1. NEW SCHOOL, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF GEORGIA
THE GROUP 4 PROJECT
NEW SCHOOL, INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF GEORGIA

2. The Research Question
Examine the effect of human intervention on the Kura/Mktvari River on account of urban activities in Tbilisi.

3. What was measured? pH Temperature Turbidity Transmittance
Dissolved Oxygen
Conductivity
Soil Filtration
Simpson’s Diversity

4. Where did we go?

5. Group 1: pH and Temperature

6. What activity/ experiment are we conducting?
We are conducting an experiment, which can measure the pH and temperature of the water, do some scientific tests on water. By this experiment we will investigate the water quality, its temperature in different circumstances.
Why this topic/ issue worth investigation? What do we except to find out? And why?
This topic is one of the most important ones, because it helps to investigate the water quality in the river, and measure the temperature. By that we can see how acidic or basic the water is, and what is the quality of water. However, there are different factors that can effect the rivers, lakes, streams including surrounding rocks and soil, land use, chemicals form runoff, decaying organic material. Measuring the acidity of the water is very important because, if it is too acidic or too basic, it can greatly harm aquatic life of the river. Also, air pollution from industrial facilities and machinery emissions causes acid rain in some regions of the country. Acid rain can reduce the pH of surface water to dangerous levels. Of course, surface water cools in the winter and warms in the summer along with air temperature. However, water changes temperature more slowly than air, so it is possible to have warm air temperatures and cold water or vice-versa.

7. Data and Analysis – Aragvi River
Temperature
1. 9:20 – 15.4 C
2. 9:24 – 14.1 C
Since different trials data are very different, results could be treated differently. For example, pH meter showed not very accurate results and this is an experimental limitation. Universal Indicator showed that water in Location 1 contains more basic solutions. Use of Methyl Orange showed that 1st and 2nd trials are mostly neutral, however, data in numbers 3 and 4 it is mostly basic and is similar to data given for Universal Indicator. Phenolphthalein did not show any changes and differences, however, it could depend on the amount of indicator used and would be viewed as experimental limitation as well. However, results show that water is more basic than neutral or acidic in this place.
Data was taken: May 22nd, 2015
Trial
pH1 (pH meter)
pH2 (Universal Indicator)
pH3 (Methyl Orange)
pH4 (Phenolphthalein) 1
8.43 8
Light Yellow
No change 2
8.10 3
7.49
Dark Yellow (almost orange) 4
7.81

8. Data and Analysis – Before Tbilisi
Temperature:
1. 10:22 – 16 C
2. 10:24 – 16.3 C
Data for the second location is quite similar. Water there are also more basic and data from columns 3 and 4 are proving it.
Data was taken: May 22nd, 2015
Trial
pH1 (pH meter)
pH2 (Universal Indicator)
pH3 (Methyl Orange)
pH4 (Phenolphthalein) 1
8.40 9
Orange
No change 2 8 3
8.23
Dark Yellow 4

9. Data and Analysis – After Tbilisi
Temperature:
1. 13:55 – 17.5 C
2. 13:57 – 17.5 C
Data in a third location gave quite similar results for all four PHz.
Trial
pH1 (pH meter)
pH2 (Universal Indicator)
pH3 (Methyl Orange)
pH4 (Phenolphthalein) 1
7.90 8
Orange
No change 2
7.93 3
7.92 4
7.98

10. Conclusion Temperature:
It was taken in different time periods and throughout the day it grew. Furthermore, we can see that pH is decreasing in areas where temperature is higher, so can be made an assumption that temperature has an effect on pH level in water.
Conclusion:
Based on data taken, conclusion was made. PH in a water in all of the three locations is basic and according to assumption made temperature can effect on pH level.

11. Group 2: Turbidity and Transmittance

12. Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity how much the material suspended in water decreases the passage of light through the water.
Turbidity = Water Clarity
Turbidity is important as it directly shows the quality of water.
High turbidity, more particles are inside the water.
Main causes of increase in turbidity: soil erosion, waste discharge, urban runoff, and colored industrial wastes. (leaves and branches)
In Tbilisi, plastic and industrial wastes

13. Turbidity Sensor
Turbidity sensor is often use with water quality measurement to be able to measure the amount of turbidity that is in the water sample.
<< Turbidity Sensor
Turbidity Meter Theory>>

14. Turbidity Data Before Tbilisi After Tbilisi Trial 1 418.5 429.5
434.3
386.8
Trial 3
401.9
373.5
Average
418.2
396.6

15. Transparency Tube << How it looks like How to use >>
The transparency tube is a clear, narrow plastic tube marked in units with a dark pattern painted on the bottom
<< How it looks like
How to use >>

16. Transparency Data Trial Before Tbilisi After Tbilisi Trial 1 5044 38
Trial 3 43 40
Average 46

17. Analysis
Aquatic communities usually function optimally at a relatively low range of turbidity.
The Kura river plays an important role in terms of water resources, fish, hydropower, and recreation
Large industrial facilities in Tbilisi produce manganese, ammonia, and machinery >> pollute water surface with heavy metals, oil products, phenols and other hazardous substances.
The content of harmful substances in Kura river is 2-9 times higher from the standard condition of a river.
High turbidity level of the Kura river shows the pollution.
The turbidity value decreased because the water flow was faster.
The glass bottle where sample was obtained was not cleaned.

18. Group 3: Dissolved Oxygen

19. Dissolved O2 Impact on Rivers
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is the level of free, non-compound oxygen present in water, which is not part of water molecule, but is not bonded to other elements. It is very important to study the quality of lakes and rivers, as it affects the aquatic life and overall water condition.
The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels can be determined by the plants surrounding the body of water as they photosynthesize. Since the oxygen production is part of light dependent reactions DO levels are much higher during the day than night.

20. How Dissolved Oxygen was Measured
We found out the DO levels using the Vernier Probe, therefore going in accordance with Aim 7, with the help of data loggers as well as Excel spreadsheets and our communications were through DP1 Groups 4 blog along with Viber.

21. Dissolved Oxygen Results
Before Tbilisi
After Tbilisi
Trial 1
7.0
5.8
Trial 2
7.5
6.2
Trial 3
6.9
Average
7.1
6.1

22. Dissolved Oxygen Results

23. Analysis
In our results, we found correlations between DO and the surrounding environment. As the Mtkvari River passed through Tbilisi, it became more polluted and contaminated the water as well as the surrounding environment.
According, to our research , the DO needed for fish in shallow water is from 4-15 mg/L, with 4 mg/L being the minimal. The acquired levels of DO was max. 7.5 before the river entered Tbilisi and min 5.8 after Tbilisi. These findings helps us understand the impacts of pollution on the river and the aquatic life within it.
Another thing to be noted is that the calculations were taken during the day at different times, which could affect the DO levels. Moreover, further analysis can be made with the help of the findings of the other groups.

24. Correlations Group Before After Comments 1-pH and Temperature
pH is approx. 8.5
Temperature is approx. 16 *C
pH is approx. 8
Temperature is 17.5*C
pH more basic before
Temperature id higher after, hence more sunlight, thus photosynthesis and therefore the DO levels
2-Turbidity and Light Transmittance
Standard Turbidity is
Light Transparency is 45
Standard Turbidity is
Light Transparency 42.6
the water was clearer before, therefore, the lack of impure particles led of an increase of DO levels and this can be further proved by light transparency as well.
4-Conductivity
More Cl ions.
Less Cl ions.
5-Surrounding Environment
pH of the soil approx. 8
Ozone is approx. 150 mg /m^3
Simpson’s Diversity 6.84
pH of the soil approx. 5.83
Ozone is approx mg /m^3
Simpson’s Diversity 3.48
the pH of the soil is lesser after the river goes through Tbilisi, therefore, acidic environment leads to less plant diversity, as seen with the Simpson’s Diversity results.

25. Ethical Implications
Our experiment did not require any direct involvement contact with the environment, therefore there was no implication of our actual experiment on the environment. However, our results have been a clear indication of the highly negative impact of pollution throughout Tbilisi on the aquatic life and surroundings of the rivers through the decrease of dissolved Oxygen levels, and the correlating factors can further emphasize the contribution of pollution on the Mtkvari river and the importance of immediate action required to fix the environmental conditions of the river in Tbilisi. There should be further research done on this topic. Locally speaking, before entering Tbilisi, the Mtkvari river passes through Mtskheta and the large population as well as industrialized lifestyle there greatly contribute to the pollution of the river. As global citizens, we should use the research from the project as motivation to take matters into our hands and decrease pollution by being more conscious of our footprint.

26. Group 4: Conductivity

27. What is conductivity?
Conductivity is a measure of water’s capability to pass an electric flow
Depends on the ions that are present in the water
Electrolytes are compounds that dissolve into ions
Ions conduct electricity due to their positive and negative charges
The more dissolved electrolytes, the higher the conductivity
Increase in positive ions is equal to increase in negative ions
What determines how conductive something is, is the concentration of specific cations and anions
It is important to measure as it is the basis of Total Dissolved Sollid Calculations and Salinity Level Calculations

28. Conductivity Data Range Before Tbilisi After Tbilisi 200 μS Range 175
170
2000 μS Range
200
224
260
220

29. Analysis of Conductivity Data
The 200 μS Range measurements are discarded as they conductivity of the water is over 200 μS
It is unclear if total conductivity increases or decreases
2,000 μS Range shows that before Tbilisi conductivity is less than after Tbilisi
20,000 μS Range shows that before Tbilisi conductivity is more than after Tbilisi
Possible due to different ion concentrations in the 2 readings
To fix this, more trials could have been done
Temperature increase would mean that water is more conductive after Tbilisi, as see in the 2,000 μS Range test

30. What is present in River Water?
Most Common Cations
Ca2+
Mg2+
Na+ K+
Most Common Anions
CO32-
SO42-
Cl-
Br-

31. NaCl entering water

32. Sulphate Test using BaCl2
BaCl2 was added to the test tube.
If SO42- ions were present, a white precipitate was formed
Reaction: BaCl2 + XSO4 -> BaSO4 +XCl
White precipitate is formed since BaSO4 is insoluble in water

33. BaCl2 – Barium Chloride Only Water Water with BaCl2 Only Water
Before Tbilisi
After Tbilisi

34. Halide Test using AgNO3 AgNO3 was added to the test tube.
If halide ions were present, a white precipitate was formed
Reactions: AgNO3 + (XCl or XI or XF or XBr) -> (AgCl or AgI or AgF or XBr) + XNO3
Different ions formed different precipitates
Ion Present
Precipitate Formed F-
No Precipitate
Cl-
White Precipitate
Br-
Pale Cream Precipitate I-
Pale Yellow Precipitate

35. AgNO3 – Silver Nitrate Only Water Water with AgNO3 Only Water
Before Tbilisi
After Tbilisi

36. CO32- Test using Ca(OH)2 Dilute HCl was added to test sample
Delivery Tube placed on test sample’s test tube
Delivery Tube had the other end placed in Ca(OH)2 Solution
If CO32- ions were present in the test sample, it would dissociate into CO2 gas and move to the Ca(OH)2 Solution
The Ca(OH)2 Solution would then turn to a white precipitate
There was no visible gas evolved when adding a dilute acid.
Therefore, no visible reaction was observed.

37. Analysis Chemical Analysis AgNO3
More white precipitate formed before Tbilisi than after Tbilisi. This means there are more Cl- ions before Tbilisi than after Tbilisi.
BaCl2
Before Tbilisi there was no reaction that occurred but after Tbilisi the water became more white. Therefore, after Tbilisi there are more SO42- ions present in the water.
Ca(OH)2
Very few CO32+ present in the water. No visible reaction took place before or after Tbilisi.

38. Group 5: Environmental Group

39. Ozone Density
After Tbilisi
Before Tbilisi
mg per m^3
Less than 90 mg per m^3
Trial 1
200 mg per m^3
150 mg per m^3
Trial 2
210 mg per m^3
Trial 3
mg per m^3
Average
Limitations: there isn't a solid indication of which density the ozone present is (in terms of density) and so these results were using assumptions of the bare eye (according to which color the ozone strip turned to).

40. Air Quality Index

41. Soil Filtration

42. Soil Filtration Results in pH
Before Tbilisi
After Tbilisi
Trial 1 ~8 ~6
Trial 2
~5.5
Trial 3

43. Factors affecting pH Natural Factors Human Factors
Pine/Fir Forest Decomposition – Acidity X
Acid Rain
Precipitation – 5-6
Point Source Pollution (Tbilisi)
Photosynthesis removes CO2
Mining – Acidity X

44. Testing Biodiversity with Simpson’s Diversity

45. The Aim and The Two Locations
To test whether the effects of Tbilisi on the Kura river influence the biodiversity on the bank of the river.
Before Tbilisi – Northern Part of the River
After Tbilisi – Southern Part of the River

46. Simpson’s Diversity Equation
N= Total Number of Organisms Counted
n= Number of Individual Organisms
The greater the result, the higher the biodiversity

47. Results of Simpson’s Diversity
Before Tbilisi
After Tbilisi
Trial One
3.8
3.6195
Trial Two
9.88
3.35
Average
6.84
3.48

48. Plant Health
Although there was no direct analysis of this done, it was evident that in the southern area (after the exiting of Tbilisi) the plants were not as healthy whereas in the northern area (near Mtshketa), the plants were much healthier. Some diseases which were ‘diagnosed’ 1. entomosporium leaf spot 2. marssonina leaf spot 1 2

49. Works Cited
"Analysis of Ionic Compounds." GCSE Bitesize. BBC. Web. 26 May "Aspen (Populus Tremuloides)-Marssonina Leaf Spot." Aspen (Populus Tremuloides)-Marssonina Leaf Spot. Plant Disease, n.d. Web. 26 May "Conductivity, Salinity & Total Dissolved Solids." Fundamentals of Environmental Measurements. FONDRIEST ENVIRONMENTAL INC. Web. 26 May "Dissolved Oxygen Probe (Order Code DO-BTA)." DO Manual (2002): Vernier.com. Vernier. Web. 26 May "Entomosporium Leaf Spot." ODIN011 - Entomosporium Leaf Spot on Red Tip. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May "PH of Water - Environmental Measurement Systems." Environmental Measurement Systems. Fondriest, n.d. Web. 26 May Boto, Kevin G., and John S. Bunt. "Dissolved Oxygen and PH Relationships in Northern Australian Mangrove Waterways." Limnology and Oceanography 26.6 (1981): Wiley Online Library. The American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, Inc., 22 Dec Web. 26 May Dissolved Oxygen Probe - Tech Tips with Vernier. Vernier Software & Technology. Youtube. 17 June Web. Kemker, Christine. “Dissolved Oxygen.” Fundamentals of Environmental Measurements. Fondriest Environmental, Inc. 19 Nov Web.