Environmental sciences Lab-2(Stream Pollution)

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Evs lab-2

Stream Study

Aim: To test a river at different locations to assess pollution levels.

Focused aim: To investigate pollution level of the river using bio indicators in the form of insects & dissolved oxygen.

Variables:

Control variable: Number of sites

Dependant variable: Amount of insects, Level of pollution

Independent variable: Temperature, pH level, dissolved oxygen & turbidity of the stream

Apparatus:

  • Dissolved oxygen meter
  • Digital thermometer
  • Plastic Bowl
  • Small Plastic cups
  • Net
  • Plastic box
  • pH paper

Hypothesis:

  • Each site will have different Stream Pollution Index
  • Each site will have different dissolved oxygen levels
  • Temperature & pH levels for each site will remain constant

Risk assessment:

  • Since we were studying the pollution levels of the stream & using insects as an indicator, there was an added risk that Insects might have been harmful to the human body. Hence contact with insects is not recommended.
  • Since current levels are high, any footwear in the stream such as flip-flops is not recommended.
  • Stones are wet & slippery, therefore rubber boots are recommended.
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Method:

  • First each site was marked in order to start the experiment.
  • Stream was divided into 5 sites in order to analyse the stream pollution index of the stream carefully & accurately.
  • For each site(1-5), Insects were searched & caught by a Net.
  • Insects were then placed in a bowl of water in order to identify the species.
  • Turbidity of the stream was discovered.
  • pH level of the stream was discovered
  • Temperature of the stream was discovered
  • Dissolved oxygen for each site was measured using a dissolved oxygen meter
  • Insects were inputted in a table according to ...

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