Within this task we were required to determine the ecological state of the Reddam House wetland, which I presume is at a good standard.
I decided to test the ecological status of the wetland by gathering samples from the wetland and testing it for various aspects in the water and the plants that are found within the area.
Method:
• Collected water in a sterilized bottle at Reddam House wetland as well as observed surrounding fauna and flora.
• Took the water to Rand Water to have it tested as well as took photos of the vegetation surrounding the wetland.
• Tested conductivity of the sample using the following apparatus: Conductivity meter, two beakers, distilled water, paper towels and my water sample.
• Switched on the conductivity …show more content…
With this high concentration of ions animals and plants that live in the water or that are irrigated with this water will suffer and die as the water is polluted by a high ion concentrations. With a conductivity test results of 13.12 mS/m we can say that water is expected to have no health or aesthetic effects such as odour or taste. Possible recommendations could be to ensure less or no fertilizers or industrial waste is able to infiltrate the river.
Due to the suspension of particles in the river bacteria is prone to stick to these particles. With much suspension the plants on the riverbed will not grow as a result of no sunlight as well as upsetting the aquatic animal diversity by making it harder for predators to find prey. With a result of 3.73 we can say that there is no turbidity visible but there is a slight chance of infectious disease transmission as well as possible odour or taste of the water. Possible recommendations could be to ensure less or no industrial waste or sewerage is able to infiltrate the water was this could increase make it more