pH Levels:
SOIL:
Students are required to place a sediment sample (soil) around the size of a 10 cent piece on the provided petri dish. The sediment was then sprinkled with a white powder, known as Barium Sulphate. Students were then told to place two drops of universal indicator on top of the powder and sediment. A 30 second wait was needed, before students were asked to identify the colour that the powder has turned, matching it to the pH colour chart
SOIL:
Students are required to place a sediment sample (soil) around the size of a 10 cent piece on the provided petri dish. The sediment was then sprinkled with a white powder, known as Barium Sulphate. Students were then told to place two drops of universal indicator on top of the powder and sediment. A 30 second wait was needed, before students were asked to identify the colour that the powder has turned, matching it to the pH colour chart
pH 7: sediment is neutral
pH less than 7: sediment is acidic
pH greater than 7: sediment is basic (alkaline)
pH less than 7: sediment is acidic
pH greater than 7: sediment is basic (alkaline)
The pH level that was recorded in the water by students was pH 7. This means that the water is neutral. Besides this, the measurement is also proven to be within the average range of water pH.
TURBIDITY: Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or 'dirtiness' of water, caused by a number of materials and particles found in the water. Turbidity ultimately determines the quality of the water within the area. The students on this excursion had to test the water's turbidity levels by using a turbidity tube (as shown in picture) . The turbidity is measured in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). To use the turbidity tube, students are required to hold the equipment, whilst keeping there head around 20 cm from the top of the tube. Holding it so that the marks on the bottom can still be seen, small amounts of sample water are to be poured into the device. More water is added until the mark can no longer be seen. The number that the water level rests on is then the turbidity of the water. |
The turbidity level that was recorded at the excursion was 200 NTU. This in fact was far above the average range of less than 40 NTU.