The Effect of Pollution on the Distribution of Organisms...

The Effect of Pollution on the Distribution of Organisms Along the River Roding System Method Equipment Pond net Tray Pots and lids Spoons Hand lens Wellington boots Specimen Pots Freshwater Invertebrate Key Scrap Paper (note pad) Gloves Tape to cover cuts Pencil I investigated how the quality, amount of dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates and the temperature of the water in the River Roding System affected the distribution of organisms in the river. I chose six suitable sites along the river Roding System: Furze Ground, Pyrles Brook, Debdon Brook Downstream, River Roding Upstream, River Roding Middle Stream, and River†¦show more content†¦We waited 1 minute. The colour on the pad was compared with the colour chart to see the nitrate level. The nitrate level was recorded. Then a phosphate test was carried out. Firstly 5ml of the water from the river was placed in a container. There were two reagents. 5 drops of reagent 1 and 1 micro spoon of reagent 2 was added to the water. The lid was replaced and the container was shaken. We waited 2 minutes and took the lid off. The colour of the mixture was compared with the colour chart and the phosphate content was recorded. Then the oxygen test was carried out. The meter was set for air and the probe was placed in the air. His was set as 100%. The probe was then placed in the river and the reading went down or up comparing its oxygen content with the oxygen in the air. Finally the temperature of the water was measured. This was done using a thermometer. At each sight we also noted down descriptions of the site e.g. the surrounding land use, the cleanliness of the water, the depth and width of the river. This was done so that the pollution of the river could be explained. Safety While doing the freshwater fieldwork there were a few safety hazards. There was a chance of infection occurring e.g. Weils Disease. Therefore I had to take precautions: 1) small cuts covered with tape, 2) gloves worn, 3) no eating or drinking in the field, 4) no fooling