Subject: Environmental Science

Candidate #:
Centre #:
Registration#:
Territory: Jamaica

Teacher: miss bogle

Year: 2017- 2028
 Table of content
Acknowledgements .............................................................................................1

Map of Trinidad ...................................................................................................2

Introduction...........................................................................................................3

Scope.....................................................................................................................3

Purpose .................................................................................................................3

Objectives ..............................................................................................................4

Literature Review .................................................................................................5

Methodology ...................................................................................................... 12

Restate Project Objectives................................................................................. 12

Activities and Data Collection............................................................................. 12

Laboratory Tests................................................................................................. 13

Presentation and Analysis................................................................................... 15

Activities Pollution and Species Diversity.......................................................... 15

Laboratory Tests................................................................................................. 18

Discussions of Findings ....................................................................................... 23

Conclusions........................................................................................................... 25

Recommendations.................................................................................................. 26

Bibliography........................................................................................................... 27

Appendices........................................................................................................ 28
 Acknowledgement
This project is the fruit of concerted efforts. An Internal Assessment of this magnitude was

effectively compiled with the assistance and contribution of a number of individuals;

gratitude must be extended to such persons. I would like to thank God Almighty for giving

me the health and strength I needed to complete this Environmental Science Internal

Assessment, so as to meet the requirements of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency

Examination syllabus. I would like to give credit to my teacher Miss Bogle for the role she

played in outlining the task I am expected to perform. I would like to express my warmest

thanks to my friends at school who contributed significantly to my project. Finally, I would

like to say thanks to my family who helped me to gather the necessary resources where

available, also the funds and the attention which was forth coming in the completion of my

project efficiently.
 Introduction
The topic chosen for this journal report is of ‘The Effect of Pollution on Species Diversity in

Fresh Water and Marine Ecosystem.’ Water pollution is the presence in water of harmful or

objectionable material in sufficient quantity to measurably degrade the water quality, thus

affecting other living organisms that inhabit the specified body of water. The purpose of this

project is to allow one to become conscious of the factors that affect the quality of the river water

that surrounds them and also the harms in which a polluted river can cause to its aquatic life and

even us the humans that may use it domestically or recreationally. This project also intends to

spark the enthusiasm of us to become knowledgeable about what we can do as citizens of St

Thomas to assist in the diminution of water pollution. The variables present in this project are

from the sites which are Rudolph Elder Park- Marine, bath fountain, St. Thomas Technical High

School and Morant River. Additionally, the factors that affect water quality that will be focused

on in this projects are as followed; pH and nitrate levels.

 Problem statement
The effect of pollution on species diversity in fresh water and marine ecosystem. Four sites were

visited, these are, Rudolph Elder Park- Marine, bath fountain, St. Thomas Technical High School

and Morant River. There are certain environmental conditions which would be suitable for the

growth and survival of animals. However, some of these conditions are threaten by pollution

(water). In order to find out what some of these factors were; test such as; the pH of water,

temperature, nitrate levels and the dissolved oxygen of water.

 Purpose of project
The purpose of this project is to allow one to become conscious of the factors that affect the

quality of the water that surrounds them and also the harms in which a polluted aquatic

ecosystem can cause to its aquatic life, the diversity of species and even us the humans that may

use it domestically or recreationally. This project also intends to spark the enthusiasm of us, the

students, to become knowledgeable about what we can do as citizens to assist in the diminution

of pollution. The purpose of this project is to find out how pollution affects species diversity in

fresh water and marine ecosystem. At the end of this project, become more aware of how

human’s actions affect the environment and its inhabitancies. The information gathered can help

with the lowering the effects of pollution on the environment.

 Method of data collection
The methods of data collection that were used are as follows; site visits were used to conduct

various observations in and around the area of the Rivers and the use of digital meters and

scientific kits were used to test for the factors that affect the water quality of the Rivers.

A probe was lowered into the various Rivers to acquire the readings for both the Dissolved

oxygen content and the Temperature. Secondly, an YSI 63 probe was later used to obtain the

levels of pH of the water. Lastly, a LaMotte colorimeter was used to acquire the amount of

nitrates present in the water.

These test were –

 Oxygen test

 Temperature

 pH

 Nitrates

Oxygen test
Dissolved oxygen is the form of oxygen accessible to aquatic organisms. Oxygen is vital to

aquatic species as they use it to build energy through respiration. In a “healthy” body of water,

oxygen is replenished quicker than it’s used by aquatic organisms. However, in some bodies of

water, aerobic bacteria decompose such a vast volume of organic material, that oxygen is

depleted from the water faster than it can be replaced. The resulting decrease in dissolved oxygen

is known as the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).

Vital nutrients, for example nitrates and phosphates, which stimulate aquatic plant and algae

growth, are released via decomposition. If the load of decomposing organic material is excessive,

dissolved oxygen levels can be critically diminished. In a body of water with substantial amounts

of decaying organic material, the dissolved oxygen levels may decline by 90%, this would

represent a high BOD. This can be widely impacted by human pollution and therefore needs to

be monitored.

BOD Level (mg/L) Status

- 1-2 Clean water with little organic waste.

- 3-5 Moderately clean water with some organic waste.

- 6-9 Lots of organic material and bacteria.

- 10-20 Very poor water quality.

Large amounts of organic material in the water common to treated sewage.

- 20-100 Untreated sewage or high levels of effluents from industries or high levels of

erosion.

- >100 Extreme conditions. Siltation and stationary water.

Temperature
Aquatic organisms are extremely fragile to the temperature of their environment. The growth rate

of tilapia is best between a temperature of 220C (72F) and 290C (84F). If the temperature of the

water isn’t at this optimum range, the tilapia won’t be able to survive and reproduce and may

eventually die. Therefore, the measure of the temperature of the water is very important as an

indication of water quality. Table 2 shows the cause and effect relationship with changes in

temperature.
Changes in Water Temperature

Causes Effects

- Air Temperature - Solubility of dissolved oxygen

- Amount of shade - Rate of plant growth

- Soil erosion from increasing turbidity - Metabolic rate of organisms

- Thermal pollution from human activities - Resistance in organisms

PH
Aquatic organisms are extremely fragile to the pH of their environment. The growth rate of

tilapia is best between a pH of 7 – 9. If the pH of the water isn’t at this optimum range, the tilapia

won’t be able to survive and reproduce and may eventually die. Therefore, the measure of the pH

of the water is very important as an indication of water quality.

Factors Affecting pH Levels

- Acidic rainfall

- Algal blooms

- Level of hard-water minerals

- Releases from industrial processes

- Carbonic acid from respiration or decomposition

- Oxidation of sulphides in sediments

Nitrates
Nitrites are an essential source of nitrogen required by plants and animals to synthesize amino

acids and proteins. Nitrate levels below 10mg/L are not directly toxic to tilapia. However, it

becomes toxic when levels exceed 25 - 30 mg/L, and as a result may lead to death of the tilapia.

Nitrate pollution, caused by fertilizer runoff and concentration of livestock in feedlots, has also

become a major ecological issue in tilapia farms. Table 6 shows the sources of nitrate ions in

surface water.

Sources of Nitrate Ions

- Agriculture runoff

- Urban runoff

- Animal feedlots and barnyards

- Municipal and industrial wastewater

- Automobile and industrial emissions

- Decomposition of plants and animals

 Literature review
The quality of the surface water resources of Jamaica in many places is deteriorating due

to high levels of suspended solids, organic matter, high bacteria counts and the presence of

chemical pollutants. The main causes are uncontrolled point source discharges and domestic. The

high erosion rates in upstream area and the indiscriminate removal of vegetative cover contribute

to the high turbidity and suspended solids loads in certain watersheds. The increasing pressure on

the water resources due to population and socio-economic activities will result in an even higher

rate of pollution, if no corrective measures are instituted. (Phillip, 1998)

Domestic wastewater discharges continues to be a serious and chronic problem.

Discharged wastewater finds its way into the marine environment where it can have negative

public health effects, largely through its bacterial content. Solid wastes are managed by sanitary

land filling with minimal recycling. There is a serious potential problem at the Riverton dump

(Jamaica), situated close to the sea where seepage may be transported to the coast via the

adjoining wetlands. Agricultural and industrial pollution are constant features of the economic

development of the country. (Alexia, 2009)

There have been a number of reported fish kills in rivers of jamaica attributed to the

indiscriminate use of pesticides, fertilizers and domestic chemicals eg, milky, Rio Grande, black

river. (Bryon 2010.)

Jamaica has historically enjoyed good potable water quality. Increasing pollutionfrom

sewage and industrial effluents combined with soil erosion and unmitigated developments are

threatening the quality of potable water while increasing treatment cost. At the same time,

pollution can have significant implications for public health and natural ecosystems. (Michelle,

2007.)
 The biodiversity in an ecosystem must be measured in order to obtain a knowledge

of the different species which make up the ecosystem. To measure the biodiversity, many

sampling methods are present in the literature. The different sampling methods are –

random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling and capture-mark-release.

(Ecological Sampling Methods , 2000) From the literature many of the sampling methods

used for biodiversity in coastal ecosystems were systematic, while other researchers used

random and stratified. However, Richard Coe, an employee at the World Agroforestry

Centre, indicated that these will not provide a rich comparison of the biodiversity in the

area and recommended that a systematic method will provide a much better result. (Coe,

2008)

As a result of these impacts, the physicochemical characteristics of water are greatly

affected since these impacts cause alterations to the natural balance of water due to the

foreign substances injected into it. As such, water quality tests are done to quantitatively

determine the anthropogenic impacts on the environment. (Singh, Sanamacha Meetei,

& Bijen Meitei, 2012)

 Presentation and analysis of data

nitrate level of water samples

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
bath fountain morant river marine water ST.T.T.H.S

 The increase in nitrate level is mostly due to run-off from farms among other factors. The

suitable range for nitrate level is 0.001-0.081; it is said that between these values, aquatic

life is safe or is able to sustain life longer. If the nitrate level increases algae and morass is

formed, preventing light from entering the river. Light is necessary for the splitting of water

molecules. Therefore, it can be said that if the nitrate level surpasses the specified range

then the water body can be deemed toxic, unsafe and unclean. Though these rivers met the

specified range; therefore they are suitable for aquatic life.

 Dissolved oxygen level in water samples

ST.T.T.H.S

Marine Water

Morant River

Bath Fountain

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Dissolved oxygen is the form of oxygen accessible to aquatic organisms. Oxygen is vital to

aquatic species as they use it to build energy through respiration. The dissolved oxygen levels

may decline by 90%, this would represent a high BOD. This can be widely impacted by human

pollution and therefore needs to be monitored. According to sites visited ST.T.T.H.S pond has a

moderately clean water with some organic waste while the other sites are of a moderately clean

water and a moderate amount of bacteria and organic material.

 pH of the water samples

9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
Bath Fountain Marine Water Morant River ST.T.T.H.S

 This chart shows the ph value of the rivers. The information shown that of the 4 sites are of

a alkali nature.

Ecosystem Temperature 0C

Fresh water ecosystem

1. Morant River 29

2. St. Thomas Technical High School 30

Marine Ecosystem

1. Bath Fountain Mineral Spring C: 23

H: 87
2. Rudolph Elder Park- Marine 29

 Temperature has its pros and cons however, if it is the only factor considered for water

quality, then it can be said that all three rivers are suitable for aquatic life and organisms but

bath fountain has a lower rate of sustaining life.

 Bath Fountain,
2.50

ST.T.T.H.S,
9.01
Morant River,
5.91

Marine Waters,
3.82
 Discussion of finding
The pH of a substance can be described as how alkaline or acidic a substance is. The pH of three

rivers were taken; Rudolph Elder Park- Marine, bath fountain, St. Thomas Technical High

School and Morant River. The readings above illustrate that all the sites has the same pH . The

results also show that the rivers are alkali. Aquatic life is affected by the change in pH; reason

being they are accustomed to surviving at a certain pH; organisms’ life is at risk if this is altered

even slightly. The table also illustrates that our rivers are in line with the Jamaica’s NRCA range

of 6-9 for international standards. It can be concluded that the pH level affects water quality, and

once water quality is affected aquatic life/organisms are at risk.

Temperature is the average measure of thermal energy of a substance. The temperatures of

four rivers were taken, namely: Rudolph Elder Park- Marine, bath fountain, St. Thomas

Technical High School and Morant River. Based on the results Bath Fountain was the hottest of

all four (4) rivers, while Rudolph Elder Park and Morant River are coolest of all 4 sites. As it

relates to water quality, temperature has its effect on a number of life cycles. Mainly that of

aquatic life and habitats, an increase in temperature more than likely will result in an increase in

body functions, such as: the respiration and metabolic rates. The readings above in the table

indicate that most organisms would have an increase in bodily functions hence putting their lives

in danger. Temperature also affects the pH, dissolved oxygen content, compound toxicity and the

conductivity of water. The NRCA standards range is 23-30 degrees Celsius and all rivers were in

the specified range. It can be concluded that Temperature has its pros and cons however, if it is

the only factor considered for water quality, then it can be said that all four rivers are suitable for

aquatic life and organisms but bath fountain has a lower rate of sustaining life.
 The increase in nitrate level is mostly due to run-off from farms among other factors. The

suitable range for nitrate level is 0.001-0.081; it is said that between these values, aquatic life is

safe or is able to sustain life longer. If the nitrate level increases algae and morass is formed,

preventing light from entering the river. Light is necessary for the splitting of water molecules.

Therefore, it can be said that if the nitrate level surpasses the specified range then the water body

can be deemed toxic, unsafe and unclean. These rivers met the specified range; therefore they are

suitable for aquatic life. It can be concluded that if the nitrate level increases or surpasses the

specified range then the water body is unsafe, toxic and unclean for the survival of aquatic life.
 Conclusion
In essence, it was observed that there was a variety of physic-chemical characteristics and trends

whilst conducting this experiment.. This result displayed that Site 1 had the most suitable physic-

chemical conditions to give and sustain. With the use of site 1 having an abundance of life

making this experiment a success. Ultimately, it is also necessity to conclude that based on the

findings of this research, that not all of the four sites that were tested are polluted. Evidently, that

the school’s aquarium are not polluted since it had little or no pollutants since our tests proved

that there were no harmful and objectionable materials in sufficient quantity to measurably

degrade the water quality.

During research for the literature review, the issues that led to certain factors that affected

water quality were found and also what affects these factors have on the various Rivers.

Therefore this went hand in hand with the purpose of the project which was to spark the

enthusiasm of us to become aware of every aspect of these factors. Nevertheless, the entire

research project was somewhat successful.

 Recommendation
 To improve these IA investigations should have been taken over a wider area of

land.

 To have a more accurate outcome of the aim, more samples should have been taken

from each site visit on the same day.

 The same general site should have been visited on different days to obtain better

variables.

 Implement various environmental legislations and penalties – those people that dump

garbage into the River would face the same consequences.

 Greater emphasis on CEC's – If this is done then a reduction of some water pollutants.

 Development of water treatment plants in all major rivers – the water treatment plant

there greatly reduces the amount of water pollutants there so if these plants were to be

constructed in other river.

 Education – The general public can be educated about how their actions may affect the

various water courses nearby and also steps that they can take in an attempt to curb this

issue.

 Better Farming practices – The principles of GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) should

be adhered to by farmers hence their well be a drastic decrease in chemical drifting and

fertilizer run-off. Additionally even Phillip H.W. in his essay on water quality believed

that even higher rates of pollution would occur, if no corrective measures are instituted.
 Bibliography
 (2011, September 25). Retrieved from Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation:

http://mayarorioclaro.com/

 Cleland, E. (2011). Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability. Retrieved from The Nature

Education Knowledge Project:

http://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/biodiversity-and-ecosystem- stability-

17059965

 Coe, R. (2008). Retrieved from World Agro-forestry Centre:

http://www.worldagroforestry.org/

 Ecological Sampling Methods . (2000). Retrieved from Offwell Woodland & Wildlife

Trust: http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/howto.htm

 Khan, A. (2010, August 6). Official opening of Guayaguayare Community Centre.

Retrieved from The Government Information Service Limited (GISL):

http://www.news.gov.tt/archive/index.php?news=4955

 New community centre to be opened in Vessigny. (2014). Retrieved from Ministry of

Community Development: http://www.community.gov.tt/home/content/new-community-

centre-be- opened-vessigny

 C.R., B. (2010, September 11). Water pollution: WRMU. Retrieved March 01, 2012,

from WRMU: http://wrmu.org.tt/uploads/policy-wrmu.pdf

 S.I, M. (2007, July 11). Importance of water quality: Blur. Retrieved March 04, 2012,

from Blur: http://blurtit.com/q517178.html

 Thornes, N. (2001). Bath Advanced Science. Environmental Science.

 M.B.V. Roberts, June Mitchelmore, Nelson Thornes, Jul,1,2000 - Biology text

 Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions By Michael L. McKinney, Robert M.

Schoch, Logan Yonavja

 Environmental Science By G. Miller, Scott Spoolman

 Navindra Ramsaroop - Caribbean Educational Publishers, 2011 - Environmental

sciences

 H.W., P. (1998, January 12). EMA water pollution. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from EMA

Web site: http://www.ema.co.tt/docs/techServ/water/rewpmp.pdf

 Appendices
Entry#:1

Date:

Site location: Bath Fountain

Objectives:
1. To test the temperature of the water sample.

2. To test the pH of the water using an electronic pH meter.

3. To determine the species diversity of the area.

4. To collect samples of water to determine the oxygen and nitrogen level.

5. To capture images of the species diversity present.

Activities:

The activities that was being carried out was that temperature of the sea water was taken the

species diversity of the area was observed. Images were taken to capture the amount of species

diversity that was present. Sample of water were taken to determine the oxygen and nitrogen

level.

Observation:

The special diversity of the area was very diverse, the type of flora and fauna observe are

seagull, almond Trees, Chinese guinep, seaweed, sea fan, chickens, Irish moss, sea crabs. There

were more fauna observe that flora, the area was flat, the colour of the water was a dark colour

and the water was of a salty texture. There were a lot of aquatic animal present, there were

person walking on the beach person fishing when person go to the park and set down they don’t

dispose of their garbage properly which cause pollution.

Comment:

The park had a whole lot of garbage. There were little activities going on the beach that day.

Follow up
Species # of Species N(N-1)
Wild Cocoa 20 380
Bamboo 100 9,900
Mosses 300 89,700
fern 80 6,320
breadfruit 3 6
Jelly tree 10 90
Total 513 262,656
Species diversity N(N-1)÷∑n(n-1) 2.5
Entry #:2

Date:

Site: Rudolph Elder Park- Marine

Objective:

6. To test the temperature of the water sample.

7. To test the pH of the water using an electronic pH meter.

8. To determine the species diversity of the area.

9. To collect samples of water to determine the oxygen and nitrogen level.

10. To capture images of the species diversity present.

Activities:

The activities that was being carried out was that temperature of the sea water was taken the

species diversity of the area was observed. Images were taken to capture the amount of species

diversity that was present. Sample of water were taken to determine the oxygen and nitrogen

level.

Observation:

The special diversity of the area was very diverse, the type of flora and fauna observe are

seagull, almond Trees, Chinese guinep, seaweed, sea fan, chickens, Irish moss, sea crabs. There

were more fauna observe that flora, the area was flat, the colour of the water was a dark colour

and the water was of a salty texture. There were a lot of aquatic animal present, there were

person walking on the beach person fishing when person go to the park and set down they don’t

dispose of their garbage properly which cause pollution.

Comment:

The park had a whole lot of garbage. There were little activities going on the beach that day.

Follow up Activities:

Next we went to the fresh water part of the park.

Species # of Species N(n-1)

Sea Gull 6 30
Almond Tree 6 30
Chinese Guinep 2 2
Seaweed 30 870
Sea fan 1 0
Chicken 5 20
Irish moss 20 370
Sea crabs 2 2
Total 72 5,112
Species diversity N(N-1)÷∑n(n-1) 3.83
Entry #: 3

Date:

Site: Morant River

Objectives:

1. To test the temperature of the water sample.

2. To test the pH of the water using an electronic pH meter.
3. To determine the species diversity of the area.
4. To collect samples of water to determine the oxygen and nitrogen level.
5. To capture images of the species diversity present.

Activities:

The activities was being carried out was that the temperature of the fresh water was taken; the

species diversity of the area was observed. Images were taken to capture the amount of species

that was present; sample of the water was taken to determine the oxygen and nitrogen level.

Observation:

The species diversity of the area was very diverse, the type of flora and fauna observed were

egret, butterflies, almond trees, dragon flies, tilapia, wild callaloo, susumba tree and water

strides, there were more fauna than flora and it was of a green colour and I don’t really the

texture of the water cause I wasn’t going to put my hand in it. No human activity took place.

There was a sewage pit near this area that could cause pollution.

Comment:

The park had a whole lot of garbage. There were little activities going on the beach that day.
Follow up activities:

Species # of species N(n-1)

Egret 3 6
Butterflies 6 30
Almond Tree 3 6
Dragonfly 6 30
Tilapia 12 132
Wild callaloo 16 240
Susumba Tree 2 2
Water striders 5 20
Total 53 2756
Species diversity N(N-1)÷∑n(n-1) 5.91
Entry#: 4

Date:

Site: St Thomas Technical High School Pond

Objectives:

1. To test the temperature of the water sample.

2. To test the pH of the water using an electronic pH meter.
3. To determine the species diversity of the area.
4. To collect samples of water to determine the oxygen and nitrogen level.
5. To capture images of the species diversity present.

Activities:

The activities was being carried out was that the temperature of the fresh water was taken; the

species diversity of the area was observed. Images were taken to capture the amount of species

that was present; sample of the water was taken to determine the oxygen and nitrogen level.

Observation:

The species diversity of the area was very diverse, the type of flora and fauna observed were

Ixora, White Hibiscus, Sunflower, Tadpoles, Dragon Flies, Moses in the bull rush, Small fish and

Purple Fountain Grass, there were more fauna than flora and it was of a green colour and I don’t

really the texture of the water because I was afraid to. No human activity took place.

Comment:

The area had a whole lot of garbage around the edges. There were little activities around that
area.
Follow up activities:

Species # of Species N(N-1)

Ixora 3 6
White Hibiscus 1 0
Sunflower 5 20
Tadpoles 5 20
Dragonflies 5 20
Moses in the bull rush 6 30
Small fish 7 42
Purple fountain grass 4 12
Water striders 10 90
Lizard 1 0
Total 47 2162
Species diversity N(N-1)÷∑n(n-1) 9.01
Laboratory test
Lab: #1

Title: Temperature of Fresh water and Marine Ecosystem

Aim: To accurately use and read the thermometer to measure the temperature of two Freshwater

and two Marine Ecosystem

Apparatus:

Four (4) 250-cm3 beakers

Thermometers

Pencil

Note book

Measuring cup with handle gloves

Fresh water and marine samples.

Procedure:

1. All materials needed for the experiment was obtaained.

2. Water was carefully retrieved from first fresh water source and poured into beaker using

meauring cup with handle until the water level reaches approximately 200ml.

3. The thermometer was placed carefully in the beaker bulb side down, and left for five (5)

minutes.

4. The thermometer was carefully observed and sample of the temperature was recorded.
 5. Data was recorded in the data table .

6. Steps 1-5 for three samples was repeated.

Results

Title: Table Showing temperature recorded for two fresh water and two marine Ecosystems

Ecosystem Temperature 0C

Fresh water ecosystem

3. Morant River 29

4. St. Thomas Technical High School 30

Marine Ecosystem

3. Bath Fountain Mineral Spring C: 23 H: 87

4. Rudolph Elder Park- Marine 29

Discussion of Results:

Temperature is the average measure of thermal energy of a substance. The temperatures of four

(4) sites were taken, namely: Bath Fountain Minerals Spring, Rudolph Elder Park-Marine,

Morant River and St Thomas Technical High School Pond respectively. Based on the results St

Thomas technical pond was the hottest of all with 300C, while Rocky Point was the coolest. As it

relates to water quality, temperature has its effect on a number of life cycles. Mainly that of

aquatic life and habitats, an increase in temperature more than likely will result in an increase in

body functions, such as: the respiration and metabolic rates. The readings above in the table

indicate that most organisms would have an increase in bodily functions hence putting their lives

in danger. Temperature also affects the pH, dissolved oxygen content, compound toxicity and the
conductivity of water. The NRCA standards range is 23-30 degrees Celsius and all sites were in

the specified range.

Conclusion:

Temperature has its pros and cons however, if it is the only factor considered for water quality,

then it can be said that all four rivers are suitable for aquatic life and organisms but bath fountain

has a lower rate of sustaining life.

Lab: #2

Title: Testing water samples for pH value.

Aim:To test samples of water for pH value.

Apparatus: Testing tubes

Water samples

Wide range indicator solution

pH compacter

Method/Procedure:

1. Each test tube was rinsed with water sample.

2. Test tubes were filled with sample of water to 5ml line.

3. Dropper bottle was held vertically and 10 drops of wide range pH compactor and held up

to a light source sample colour was matched to a colour standard.

5. The pH values was recorded.

6. Hands were was after.

Results:

Location pH

Bath Fountain Minerals Spring 9

Rudolph Elder Park-Marine 9

Morant River 9

St Thomas Technical High School 9

Pond

Discussion:

The pH of a substance can be described as how alkaline or acidic a substance is. The pH of four

sites were taken; Bath Fountain Minerals Spring, Rudolph Elder Park-Marine, Morant River and

St Thomas Technical High School Pond. The readings above illustrate that all sites result were

the same. The results also show that the rivers are alkaline. Aquatic life is affected by the change

in pH; reason being they are accustomed to surviving at a certain pH; organisms’ life is at risk if

this is altered even slightly. The table also illustrates that the sites are in line with the Jamaica’s

NRCA range of 6-9 for international standards.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the pH level affects water quality, and once water quality is affected

aquatic life is also affected.

Lab:#3

Aim: to test for dissolve oxygen (DO) in different samples of water.

Apparatus:

Bottles

Sample waters

Manganous sulphate solution

Alkaline potassium

Iodide Azide

Method\Procedure:

1. 1.8 drops of manganous sulphate solution and 8 drops of alkaline potassium iodide Azide were

added in a clean bottle with water sample.

2. The bottle was covered tightly ensuring no air trapped inside and was inverted repeatedly to

fully mix.
Results:

Table showing the results of water tested for dissolve oxygen level

WATER SAMPLE AMOUNT OF INTERNATIONAL

DISSOLVED OXYGEN STANDARD

BATH FOUNTAIN 5.3 8.3

MORANT RIVER 5.8 8.3

MARINE WATER 6.0 8.3

ST.T.T.H School Pond 4.0 8.3

Discussion:

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that if the stated range is met, then the water body can be said to be safe for
aquatic life.
Lab: #4

Title: Testing water sample for nitrate level

Aim: To test samples for nitrate level

Apparatus:

Sample bottles

Sample of water

Mixed acid reagent

Oil and spoon

Test tubes

Nitrate nitrogen compactor

Method\Procedure:

1. Sample bottle was filled with sample.

2. One test was rinsed and filled with water from the sample bottle to 2.5ml liters.

3. The mixed acid reagent was mixed and covered and watched for 2 minutes and diluted to the

5ml line.

4. The oil and spoon was used to add one level measured.

5. The test tube was inserted into the nitrate nitrogen compactor the sample was matched to a

colour standard.
6. The results were recorded as Mg IL (PPm) Nitrate Nitrogen (No3-N) converted to Ng/Nitrate

(NO3) Multiplied by 4.4.

7. Reacted sample was placed in a clearly marked container for disposal.

RESULTS:

Table showing the nitrate level in the water samples.

WATER SAMPLES NITRAITE LEVEL

Bath Fountain 1.6 ppm

Morant River 2.0 ppm

Marine water 2.1 ppm

ST.T.T.H. School Pond 1.8 ppm

Discussion:

The increase in nitrate level is mostly due to run-off from farms among other factors. The

suitable range for nitrate level is 0.001-8.1ppm; it is said that between these values, aquatic life is

safe or is able to sustain life longer. If the nitrate level increases algae and morass is formed,

preventing light from entering the river. Light is necessary for the splitting of water molecules.

Therefore, it can be said that if the nitrate level surpasses the specified range then the water body

can be deemed toxic, unsafe and unclean. These rivers have met the specified range; therefore

they are suitable for aquatic life.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that if the nitrate level increases or surpasses the specified range then the

water body is unsafe, toxic and unclean for the survival of aquatic life.