explains the processes at the mill and the large quantities of water used. Shots of machines being fed with raw material, intermediate processes and finished paper being wound on roll. Concentrated waste products go direct to the sewer but very large quantities of very dilute effluent are discharged to the river because of lack of capacity at the sewage works. Shots of this outflow and the two settling tanks it passes through. In the lab., Sheila Rawson explains that regular BOD checks are made on the effluent polluted river and shows how the test is done using an electrode. She explains the limitations of the test and the need to supplement it with others such as the permanganate value. Pelton comments on its importance. Frank Clough explains the ministry classification of river pollution in terms of BOD values. Graphics, He then examines the Tame, downstream of the paper mill. Shots of fish in cages and in the laboratory tanks of variously diluted effluents. High BOD's lower downstream are caused by heavy sewage effluent. Felton describes other problems with the effluent its colour and alkalinity, and factory tests. Sheila Rawson concludes by summarising the water authority's role in pollution control. Credits over closing shots of a street covered in detergent foam blowing off a polluted river. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71701 |
| Production number: | 00525_5187 |
| Videofinder number: | 2887 |
| Available to public: | no |
