Moisture Content Recordings- Round 1

Today I measured the moisture content of my first round of soil samples and I have also tonight used my oven to find the organic content, I have had a little bit of difficulty with understanding how to find a percentage but I have, with my father's help, been able to figure out how to do so.

Also tomorrow, I plan on weighing the organic content of my soil samples and also collecting my last round of samples. My second round water samples have all been completed in today's class lesson as well, hopefully if I stick to my plan I will be able to keep everything organised and under control in order to not leave anything to the last minute. For this reason exactly, I plan to begin writing my scientific report on the weekend.

Risk Assessment Plan

Enclosed is the risk assessment plan that I have been meaning to post up here for quite some time. The following has allowed me to conduct experiments whilst reviewing all the hazards that are involved and making a risk assessment of the different aspects of the experiments. All potential hazards have been identified and addressed in the following, so that I could proceed with conducting my investigation.

Variables

I've re-read the assessment sheet and have noticed that I need to include my variables for the experiment.

Independant Variables: The independant variables include the amount of soil that I take from Coogee beach, the chosen locations, the amount of water I take, and from the chosen locations. Other independant variables include the time period in which I have planned to obtain the samples which may alter the results.

Dependant Variables: The resulting pH levels, phosphate levels, salt levels, pollution levels, moisture content and organic content.

Controlled variables: The repeats of each experiment, the measurement of each sample and the location and duration of each sample. The types of equipment used must stay constant e.g. filter paper, silver nitrate solution, pH probe intial levels.

Measuring moisture content & a plan for activities

Today I weighed my sample soils, and have brought them home in order to do the moisture content experiment. The only problem is that I'm not exafctly sure as to how long to leave them in. The only solution for this that I can think of is to leave them for an hour. turn off the oven let them cool, and talk to Ms B in the morning to make sure I've done it right, if I haven't, this round of results will be inaccurate which will have to be explained in the discussion/conclusion of my experiment.

I've included a plan for this week's activites so that I do not fall behind in what I have to do.

First round of Testing

Within the week so far I have been able to test the first round of samples in the lab. Although at first it seemed quite tedious it gradually became easier. The tests have almost all been completed apart from a few of the tests that take a more extensive amount of time (moisture and organic content). By Wednesday I plan to have all of the first round testing done, as well as having collecting my round two samples.

I've decided I also need to work out a consistent plan because my organisation skills are lacking. I'll post it up here along with my risk assessment sheet within the next day or two.

First round of samples taken from the Beach area

Tonight I have taken my first round of samples from the beach, after a heavy rainful of 77mm on the weekend past. I read an article in the paper about the flooding, and decided it would be interesting to see whether or not this would greatly affect the results and how they would contrast from later testing.

Enclosed is the article which I found in the SMH regarding the floods on Saturday the 2nd May.

'Surf's up at Coogee...but its cars that are getting dumped.'

Aerial view of Coogee and sample locations

I have in the proceeding photograph, outlined the areas in which I have decided to take my soil tests from. The "X" is for the soil samples and the "O" is for the water samples.