> What is water quality?
Water quality is about testing the condition of the water that includes chemical, physical, biological characteristics, to ensure that the water is safe and clean to use such as for drinking purposes, cooking food etc.
> How can water quality be tested?
Water quality can be monitored or measured by taking the pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. When we want to monitor it, we always need to have a test kit that consists of:
1) test tubes
2) tablets
3) a chart such as the one shown in the picture to know whether the water is clear etc.
This ensures that the water is clean and safe for the organisms.
Extracted from Google Images
Furthermore, there must be also a procedure to carry out the test. For example, if we want to test for pH, we have to first fill up the test tube with the water sample. After that, add one tablet that is used to test pH. Then, we cap and mix by shaking the tube until the tablet has disintegrated. Compare the color of the sample to the pH colour chart. Record the results as pH.
> Why is good water quality important in an ecosystem?
Water provides habitats for aquatic animals. Water can be used for agriculture such as farming and many more. If the water quality is poor, the animals living in water can be affected and this may result in a drop of population. Poor water quality can also affect one's health. If the water is contaminated with bacteria and exposed to germs, it is not safe for consumption such as drinking, cooking etc. Besides that, one can fall ill if the contaminated water is being consumed. Therefore, good water quality is important in an ecosystem.
Part B: Jurong Eco Garden (JEG) - CleanTech Park
Main separation technique used in JEG: Filtration
JEG includes a holistic stormwater management system which collects rainwater to be used for toilet flushing and irrigation. The rainwater collected is being filtered to irrigate the green roof and is recollected after seeping through the plants. The water is then stored in water tanks to supply water for flushing toilets and outdoor washing.
The method that JEG used is eco-friendly as it uses natural filtration. Since water is a renewable source, the hydrological cycle can be repeated over and over again. By collecting and filtering the rainwater, water can be conserved. Moreover, JEG uses cleansing biotope, by choosing selected plants in a filter medium, which then helps to cleanse the water by filtering and absorb the nutrients. No machines in required, thus making it eco-friendly.
Extracted from Google Images
Part C: Jurong Lake Park (JLP)
> How to make JLP more eco-friendly and improve the water quality?
Eco-friendly
By planting more trees and plants in JLP, there will be more greenery and thus enhancing the rich biodiversity to the whole place. Building some solar panels can help to absorb the energy from the Sun and convert it to electricity. This electricity can then be used to power up machines or systems that help filter the water in the lake, making the water clean. With the new planted trees, soil erosion can be prevented.
Improving water quality
1. We can create signboards to encourage people not to litter or pollute the lake and explain the importance of water and ways of protecting the water bodies.
2. We can have cleaners to clear up the garbage that can be found on the surface of the water.
Extracted from Google Images (Garbage found at JLP)
3. We can have a rain garden or a natural filtration system at JLP. For JEG, they have carefully selected plants. The rainwater will then have to flow through the soil, followed by the gravel and sand, and lastly the pebbles. In this way, the water can be filtered and thus, improving the water quality.
> How can water quality be monitored?
We can collect samples of water from the lake once a week and carry out the water quality test.
Paper chromatography may also help to dissolve the small amount of substances that are soluble in water. By using this method, it can enable us to check water purity, of whether there are harmful substances found in the water sample or not.
Part D: Credits and Acknowledgement
Part A: Zhao Long
Part B: Paul
Part C: Wan Leng
Diagrams found on the Internet: Arunthathi
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