Environmental Science IA Site Visits

Entry number: 1 Date: January 29, 2016 Time: 10:03 a.m. Site Location: Rio Cobre Objectives:

1) To determine the temperature and pH of the water 2) To test the water for dissolved oxygen content 3) To evaluate the nitrate level of the water 4) To test the water for fecal coliform

Activity: The pollution level of the river was observed. The color as well as the possible odor was noted. A thermometer was used to determine the temperature of the river. A sample of the water was collected to be sent to the lab for tests on the nitrate level, dissolved oxygen content and fecal coliform. A pH indicator was added to a separate smaller sample of water to determine its pH. The color of the water with the pH indicator was compared to a pH scale to determine the overall pH of the river. Observation: The water was dark in color and a pungent odor was in the atmosphere. Signs of pollution were present as waste was seen in and around the river. This waste appeared to be the result of constant human activity. A small farm was seen, hence run off could be a possibility. A highway was located above the river and could also be held as a possible constituent to the pollution of the river. Small fish, snails and other life forms were present in the river. The temperature of the river was 28 oC, while its pH was 8.5 making it alkaline. Comment: The water was heavily polluted as a result of human activities, and the effects on the river were significantly evident. The life forms present proved that the river was still suitable to 1

facilitate life. However, it cannot be deemed safe for human use, whether domestic or recreational. The human population around may be affected by the smell of the river, or have health issues as a result of the accidental use of this water source. A clean up can be done to make the river better, and preventative measures can be introduced to keep it safe for use.

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Entry number: 2 Date: January 29, 2016 Time: 10:58 a.m. Site Location: Fresh River Objectives: 1) To determine the temperature and pH of the water 2) To test the water for dissolved oxygen content 3) To evaluate the nitrate level of the water 4) To test the water for fecal coliform Activity: The pollution level of the river was observed. The color as well as the possible odor was noted. A thermometer was used to determine the temperature of the river. A sample of the water was collected to be sent to the lab for tests on the nitrate level, dissolved oxygen content and fecal coliform. A pH indicator was added to a separate smaller sample of water to determine its pH. The color of the water with the pH indicator was compared to a pH scale to determine the overall pH of the river. Observation: The water was clear and no repulsing odor was noticed. Signs of pollution were evident, but to a small extent. It was close to the heavily used road; hence this small level of pollution is be understood. Animal remains were seen, most likely caused by the surrounding human population. The river was used for domestic and recreational purposes; a truck was seen collecting water, which proves the value of the river. A donkey was also observed drinking the water, hence proof that it provides for surrounding life forms. The life forms present in the river consisted of small fish and aquatic plants. The river’s temperature was measured at 25 oC, and its pH was 7.5, making it slightly alkaline.

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Comment: Although signs of pollution were evident, the river was not heavily polluted, hence the temperature and the pH are understandable. The river is used for domestic and recreational purposes, so it serves as a good source for the surrounding population. Further care should be done to ensure its safety for the organisms that use it on a daily basis.

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Entry number: 3 Date: January 29, 2016 Time: 11:22 a.m. Site Location: Duhaney River Objectives: 1) To determine the temperature and pH of the water 2) To test the water for dissolved oxygen content 3) To evaluate the nitrate level of the water 4) To test the water for fecal coliform Activity: The pollution level of the river was observed. The color as well as the possible odor was noted. A thermometer was used to determine the temperature of the river. A sample of the water was collected to be sent to the lab for tests on the nitrate level, dissolved oxygen content and fecal coliform. A pH indicator was added to a separate a smaller sample of water to determine its pH. The color of the water with the pH indicator was compared to a pH scale to determine the overall pH of the river. Observation: This river was heavily polluted, it had all types of garbage deposited in and around its surface. A dump was also nearby which could be a contributing factor to the garbage, the river ran under a roadway, which can be a contributor to the pollution. It was observed that some men burnt coal close to the river, which can lead to ash and other harmful components being deposited in the river. Despite all this, the river had lateral flow and was not stagnant as the previous rivers. It was seen as a home for a few aquatic species, such as small fish, morass and a crocodile. The temperature of the river was 26 oC, and alkaline with a pH of 7.5.

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Comment: Despite the high level of pollution, the river was able to sustain life. It may not be able to be used for domestic and recreational purposes however, a cleanup should be done and the dump moved to protect the life forms present in the river.

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Entry number: 4 Date: January 29, 2016 Time: 1:06 p.m. Site Location: Hope River Objectives: 1) To determine the temperature and pH of the water 2) To test the water for dissolved oxygen content 3) To evaluate the nitrate level of the water 4) To test the water for fecal coliform Activity: The pollution level of the river was observed, the color as well as a possible odor was noted. A thermometer was used to determine the temperature of the river after which a sample of the water was collected to be sent off to the lab for tests on the nitrate level, dissolved oxygen content and fecal coliform. A pH indicator was added to a separate smaller sample of water to determine its pH. The color of the water with the pH indicator was compared to a pH scale to determine the overall pH of the river. Observation: This river had little pollution, although it was located below the road and showed signs that it was used by humans. The involvement of humans in the state of the river is evident as a border was constructed along its bank. The river was clear and had a rapid lateral flow, it showed good signs that it was in good condition, as different aquatic species were seen. They were accompanied by marine plants that added to the beauty of the river. The river measured in at 22 oC, and had a pH of 8. This means that despite the healthy appearance of the river, it is still alkaline and may not be suitable for human consumption.

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Comment: The river appeared to be in good health, although it had a pH of 8. The care that appears to be taken should continue to keep the river in good condition. This will be beneficial to the organisms it tends for, and may be a good source for human domestic and recreational use.

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