abstract

Abstract

Conservation and Water of West Lake! The research question is, to what extent is the lake affected by pollution? This theme of conservation aims at looking at the extent of pollution in the lake and its effects on living organisms (bio). After assessing the health state/level of pollution of the West Lake water, we consider what can we do to conserve West Lake Ecosystem (biodiverstiy)/what role consevation should play to restore/maintain health of West Lake water. Each science measured some form of pollution or health hazard to the lake. Yesterday, on May 5th, the five members of our group ventured to West Lake to take part in various scientific experiments related to the fields of biology, chemistry, physics and environmental systems. Environmental systems looked at the effects of soil quality on the water quality, resulting in the findings that low levels of humus show the low quality of the soil in west lake. Chemistry investigated pH of the lake in order to determine the buffering capacity. Results indicated that the extremely high buffering capacity is very opposite to drinking water. Physics measured the speed of the water in West Lake finding that water speed decreases closer to shore, a direct correlation between the high levels of pollution in these locations.Biology looked at the diversity of the lake using Simpson's Diversity Index. By sampling invertebrates in the lake, we were able to find that there is low diversity in the lake. Findings show that there is no relation between pH change and diversity. Subsequently, we evaluated the extent of the pollution and brainstormed methods of conservation.