Contact with Council Worker

I have contacted a Randwick council worker. Although they don't manage the park anymore she was still able to provide me with information in regards to the drainages systems throughout centennial park. This will provide me with information about the topography and soil profile.

 

Equipment List

Material List

• ·    Data logger
• ·       pH probe
• ·       Conductivity probe
• ·       Turbidimeter kit
• ·       Silver nitrate
• ·       Phosphate strips/phosphorus kit
• ·       Waste bucket
• ·       Test tubes
• ·       Beakers
• ·       Distilled water
• ·       Oven
• ·       Evaporating basin
• ·       Electronic scales
• ·       Water samples
• ·       Soil samples
• ·       Takeaway containers
• ·       Drink bottles
• ·       Filter paper
• ·       Retort Stand
• ·       Clamp
• ·       Transport bag i.e shopping bags
• ·       Permanent marker
• ·       Labeling stickers
• ·       Secondary research i.e booklets
• ·       Camera
• ·       Funnel
• ·       Plastic cups
• ·       Test-tube rack
• ·       Specimen Jar

Soil Testing; sample number 2

Soil Test; sample number 2

Distilled water mixed with soil, to get samples which are compatible with certain probes to test. These were put through filter paper.

Moisture test	Weight before being heated (g)	Weight after being heated (g)	Moisture content that was lost (g)
Area 1	57.05	56.46	0.59
Area 2	58.31	55.48	2.83
Area 3	63	61.64	1.36

pH	Test 1	Test 2	Average
Area 1	6.6	6.7	6.65
Area 2	6.5	6.7	6.6
Area 3	6.4	6.6	6.5

Testing for the salinity of the soil	1	2	Average
Area 1	54	58	56
Area 2	50	52	51
Area 3	47	48	47.5

Experimental Results--> sample 2; water

Second Set of results

Silver nitrate testing	Results
Area 1	There was a mild presence of silver chloride in the water
Area 2	There was a mild presence of silver chloride in the water
Area 3	There was a mild presence of silver chloride in the water

Salinity Test	Test 1(ppm)	Test 2(ppm)	Average (ppm)
Tap water	210
Area 1	180	179	179.5
Area 2	175	176	175.5
Area 3	172	174	173

Phosphate Testing	Test 1(ppm)	Test 2(ppm)	Average (ppm)
Area 1	25	25	25
Area 2	25	25	25
Area 3	25	10	15

Turbidity	Test 1 (NTU)	Test 2(NTU)	Average (NTU)
Area 1	2.1	2.2	2.15
Area 2	3.8	3.7	3.75
Area 3	1	1.2	1.1

pH testing	Test 1(mV)	Test 2(mV)	Average(mV)
Area 1	6.9	7	6.95
Area 2	7.3	7.1	7.2
Area 3	7	7.1	7.05

Problems 
When testing for the turbidity i was getting extremely high readings. These results were counteracting my hypothesis that the turbidity of the water would be lower due to less movement in water. This test was done numerous time with the same samples with each result still being high. However the minor bubbles in the top of the water storage container which was placed in the turbidimeter completely threw out results. I had to re-do all my samples ensuring that i filled each container/flask to the complete top so there was no air between the lid and the container.

Hypothesis for experiment 2

Hypothesis
I believe that the second lot of samples which were taken whilst there was no rainfall. I predict that the turbidity, salinity of the water will be lower due to less run off and movement in the water.

Variables 
Independent Variable --> The weather which the samples were taken (After rain, no rain)
Dependent Variables-->

• pH of soil
• Moisture content of soil
• presence of salt in the soil
• Turbidity of the water
• pH of the water
• Presence of salt
• Presence of Phosphates
• amount of pollution in the ecosystem

Controlled Variable--> The controlled variable in this experiment is the areas in which the samples were taken. Each sample was taken from the exact same place to make sure results are accurate.

Soil Testing + Turbidity of the water samples

Today soils for sample one were tested for pH, presence of salt and moisture content. Also the testing for the waters turbidity was done today. Here are the results;

To finish up the testing for the water samples, the turbidity test was carried out today. It was done using a turbidimeter Here are the results;

Turbidity	Test 1 (NTU)	Test 2(NTU)	Average (NTU)
Area 1	2.4	2.2	2.3
Area 2	4.1	3.8	3.95
Area 3	1.3	1.1	1.2

This is the Turbidimeter in which the turbidity of the water samples was taken.

Soil Testing;Results 
To test for pH and the salinity of the soil, the soil had to be mixed with distilled water. This mixture of soil and distilled water was then mixed firmly and put through filter water. This provide a liquid with the same nutrients etc, of the soil which could be tested by the equipment.

The pH of the soil was taken using a pH probe. A photo of for reference is in the other sampling blog.

pH	Test 1	Test 2	Average
Area 1	6.3	6.2	6.25
Area 2	6.7	6.7	6.7
Area 3	6.7	6.9	6.8

The testing for the salinity/salt content of the water was done using a conductivity probe. First we tested if silver chloride was present when a few drops of silver nitrate was placed into the water. The silver nitrate showed that area 1 was higher in salt content followed closely by area 2. Area 3 which was secluded had the least amount of salt present.

Testing for the salinity of the soil	1	2	Average
Area 1	156	158	157
Area 2	146	144	145
Area 3	102	112	107

Conductivity Probe

The moisture test was done though the heating of the soil. Firstly the soil was weighed while moisture was still present. After the soil had been in an oven roughly over 100 degrees Celsius for around 4 hours the soil was re-weighed.

Moisture test	Weight before being heated (g)	Weight after being heated (g)	Moisture content that was lost (g)
Area 1	57.3	55.55	1.75
Area 2	57.55	54.85	2.7
Area 3	49.98	48.2	1.78

An example of the re-weighing of the soil. This photo was taken whilst the scale was still processing the final weight.