Physics Project Task

Part A: Current situation on energy conservation at JLP
1. Introduction of a possible Alternative energy
There are many forms of renewable sources of energy such as solar power, wind power, hydropower, nuclear energy and many more. These are resources that are abundant in supply and can be restored naturally, or are eco-friendly. One of the possible alternative energy can be solar power, which includes having solar panels installed to conserve energy.

Extracted from Google Images

2. These are the three ways that CleanTech Park has done on conserve energy that is applicable to enhance Jurong Lake Park.

1st Suggestion: Placed solar panels

Solar panels are dark coloured, heart absorbing semiconductor plates which are placed in places where the sunlight is abundant. The solar panels are placed near the corridors of Jurong CleanTech Park to absorb sunlight. The energy from the Sun will be transferred into the generator which converts the Sun's energy to electrical energy. The energy is then transferred throughout the building to allow the lights to function. It is energy saving as they get the energy from the Sun. Therefore, JLP can build some solar panels to absorb the Sun's energy and use it at night to light up the lamps.

Picture taken at JEG                Picture taken at JEG (solar panel on top of the dustbin)   

2nd suggestion: Use of energy efficient facilities/tools

By using energy-efficient products or applications, we are actually using a lesser amount of energy to do the same amount of work. An example of energy saving products is the LED bulb and the Compact Flourscent bulb. Thus, if JLP can use these light bulbs instead of the normal light bulbs for these lamps , they can spend less money on electricity bills and conserve energy at the same time. The LED light bulb can last for a longer lifespan.

Extracted from Google Images

3rd suggestion: Having motion detector in toilets
Having motion detector in toilets uses a lesser consumption of energy usage. When there is no one present in the toilet, the motion detector will not turn on its lights and vice versa. When the person leaves the toilet, the energy changes and then the light will be switched off. Thus, lesser money can be spent on bills and is energy efficient at the same time.

Extracted from Google Images

Part B: Designs of park lamps for maximizing visibility
JEG have made used of LED lights to be installed in the lamps. We can apply this to JLP as the bulbs that they used in the lamps are not energy-efficient. By installing LED light bulbs in the lamps, there are advantages. It has a longer lifespan compared to other normal light bulbs. Besides that, it is energy-efficient. LED light bulbs consumes up to 90% less power than incandescent light bulb. It conserves energy and maximize the visibility at night.

Picture taken at JLP               Extracted from Google Images (Ray Diagram for LED light bulb)

Part C: Credits and Acknowledgement
Part A: Wan Leng and Paul
Part B: Wan Leng
Pictures: Arunthathi
Edited by: Zhao Long

Chemistry Project Task

Part A: Water Quality
> 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

Biology Project Task

Part A: Introduction to Jurong Eco Garden

Introduction:

JEG, the 5-hectare park, is known as the “green lungs” of CleanTech Park. JEG has four areas – Summit Forest, Wildlife Corridor, Stream Ravine and Freshwater Swamp Forest. JEG is full of biodiversity that consists of 139 species of flora and fauna, out of which six that are species of conservation interest. Besides being a home to those animals and plants, JEG also recycles renewable sources. For example, the eco pond at JEG helps to capture 65% of the rainwater run-off which will then be recycled for other non-portable uses in the park. In this way, JEG is helping to conserve water.
(Picture extracted from Google Images)

Group Reflection:
When we were at JEG, it was an eye-opener to us. We were pretty amazed to see different species of animals and plants, such as dragonflies, lizard, butterflies and many more! It was hard to capture a picture of a butterfly resting as they were flying about but after much attempts, we managed to! We also saw the features that showed the conservation efforts made by JEG, such as the Composting Station. Looking at those, we feel that these features are especially essential as they play a part in recycling renewable sources, which will be beneficial to all of us.


Part B: Grouping and Naming organisms

Part C: Man's impact on Jurong Eco Garden
Impact 1: Bringing nature closer to residents, workers in Jurong
Residents around the area often like to come to JEG. This is one of the impacts caused by man. Its nature attracts people and brings residents closer to nature. JEG also conserve trees and electricity, thereby resulting in a lesser wastage of natural resources. We get more oxygen when saving more trees and get to see more nature. When there are more trees, soil erosion can be prevented.

Impact 2: Eco-friendly area
JEG is the first eco-friendly park near industrial estates. It is near Nanyang Technological University and attracts people in the West to come for a stroll while enjoying the nature and scenery there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXTvXMa_g5w
^News of JEG official opening

Impact 3: Saving resources for the future
JEG has many master plans for conserving resources such as reusing rainwater to flush toilets. Thus, we will have water for our future supplies. There are also automatic sensors where the lights are switched off when no one is present in the area, and vice versa.


Part D: Conservation efforts at Jurong Eco Garden/Conclusion
Conservation efforts: To sustain the area, JEG has been enhanced to turn into a lush forest, and there are also provisions for tree conservation. The park authorities at JEG have created a holistic storm water management system to collect rainwater for toilet flushing and irrigation. The water collected is then cleansed during conveyance by the biotopes put in place. It is then reused for non-portable uses like toilet flushing and irrigation of plants during dry periods.
Conclusion: I feel that what the park officials of Jurong Eco Garden have done is effective and are doing their most to safeguard the natural environment. Another way to conserve water is to build more freshwater swamps so that more fresh water can be collected for filtration, conserving a larger amount of water.


Credits and Acknowledgements:
Part A: Zhao Long
Part B: Wan Leng
Part C: Arunthathi
Part D: Paul
Photographer: Wan Leng (except for the first picture at the top)