HYDROLOGICAL HEALTH OF

THE RIVER TORRENS

Laboratory Report

Subject: Year 7 Project Based Learning - Mathematics & Sciences

Written by: SABIQ HAQUE

Mentor: Mr. Atkinson

Mentor Group: 07G07

Investigated with: Rudra Mehta, Amelia Xiang & Efia Pan

Date of Investigation: 9/08/2022

Credits: Brayden Carter, Deep Shah, Krishi Shah

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page…………………………………………………………………….……..1

Table of Contents……………………………………………………………….…..2

Abstract…………………………………………………………………….……….3

River Torrens – Background Story…………...………………………………….…3

Investigational Aim…………...…………………………………………………….3

Background Information – Investigational Setup.......……………………………...4

Interpretation of Test Conductions………………………………………………….4

Hypotheses…………………………………………………………………………..7

Key Scientific Terminology…………………………………………………………8

Variables………………………………………………………………………….….8

Equipment/Apparatus……………………………………………………………….11

Method/Procedure…………………………………………………………………...11

Scientific Diagram(s) of Investigational Setup………………………………………13

Results of Investigation………………………………………………………………16

Analysis/Discussion of Results………………………………………………………19

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………24

Reference(s)…………………………………………………………………………..25
Abstract
Biological Sciences is a facet of science which studies the living of all organisms. There is a profusion of specialized
fields in biology such as morphology, anatomy, ecology, or physiology (Source: NTNU, no date cited). Despite the
abundance of biological fields, the focal point of the investigation was hydrology, which studies the water (H2O) of the
earth as well as key properties such as pollution. The investigation focused on the health of the River Torrens (located
in the Adelaide CBD), which has caused some discrepancy since the decision of prohibiting local swimming in the late
1960s (Source: abc.net.au, 2021). The investigation aimed to adjudicate the reasons of the prohibition of local swimming
at the River Torrens in combination with strategies to decrease human health hazards, with the hypothesis being that the
River Torrens would not be suitable for local swimming for a reasonable time period. However, in order to arbitrate the
reasons of the prohibition, several tests had to be conducted including Water Temperature, pH levels, Water Bug Testing,
Turbidity, and Land Survey. These tests indicate the acidity and health of the river which results in the adjudication of
the safety of local swimming in the Torrens River. The results of the investigation indicated that there were signs of
turbidity and organisms which suggest the jeopardy of local swimming; thus, denoting the accuracy of the hypotheses.
The average pH Level of the river was 7.35, which indicates the river being freshwater with slight alkalinity, Despite
that, some of the controlled variables, which were the equality of equal samples, were unable to be controlled due to
human error; hence, leading to fluctuant results.

River Torrens – Background Story

The River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) is an iconic, 85-kilometer-long river located in Adelaide, Australia which circulates
from the Mount Lofty Ranges to West Beach (Source: Green Adelaide, 2022). In Kaurna language, the river is called
‘Karrawirra Pari’, which is defined as ‘Red Gum Forest River’. The Torrens River has been a significant source of food
and camping area for the Kaurna People since the inception of the Kaurna settlement in South Australia. In addition to
the food supply, the Torrens River was a popular swimming place for the local people of the Adelaide region.
Furthermore, annual swimming and diving competitions (known as ‘Swim-Through-Adelaide’) were organized at the
River Torrens; generally beginning from the Torrens Weir and ending at the University of Adelaide footbridge. The
inaugural ‘Swim-Through-Adelaide’ was convened in 1911 with the latest being held during the late 1960s due to the
enforcement of the prohibition of swimming in the River Torrens by the State Government (Source: news.com.au, 2017).
This terminated the event, and since then, scientists have been frantically trying to improve the health of the River
Torrens to restore to its glory days. In addition to the excessive pollution, the notorious 2009 filtration incident was a
key revelatory of the abominable health of the river (Source: abc.net.au, 2009). The river has an alleged mangrove
ecosystem in combination with an abundance of riparian vegetation and duckweed (Source: EPA, 2011). The purpose
of the investigation was to examine the level of pollution of the water (H2O) on certain days in order to arbitrate methods
in ways to decrease the amount of pollution.

Investigational Aim
As mentioned in the abstract, local swimming in the River Torrens has been interdicted for approximately 50 years due
to health hazards (Source: abc.net.au, 2021). This investigation aims to investigate the reasons for the River Torrens
being infelicitous for local swimming with the utilization of five tests including Water Temperature, pH Levels, Water
Bug Testing, Turbidity, as well as Land Surveys. Moreover, the investigation also aims to explore improvements that
would enable the recommencement of local swimming at the River Torrens after 50 approximately years.
Background Information – Investigational Setup
Biology is an aspect of science which examines living organisms. There are a multitude of biological components and
fields such as morphology and anatomy (Source: NTNU, no date cited). However, this investigation is based purely on
biology as a whole with the addition of the hydrological aspect in order to investigate the health of the River Torrens
and the reasons for the debarment of local swimming in the Torrens River. This was also in combination with the
ecological and chemical aspect due to the liquid testing and organism life. In order to make an appropriate adjudication
about the health of the River Torrens, several different tests had to be conducted including Water Temperature, pH
Level, Water Bug Testing, Turbidity, and Land Survey with the interpretations of these being explained in the following
paragraph. The conduction of the tests took place in close proximity to the Adelaide High School Rowing Club House
with the plan being to collaborate with 3 other research groups participating in the investigation. The setup of the
investigation was to have the four different research groups conduct the practical aspect of the investigation on four
different days at the same location in order to compare the results on different days with different weather conditions.
Due to the inclusion of multiple sets of data, the results section will contain the results of all four sets according to the
particular type of research group. This plan enabled a precise conclusion with greater depth in the comparison and
analysis of the results. The research groups are stated below:

Research Group Date of Investigation at Team Member 1 Team Member 2 Teams Member 3 Team Member 4
Number River Torrens

1 9/8/2022 Sabiq Haque Rudra Mehta Amelia Xiang Efia Pan

2 9/08/2022 Deep Shah Jayden Zammit Maneli Kazemi N/A
3 8/08/2022 Brayden Carter N/A N/A N/A
4 11/08/2022 Krishi Shah N/A N/A N/A

Interpretation of Test Conductions

As stated earlier, the investigation required the conduction of five different tests/variables which included the Water
Temperature, pH Level, Water Bug Testing, Turbidity, as well as the Land Survey. All of these tests enable scientists to
collect data about the health of the River Torrens in order to investigate the reason for the excessive pollution. The
testing of the Water Temperature allows scientists to arbitrate the different variations of the water temperature on
different days and how it affects different fauna and flora (abnormal water (H2O) temperature can cause flora and fauna
to die). In addition to the Temperature testing, the pH levels of the water (H2O) are also crucial for the determination of
the solubility of acids and alkaline in order to enumerate the data in a scientific manner. Furthermore, the Water Bug
Testing enables scientists to obtain a rough approximation of the distribution of bugs and organisms present in the river.
Moreover, the turbidity level of the river would warrant scientists to understand the amount of sunlight energy being
stored in the river in combination with the volume of oxygen (O) in the river for the fauna and vegetation. The action of
land surveying also creates an idea of the amount of pollution in the ocean across the banks which can cause oil spills
and unwanted chemicals in the ocean. With that being said, all of the tests play a vital role in the process of the arbitration
of the hydrological health of the River Torrens. The outline of the mechanisms of the five tests will be explained
thoroughly in the following statements.
Water Temperature

Heat Energy is an aspect of thermal energy which refers to the method of which heat is transplanted to other objects.
This energy emanates from either the sun, chemical reactions, electricity, and nucleus explosions, and can then be
transferred to other objects through either Heat Conduction (vibration of atoms), Heat Convection (kinetic energy of
atoms in liquids), or Heat Radiation (outspreading of heat rays). Temperature is the measure of the vibration of particles
in an object and is measured in either Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) via a thermometer (Source: UtAHStateUniversity,
2020). This signifies that Water Temperature is the vibration of the atoms in the water (H2O) and is of great significance
in this investigation as perpetual temperature changes can result in the fatality of organisms in the river, as well as the
amount of Oxygen (O) held in the water (H2O). In addition to that, this can enable scientists to predict the Water Salinity
as warmer water (H2O) are more susceptible to higher concentration which can affect organisms and photosynthesis.
Ultimately, the Water Temperature plays a vital factor in the adjudication of the suitability for human consumption and
usage (Source: Safewater.org, 2018). With this being said, water temperature is the amount of heat vibration in a
particular matter which can warrant the Water Salinity as well as the Oxygen levels of the water (H2O) in combination
with plant growth and human usage. These components will be obligatory in the discussion in the process of arbitrating
the decision to recommence local swimming in the River Torrens.

Conversion Between Fahrenheit & Celsius

Celsius (c) c = -17.2(f)

Fahrenheit (f) f = c/-17.2

pH Level Testing

pH Testing refers to the amount of hydrogen (H) that is existent in a particular substance, which is the reason for the
word ‘pH’ standing for ‘potential of hydrogen’. Substances that contain a higher hydrogen (H) level are known as acids,
while substances embodying lower hydrogen (H) levels are called alkaline. Neutral substances are substances which
consist of a balance of both alkaline and acids in order to create a homogenous mixture containing a healthy quantity of
hydrogen (also known as freshwater). pH Levels are measured with the utilization of a pH testing probe, which indicates
a number. This number is a number between 0 and 14 with readings below 7 are considered acidic and reading above 7
are considered alkalotic. Neutral or freshwater is considered to have a pH level of seven, which denotes the substance
has an equal volume of acids and alkaline in order to accomplish the compensation of either the excess or lack of
hydrogen (H) (Source: Hopkinsville, no date cited). pH levels are a crucial source of the indication of the health of the
River Torrens as superfluous/moderate hydrogen (H) in the digestive systems of organisms can cause fatality; hence,
encapsulating the unhealthy acidity levels of the river (Source: abc.net.au, 2017). An example of a substance containing
an equitable volume of hydrogen (H) is water (H2O), however, this is not necessarily the case for polluted water.
Water Bug Testing

Water Bug Testing is alluded to as the existence of organisms in a particular water (H2O) sample. This is due to the
taxonomic categorization of the natural habitat of each organism as well as the differences of photosynthetic process on
land and in the water (H2O). The presence of the water bugs in combination with the ubiquitous microorganisms can
pose a monumental risk of diseases being spread to humans through the water. (Source: actwaterwatch.org, no date
cited). However, the main significance for the Water Bug Testing is to compare the requirements of different organism
in relation to that of humans. This is due to that fact that the objective of the investigation is to analyze whether local
swimming in the River Torrens can be recommenced, which creates some stipulations between the particular phylum in
the river and humans. The pH levels, temperature, and turbidity must be felicitous for both organisms categorized as
animalia and humans to ensure the health of the water (H2O) will not negatively affect any organism. In the event that
this is the case, local swimming in the River Torrens would not be able to be re-initiated as that would jeopardize the
health of the organisms. Some water bugs that are native to the River Torrens are listed below:

✓ Mayfly Nymphs
✓ Damselfly Nymphs
✓ Caddisfly Larvae
✓ Freshwater Shrimp
✓ Water Mite
✓ Riffle Beetle and Larvae

Turbidity

Water turbidity refers to the transparency of light waves reflecting off the water (H2O); the level of murkiness of the
water (H2O). Turbidity levels can vary due to the level of land erosion, land, clearing, and water pollution (these factors
add particles). High sedimentation and highly concentrated liquids contain higher turbidity levels; however, this does
not necessarily cause excessive damage to organisms (only if the turbidity level is extremely high). Substances
containing a higher turbidity level (greater opacity) often arouses the prevention of fauna receiving an adequate amount
of sunlight energy required for growth and can often eradicate the capability of the water (H2O) to carry oxygen (O);
thus, jeopardizing the health of all organisms in contact to the water. In addition, the particles can obturate the gills of
various fishes, which leads to fatality. Turbidity levels are measured in the unit ‘nephelometric turbidity unit’, or (NTU),
and is enumerated by the act of shining a light through the water in order to predict the opacity using advanced
technology. In this report, research will be conducted about turbidity levels required for animals living in the River
Torrens in comparison to that of humans in order to obtain a conclusion about whether the prohibition of local swimming
in the River Torrens can be considered in the near future.
Land Survey

The Land Survey aspect of the investigation plays a pivotal role in the investigation and was performed in order to
provide a clear understanding of the debris and pollution of the water. This was divided into three categories including
hard plastics, soft plastics, biodegradables, and metals. This data of the distribution of the detritus of the River Torrens
allows the conduction of research regarding harmful debris in the river as well as the cause and effect of the infiltration,
regarding particularly the marine-life. Furthermore, the classification of the debris pervading the Torrens can then be
recycled based on the biodegradability, plastic, or metal. Moreover, this can eradicate the ambiguity of the source of the
debris, which then enables people to find technical and sustainable strategies in order to exterminate the debris; hence,
reducing the turbidity levels of the river, as wells as the pH level. Debris can also introduce harmful bacteria in the water
(H2O); thus, making it unsafe for organisms. From that, the Land Survey was conducted with the intention of finding
debris around the river, as well as finding long-term solutions to prevent the debris from being placed in the river.

Hypotheses

Due to the fact that there was a conduction of 5 different tests, the below information contains a hypothesis for the result
of each of the five test that were conducted throughout the course of the investigation. The hypotheses are stated below
for each of the different tests.

Water Temperature: Based on the temperature of the day of the investigation, it was presumed that the temperature of
the water (H2O) would be roughly 15 degrees Celsius.

pH Level: Based on some research and predictions, it was hypothesized the pH level of the river would be approximately
seven due to the abundance of a mixture of alkaline and acids in the water (H2O).

Water Bug Testing: Based on the overall hygiene levels of the river, it seems that there would be 0% ambiguity that the
presence of some insects would be inevitable.

Turbidity: Based on the colour of the water (H2O) and some background research, it seemed likely for the turbidity
levels to be approximately 25 NTU.

Land Survey: From previous encounters of the River Torrens, the amount of trash on the banks of the River Torrens

would be able to fill approximately 100cm x 100cm x 10cm including tennis balls, tissue, plastic, weeds, and

biodegradables.

Overall: From the above tests, it seems to be that the River Torrens is not suitable for human activity based on some

background research.
Key Scientific Terminology
Terminology Definition

Hydrology the study of the water (H2O) of the earth and the movement in relation to the physical properties of the earth (Source: USGS,
2019)

pH Level the measure of acidity or alkalinity present in water (H2O) solvent solutions. Stands for ‘potential of hydrogen’ (Source:
waterseer, no date cited)

Vegetation the amount of plant life/flora present in a particular ecosystem made out of a multitude of cells (Source: allthescience, 2022)

Water Pollution the amount/prevalence of treacherous toxins and substances found in water (H2O) bodies/passages (Source: Environmental
Pollution Centers, 2022)

Temperature the absence/presence of heat energy stored in a particular object based on the transfer of heat through either conduction,
convection, or radiation (Source: nationalgeographic, no date cited)

Homogenous solution a mixture where the two elements (solute and solvent) are not able to be easily distinguished (Source: efbce, no date cited)

Heterogenous solution a mixture where there is a distinct difference between the solvent and the solute e.g., H2O (water) and oil (Source: radiopaedia,
2021)

Variables

As there were 5 different test conductions throughout the course of the investigation, there are five different groups of
variables listed below for each of the five test conductions.

Water Temperature:

…Independent Variable(s):

➢ The five different quantities of water (H2O) samples from the River Torrens were altered throughout the
course of the investigation.
➢ The location of the obtainment of the sample was altered as the five samples were collected from different
areas of the river.

Dependent Variable(s):

➢ The temperature of the five water (H2O) samples were acquired based on the independent variables of the
investigation.

Controlled Variable(s):

➢ The volume of water (H2O) was consistently 25,924.33cm3 throughout the five different samples that were
accumulated from the River Torrens.
➢ The bucket used for the water (H2O) obtainment was used for the accumulation of all the five different
water (H2O) samples.
➢ The thermometer used for the enumeration of the water (H2O) temperatures was utilized when measuring the
various samples.
➢ The River Torrens was consistently utilized throughout the course of the investigation; hence, all the data is
from the River Torrens.
pH Level:

Independent Variable(s):

➢ The five different samples of water (H2O) from the River Torrens were altered throughout the course of the
investigation.
➢ The location of the obtainment of the sample was altered as the five samples were garnered from different
areas of the river.

Dependent Variable(s):

➢ The pH level of the water was acquired based on the five different water (H2O) samples and the satisfaction
of the independent variables of the investigation.

Controlled Variable(s):

➢ The volume of the water (H2O) samples was consistent throughout the five different samples that were
accumulated from the River Torrens.
➢ The bucket used for the water (H2O) obtainment was used for the accumulation of all the five different
water (H2O) samples.
➢ The same pH testing kit was used for the enumeration of the water (H2O) acidity was utilized when measuring
the various samples of water (H2O).
➢ The River Torrens was consistently utilized throughout the course of the investigation; hence, all the data is
based on the water (H2O) of the River Torrens.

Water Bug Testing:

Independent Variable(s):

➢ The five different samples of water (H2O) from the River Torrens were altered throughout the course of the
investigation.
➢ The location of the obtainment of the sample was altered as the five samples were garnered from different
areas of the river.

Dependent Variable(s):

➢ The information regarding the amount/types of organisms present in the water (H2O) was acquired based
on the five different water (H2O) proportion samples as well as the satisfaction independent variables of the
investigation.

Controlled Variable(s):

➢ The volume of the water (H2O) samples was consistent throughout the five different samples that were
accumulated from the River Torrens.
➢ There was no change in the sieve used for the acquirement of the water (H2O) samples.
➢ The River Torrens was consistently utilized throughout the course of the investigation; hence, all the data is
based on the water (H2O) of the River Torrens.
 ➢ The same magnifying glass was used for all five analyses of the five water (H2O) samples obtained from the
River Torrens.

Turbidity:

Independent Variable(s):

➢ The five different samples of water (H2O) from the River Torrens were altered throughout the course of the
investigation.
➢ The location of the obtainment of the sample was altered as the five samples were garnered from different
areas of the River Torrens.

Dependent Variable(s):

➢ The turbidity level (NTU) of the water (H2O) was acquired on the basis of the five different water (H2O)
samples in combination with the satisfaction independent variables of the investigation.

Controlled Variable(s):

➢ The volume of the water (H2O) samples was consistent throughout the five different samples that were
accumulated from the River Torrens.
➢ The bucket used for the water (H2O) obtainment was used for the accumulation of all the five different
water (H2O) samples.
➢ The same transparent turbidity tube was used for the prediction of the water (H2O) turbidity was utilized
when measuring the various samples of water (H2O).
➢ The River Torrens was consistently utilized throughout the course of the investigation; hence, all the data is
based on the water (H2O) of the River Torrens (Adelaide, Australia).

Land Survey:

Independent Variable(s):

➢ The kinetic energy of the eyeballs was constantly altered in order to allow light energy to reflect into the
retina to increase the visibility of detritus.

Dependent Variable(s):

➢ The information regarding the amount/types of debris present in the water (H2O) and banks was acquired
based on the miniscule observational walk around the perimeter of the River Torrens.

Controlled Variable(s):

➢ The River Torrens was consistently utilized throughout the course of the investigation; hence, all the data is
based on the water (H2O) of the River Torrens.
Equipment/Apparatus

As the conduction of five different water (H2O) tests took place at the time of the investigation, the information below
is a stipulation of the equipment/apparatus required for each of the water (H2O) tests.

Water Temperature pH Level

✓ Container (x1) ✓ Standard Pail (x1)

✓ Timer (x1) ✓ pH Probe (x1)
✓ Temperature Testing ✓ Paper (x1 A4 page)
Kit/Gauge (x1) ✓ Pen/pencil (x1)
✓ Paper (x1 A4 page)
✓ Pen/pencil (x1)
✓ Old Cloth (x1)

Water Bug Testing Turbidity Land Survey

✓ Pair of Gloves (x4) ✓ Standard Pail (x1) ✓ Vision (x2 eyes)

✓ Sieve (x1) ✓ Turbidity Tube (x1) ✓ Paper (x1 A4 page)
✓ Magnifying Glass (x1) ✓ Turbidity Scale (x1) ✓ Pen/pencil (x1)
✓ Bug Identification Sheet (x1) ✓ Paper (x1 A4 page)
✓ Paper (x1 A4 page) ✓ Pen/pencil (x1)
✓ Pen/pencil (x1)

Some of the above materials can be reused for all of the water (H2O) testing. The pail, pen, clipboard, old cloth, and
timer can be reused for all of the tests that require those apparatus; otherwise, the remaining equipment must be used
specifically for each of the different tests.

Method/Procedure

As stated before, five different water (H2O) tests were orchestrated; hence, five different procedures are listed below
based on the five different water (H2O) testing.

Water Temperature

1. Firstly, the container was used to acquire a portion of water (H2O) from the River Torrens.
2. Furthermore, the temperature testing probe was then placed approximately three centimeters in the sample.
3. In addition, a delay of one minute came into effect to allow the stability of the temperature testing probe. This
was measured using a timer.
4. The results above were enumerated using the paper and pencil/pen.
5. The water (H2O) sample was poured into the river from the pail.
6. Steps one to four were repeated five times to enable the acquirement of five different results. The location of the
obtainment of the water (H2O) sample was altered for each collection of water (H2O).
7. The testing probe was dried using the old cloth and replaced in the container which was emptied and used for
the following water (H2O) test.

pH Level Testing

1. Firstly, the container that was used for the Water Temperature Testing was used to acquire a portion of water
(H2O) from the River Torrens.
2. Furthermore, the pH testing probe was then placed into the water with the depth being approximately three
centimeters.
3. Subsequently, a delay of one minute came into effect in order to allow the stability of the temperature testing
probe. The timing was measured using the timer.
4. The pH level was recorded down on the piece of paper with the utilization of the pen/pencil.
5. The above procedure was repeated five times to ensure that five different results were enumerated in combination
with the replacement of the water (H2O) sample.
6. The pH testing probe was dried using the old cloth and replaced in the pail.

Water Bug Testing

1. Each team member wore a pair of gloves prior to the inception of the Water Bug Testing.
2. Firstly, a sieve was used to collect a miniscule water (H2O) sample from the deepest depth of the river in order
to increase the probability of the selection of some organisms.
3. All the water (H2O) was sifted out due to the conversion of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy.
4. Subsequently, the magnifying glass was utilized to conscientiously analyze the presence of any organisms on the
sieve.
5. The results of the Water Bug Testing were recorded on an A4 piece of paper.
6. The above procedure was repeated five times.

Turbidity

1. Firstly, the pail was used to acquire a portion of water (H2O) from the River Torrens.
2. Subsequently, the water (H2O) from the pail was conscientiously poured into the transparent turbidity tube until
the maximum volume of water (H2O) was reached.
3. In addition, the level of turbidity was predicted based on the transparency of the turbidity tube in comparison to
the Turbidity Scale.
4. Ultimately, the result of the turbidity was recorded on the A4 page with the enablement of the pen/pencil.
5. The above five steps were repeated five times in order to acquire five different results with the water (H2O)
sample being altered prior to each test.
Land Survey

1. Firstly, the clipboard was acquired with the A4 page in combination with the pen/pencil.
2. Furthermore, the position of this test was performed along a miniscule portion of the banks of the River Torrens.
3. In addition, any debris that was in the vicinity of sight was recorded down with the approximate quantity.
4. This was done for fifteen minutes along a portion of the border of the River Torrens.

Scientific Diagrams of Investigational Setup

As there was a conduction of five meagre water (H2O) tests, there are five diagrams shown below which denote the
investigational setup used per test.

Water Temperature

A sample of the water was taken using a Water pollution in the River Torrens is a crucial
container, which was then used for the aspect of the deterioration of the water (H2O)
enumeration of the temperature. The container quality.
is represented by the area the sample is located.
The below image is the thermometer, which is
The duckweed in the River Torrens is
used for measuring temperature.
prevalent throughout the whole river.

The River
Dirt was present at the Torrens is
depths of the River represented
Torrens. using this
diagram.

The container
with the
water (H2O)
sample.

Figure 1: The diagram above denotes the investigational setup for the Water Temperature Testing using the temperature
testing probe. The diagram on the right is represented as the River Torrens with the diagram on the right portraying the
sample that was taken out of the river using the container.
pH Testing
A sample of the water was Water pollution in the River Torrens is a crucial
taken using a container, aspect of the deterioration of the water (H2O)
which was then used for the quality.
enumeration of the
temperature and the pH level. The duckweed in the River Torrens is
prevalent throughout the whole river.

The River
Dirt was present at the
Torrens is
depths of the River
represented
Torrens.
using this
diagram.

The container
with the
water (H2O)
sample.

Figure 2: The above diagram demonstrates the investigational setup for the pH testing using the pH testing kit. The
diagram on the right is represented as the River Torrens with the diagram on the right denoting the container that was
used to acquire the water (H2O) sample with the pH probe.

Turbidity Testing

The image A small sample of water was acquired Water pollution in the River Torrens is a crucial
on the from the River Torrens and poured into aspect of the deterioration of the water (H2O)
bottom
the Turbidity Tube in order to compare quality.
right
denotes the the pigment of the water with the
Turbidity Turbidity scale.
Scale; The duckweed in the River Torrens is prevalent
hence, throughout the whole river.
providing a __
_____________

clear Dirt was present at the The River

understand Torrens is
depths of the River
ing of the
Torrens. represented using
accuracy
of the
this diagram.
Turbidity
Turbidity Tube

test
(Source:
ncpedia,
no date
cited).

Figure 3: The above diagram is an indication of the investigational setup used for the Turbidity Testing. The diagram
on the right is a delineation of the River Torrens with the diagram on the right denoting the Turbidity Tube that was
used to acquire the water (H2O) sample as well as the actual Turbidity Testing. The Turbidity Scale is also shown on the
left of the Turbidity Tube for the arbitration of the arbitration of the Turbidity Levels.
Water Bug Testing
___________________________

__________________________________
Dirt was present at A sieve was used to The sieve
______________________
the depths of the obtain a meagre

______________
was

_____________
_______________
River Torrens. sample of dirt from

_____________
analysed

__________________________
_______
the river.

________
and

____________________________
examined
The River Torrens is
thoroughly
represented using this
diagram. for any
signs of life
and bugs.
The duckweed in the River
Torrens is prevalent
throughout the whole river.

Water pollution in the River

Torrens is a crucial aspect of the
deterioration of the water (H2O)
quality.

Figure 4: The above diagram is an indication of the investigational setup used for the Water Bug Testing. The diagram
denotes the River Torrens with the pollution, bugs, and organisms. The whole diagram is based on the sieve acquiring a
meagre sample of the river with the intention of analysing some organisms present in the water.

Land Survey & Field Sketch

__________________________________________________
_____________

__

The River Torrens is represented with The duckweed in Tennis Cans Water bottles The banks River
Oxalis stricta was found

Balls were were a common

the blue portion of the diagram. the River Torrens is
were seen on
Torrens is type of debris. represented with
seen on the
on the banks.

prevalent the banks of the green portion

Dirt was present at the depths of the __ throughout the banks of the river.
Eyes were
of the diagram.
River Torrens. the river. required to locate
whole river.
the debris.
Figure 5: The above diagram denotes the investigational setup of the Land Survey. One half of the diagram displays the
River Torrens itself, while the other half portrays the banks of the river. The diagram briefly outlines the objects that
were located; however, this will be analysed more in the results and analysis. This is also a representation of the field
sketch of the River Torrens.

Results of Investigation

As has been mentioned before, there are 5 different water (H2O) tests that were conducted, however, only the results of
Research Group 1 are shown below, with the overall averages of the research groups displayed in the analysis.

Water Temperature Testing

13.5

13.4

13.3

13.2

13.1
DEGRESS (°C )

13

12.9

12.8

12.7

12.6

12.5
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5 Average
TEST NUMBER

Figure 1: The above line graph depicts the results of the Water Temperature testing based on the five tests with the
average being mentioned at the end. The y-axis denotes the temperature in equal increments with the x-axis showing the
test number and average.

Water Temperature Testing Results

Test Number 1 2 3 4 5 Average
Degrees (°C) 12.8 13.3 13.2 13.0 13.4 13.14

Figure 2: The above table directly shows the data entry of the results of the Water Temperature Testing. The result for
each test number is written in each column as well as the average of the five data entries.
 ph Level Testing
7.45

7.4

7.35

7.3
PH LEVEL

7.25

7.2

7.15

7.1
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5 Average
TEST NUMBER

Figure 3: The above line graph denotes the results of the pH Testing with the x-axis showing the test number and the
y-axis indicating the pH Level of the sample.

pH Level Testing Results

Test Number 1 2 3 4 5 Average
pH Level 7.4 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.34

Figure 4: The table displayed above connotes the pH Level Results in columns through direct numerical values;
however, the data is still classified as continuous numerical data.

Figures 5 & 6: The graph

Turbidity Levels on the left signifies the
30 five results of the
Turbidity Tests. This
25
graph and table have a
TURBIDITY LEVEL (NTU)

20
format reminiscent of the
other graphs with the
15 difference being the
interpretation of the
10 results. From both figures,
it is evident that the
5
average turbidity of the
river is 25 NTU.
0
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5 Average
TEST NUMBER

Turbidity Testing Results

Test Number 1 2 3 4 5 Average
Turbidity (NTU) 25 25 25 25 25 25
 Figures 7 & 8: The graph
Land Survey
on the left demonstrates the
30
frequency of rubbish found
on the banks of the River
25
Torrens. The x-axis
FREQUENCY PER DEBRIS TYPE

connotes the type of debris,

20
while the y-axis is based on
the frequency of each
15
category of debris. This is
also displayed in the
10
frequency table below. The
frequency table below
5
(figure 8) shows the
quantity of each category of
0
debris found on the banks of
Tennis Balls Foam Cans Bottles Total
TYPES OF DEBRIS the River Torrens.

Land Survey Results

Type of Debris Tally Frequency
Tennis Balls (Soft plastic) ____
|||| ||| 8
Foam (Biodegradable) ____
|||| 5
Cans (Metal) ||| 3
Bottles (Hard Plastic) ____
| | | | ____
|||| || 12
Total ____
| | | | |____
| | | ____
| | | | ____
| | | | |____
||| ||| 28

Water Bug Testing

The Water Bug Testing had a result of 0% organic life due to the failure of acquiring insects. This was due to the fact
that the participants were unable to search for insects midway through the river, which narrowed the possibility of
acquiring organisms for examination. This meant that the obtainment of organisms was dependent on probability and
positioning; hence, creating doubt of any organic life. However, after collaboration, it was clear some signs of life were
present in the River Torrens. This also varied on different days of the investigation, which could be due to temperature
differences of either the atmosphere, the river, or both. In addition, this could be due to increased mortality rates after
the results shown above, indicating that the river is decisively not fully healthy. The debris found in the river as well as
the acidity and turbidity are key factors in this dormancy as different organisms adapt to different water conditions,
which will be discussed in the analysis of results. With that being said, Research Group 1 did not obtain any organisms
from the river, however, other research groups managed to do so which will be discussed in the analysis, as well as the
reason for the failure of acquiring any insects.
Analysis/Discussion of Results

From the Water Temperature results of Research Group 1, it is evident that the Water Temperature tests denote the
average temperature of the water is 13.14°C, which is not invigorating for most humans according to a study (Source:
seatemperatures.net, no date cited). Based on that study from seatemperatures.net, the average water (H2O) temperature
that is apt for human swimming is approximately 30°C; hence, indicating a perspicuous difference in temperature and
suitability for humans. The Water Temperature results from Research Group 2 (of which performed the tests on the
same day as Research Group 1 implied that the mean temperature of the River Torrens was 15.26°C, which arouses
some discrepancy between the two research groups. This could have been due to differences of the presence of heat
energy, as well as the speed of heat transfer. However, despite the divergence, a temperature of 15.26°C is excessively
low for human activity, which can then result in illnesses and conditions including cold shock responses and hypothermia
(Source: National Library of Medicine, 2022). Furthermore, the outcome of Research Group 3 for the Water
Temperature insinuated that the average water (H2O) temperature of the River Torrens was 13.82°C, which still denotes
the unsuitability of swimming in the River Torrens in combination with the results of Research Group 4, which had an
average temperature of 13.55°C. The disparity of these results could be due to many reasons which include difference
in air temperature, shade, soil presence, as well as the amount of heat energy transferred from different conductors and
radiators, which collates to have an overall average of 13.94°C. However, the official results from experts insinuated
that the average temperature of the river across the three days being discussed is approximately 9.6°C (Source:
greenadelaide.waterdata.com.au, 2022). This result is indubitably more accurate based on the utilization of technical
equipment and thermistors, which is yet to be explained. However, based on the results and reinforcement from
greenadelaide.waterdata.com.au, it coherent that the temperature of the water (H2O) is at maximum 15°C over the three
days, which has been proven to be inappropriate for human activity as well as some organisms native to the river, which
will be identified shortly. The average Water Temperatures of the four research groups are shown below with the
exception of the official results as that is from a secondary source.

Average Water Temperatures Per Research Group

15.5

15
WATER TEMPERATURE (°C)

14.5

14

13.5

13

12.5

12
1 2 3 4 Average
RESEARCH GROUP NUMBER
Figure 1: The above line graph displays the average Water Temperature results of the four different Research groups.
It is clear that Research Group 2 received the highest average temperature, while Research Group 1 had the lowest
average Water Temperature.
 Based on the results of the pH Level Testing of the River Torrens, it is inconspicuous that the pH level of the River
Torrens indicates the water (H2O) in the river is freshwater due to fluctuant results from Research Group 4. The average
pH level of Research Group 1 was 7.34, which is vaguely on the alkaline level. This means that there is a slight reduction
of hydrogen (H) in the river in comparison to freshwater (H2O). Despite that, this pH level is suitable for all humans as
the pH level of swimming pools vary from 7.0 to 7.6 with the inclusion of chlorine (CI). This is also suitable for other
organisms, which will be scrutinized shortly (Source: frogsafe.org.au, no date cited). The results from Research Group
2, which will be comparable to that of Research Group 1 is due to the fact that both groups participated in the
investigation on the same day. The results from Research Group 2 suggest the average pH level of the river is 7.13,
which is similar to the average to Research Group 1. In addition, Research Group 3 accumulated an average pH level of
7.03, which is significantly contiguous with the pH level of freshwater (H2O). However, Research Group Number 4
generated a pH average of 12.28, which is exceedingly discrepant. This discrepancy could have been caused due to
human activity, as well as rainfall, acidic precipitation, and nitrates (NO-3) from agricultural soils (Source: ukaps, 2010).
This shows that the water (H2O) was strongly alkalotic, which is completely different to that if the other groups. There
are a multitude of potential reasons for this difference, however, the most likely reason is the difference of pollution
which varies from day to day. The official results indicate that the pH level of the river is incessantly below seven,
however, at times drops down to five (Source: greenadelaide.waterdata.com.au, 2022). Furthermore, the areas of which
the sample was tested also varies, which creates a slightly unfair test. Alkalotic substances can cause skin rashes when
in contact with alkalotic water (H2O), and also jeopardizes plant growth and the health of organisms, which will be
elaborated shortly. Acidic substances cause headaches and conjunctivitis when in contact with humans, which indicates
the significance of the pH level being freshwater. As three of the four results have a pH level of 7, one would anticipate
swimming in the River Torrens is safe, however, the unforeseen swing from Research Group 4 poses a jeopardy to the
health of humans. With that being said, it is inconclusive that humans can swim in the River Torrens due to the fluctuance
of pH levels, which can cause severe illnesses. The average pH Levels of the four research groups are shown below with
the exception of the official results as that is from a secondary source.

Average pH Level Per Research Group

14

12

10
AVERAGE PH LEVEL

0
1 2 3 4 Average
RESEARCH GROUP NUMBER

Figure 2: The above line graph displays the average pH Levels of the four research groups. It is evident that Research
Group 4 had the highest pH Level/alkalinity, while Research Group 3 had the lowest pH Level, which meant the
overall average was 8.45 with the inclusion of Research Group 1 and Research Group 4.
 The turbidity levels of the four research groups denote that the turbidity level of the River Torrens is approximately
17.5 NTU based on the mean of the average of the four research groups. This was measured based on human eyesight,
which is an inaccurate method of arbitrating the results. According to a research, water (H2O) used for local/human
swimming must have a turbidity level below 0.5 NTU (Source: palintest.com, 2022). The results of Research Group 1
suggest the average turbidity of the River Torrens is 25 NTU, which is decisively too high human activity-based activity
(Source: usgs.gov, 2018). This is due to the fact that higher turbidity levels result in the addition of hazardous metals to
the water (H2O) i.e., cadmium, lead & mercury. The results from Research Group 2 evince the turbidity level of the
River Torrens to be 22.25 NTU, which does not alter the fact that the turbidity level of the river is excessively high for
local swimming. Research Group 3 enumerated an average turbidity level of 17.5 NTU, which continues to support the
fact that the River Torrens is unsuitable for local swimming. Ultimately, Research Group 4 recorded the turbidity level
to be 10 NTU, which is yet again too high for human swimming. From that, there are distinct differences, which could
be due to a difference in erosion as well as water (H2O) pollution. As mentioned earlier, nitrates are a colossal aspect of
water (H2O) pollution, which then results in greater turbidity levels as well as the eradication of oxygen (O) required for
organisms living in the river. The difference of the turbidity levels is due to changed conditions as well as the replacement
of buckets and containers. Differences in human activity, construction, and agriculture can also lead to toxic chemicals
entering the water (H2O) i.e., oil spills. These results prove that the turbidity level of the river is inordinately high for
local swimming as the maximum turbidity level for human activity is 0.5 NTU. According to research, the authentic
turbidity level of the River Torrens is consistently between the ranges of 1.1 NTU and 4.5 NTU, which implies the
imprecision of all the results stated (Source: data.sa.gov.au, 2015). The reason for this is human error in combination
with the lack of facilities. For example, the way of which the turbidity level was arbitrated was using human eyesight,
however, the scientific process of doing so is to use nephelometer/turbidimeter and a light in order to identify the
refraction (Source: cablab.info, 2020). Despite that, both the official turbidity results and the primary results suggest that
the turbidity level of the River Torrens is a treachery for human activity and could potentially jeopardize the population
of some marine habitats (yet to be discussed). (Source: agriculture.vic.gov, no date cited). The average turbidity levels
of the four research groups are shown below with the exception of the official results as that is from a secondary source.

Average Turbidity Level Per Research Group

30
Average Turbidity Levl (NTU)

25

20

15

10

0
1 2 3 4 Average
Reserach Group Number

Figure 3: The above line graph indicates the comparison of the average turbidity levels of the four research groups
as well as the overall average of the three days. Research Group 1 had the highest average turbidity of 25 NTU, while
Research Group 4 had the lowest turbidity of 10 NTU, which resulted as an average of 18.7 NTU with the inclusion
of Research Group 2 and 3.
 The Water Bug Testing results from each of the four groups showed signs of inconsistency of applicability as well
as the obtainment of results. Research Group 1 was unable to acquire or analyze any specimens or organisms in the
water, while the results from Research Groups 3 and 4 were unapplicable. This meant that only the results of Research
Group 2 could be analysed of which found one tadpole and one backswimmer. This indicates there is clear life in the
River Torrens, and also shows that the health of the river is able to sustain some form of life. For example, the water pH
level required for backswimmers (notonectidae) is between 6 and 8, which is a carbon-copy of the pH level of the River
Torrens (Source: sciencedirect.com, 2001). In addition, the water temperature of the River Torrens suggests that the
water (H2O) can sustain backswimmers, however, the conversion of chemical energy to kinetic energy via the
backswimmer can vary based on the temperature. This is because backswimmers prefer to satay engulfed in the water
(H2O) in the event of which the water (H2O) contains a high volume of oxygen (O), and when the temperature is above
15°C, the backswimmer tends to remain afloat on the surface of the river (Source: entnemdept.ufl.edu, 2019). The
competence of the turbidity level of the River Torrens was clear, however, the potential of the increase of the turbidity
could jeopardize the prevalence of the population of backswimmers in the River Torrens. For the existence of tadpoles,
the pH level of the river is decisively appropriate for tadpoles, as well as the temperature (9°C to 15°C is suitable)
(Source: watergardenadvice.com, 2021). The turbidity levels are also suitable for tadpoles, which implies the river is
able to support marine life. Despite that, there can be some controversy on whether these species and taxonomy of
organisms can be perilous to the physical health of humans. Backswimmers are identified to not be poisonous, while
can arouse pain due to a reduction and killing of human blood cells (Source: wise-answer.com, 2021). Tadpoles, on the
other hand, do not directly affect the health of humans, however, can cause the water (H2O) quality to rapidly deteriorate
(turbidity, water temperature, and pH levels), which can then lead to human treachery. With that being said, it is clear
that with the presence of some marine life, it is precarious for humans to swim in the River Torrens as that can cause
direct physical damage, or issues regarding the water (H2O) which then spreads through the atoms and molecules in the
water (H2O). There are also other marine animals in the River Torrens that can be a threat to humans such as nymphs
(Source: healthline.com, no date cited).

The Land Survey Results are a crucial aspect of the investigation as this shows the types of rubbish that is found in
the River Torrens. Due to the inapplicability of the results from Research Group 3 and Research Group 4, the results
from Research Group 1 and Research Group 2 will be analysed. Research Group 1 discovered the presence of 8 tennis
balls, which denotes that there are many people playing sports around the area. This is a major issue as tennis balls are
not biodegradable; hence, increasing the deterioration of the health of the environment (Source: tennisinformation.net,
2022). The presence of foam in the river can also cause marine animals to perish based on the volume of the consumption
of the foam (Source: earth.org, 2021). Additional to that, foam is not biodegradable, which poses a bigger risk for marine
life regardless of taxonomic classification. Bottles in the ocean create the biggest risk for the survival of marine animals
as this can also suffocate the animals, as well as affect the water (H2O) quality in a negative manner. Research Group 2
acquired a multitude of plastic bags as well as paper and consumptive objects such as bread. This can be poisonous for
marine animals, which then results in a profusion of corpses in the river; thus, eradicating the overall hygiene of the
river. All of these unnatural substances and objects can drastically alter the pH level, water (H2O) temperature, and
turbidity, which indirectly creates hazards for humans and animals. With that being said, it is clear that with the volume
of debris found in the river and along the banks, local swimming would not be able to go ahead. Despite that, some of
this detritus is collected using trash racks, which mainly acquire foliage and sediments, however, can also collect some
debris, which is used to envelop the playing field at Adelaide Oval. The below table shows the results of both Research
Group 1 and Research Group 2.

Combined Land Survey Results – Research Group 1 & 2

Type of Debris Frequency
Tennis Balls (Soft Plastic) 8
Foam (Soft Plastic) 5
Cans (Metal) 3
Bottles (Hard Plastic) 12
CD (Metal) 3
Toilet Rolls (Biodegradable) 7
Bread Bags (Soft Plastic) 3
Plastic Bags (Soft Plastic) 5
Total 46

Effect of Error(s) & Improvement(s)

Throughout the course of the investigation, there were a multitude of errors including scientific and human errors with
the latter being more prevalent. The most noticeable error of the investigation was the faltering of controlling the
controlled variables. All water (H2O) samples obtained from the river were not precise, which created a slightly unfair
test. The allowance of time for the stabilization of the different readings was not measured precisely, which could
drastically alter the results. This then links to the issue of time impediment, which increased the probability of human
error. In addition to that, some tests were unable to be performed such as the Water Salinity Test, which would have
added greater detail to the investigational results. Moreover, collaboration between the research groups was obscure,
which led to some lack of discipline and some errors in the process of the comparison of results. An excess of time and
collaboration would have enabled this; hence, improving the accuracy of the results. The inconsistency of the water
samples caused a difference in the comparison, which then does not allow a fair test to be conducted. The variation of
the samples was not widespread, which did not accurately identify the results of the whole river, rather just a miniscule
portion adjacent to the Adelaide High School Rowing Shed. Furthermore, containers were pre-used, meaning that some
meagre atoms from previous investigations could have been combined with the water sample from the river. This could
then severely affect the results as well as the concentration of the sample. This was an immense cause of the fluctuance
of the results and should definitely have been accounted for. Ultimately, the lack of technical equipment deteriorated
the precision of the results greatly. This was especially visible in the turbidity tests, as all that was used human eyesight
and retina. The unreliability of this method is unambiguous, which resulted in the aftermath of receiving results
completely discrepant to that of the expert results. Some improvements for the investigation could have been to have a
table and a laboratory setup prior to the inception of the investigation to add accuracy and precision in the event of which
the controlment of the variables is required. The timing of the stabilization of the results could have also been measured
using a computer timer, which could have also been affiliated with the meter that was being applied. Additional time for
the investigation is a significant improvement which could dramatically reduce the ambiguity in the results. For the
purpose of the accuracy, the act of participating in the investigation over a long period of time would have added more
depth to the aftermath of the investigation, which is practically inconclusive. Collaborative work with the research
groups would have also allowed greater consistency and controlment of variables; hence, indicating that all research
groups should have participated in the investigation every day of the investigation. The collection of samples from
multiple areas of the river (85 km) would have drawn the attention of the whole river, which is an important aspect of
the improvements. The usage of technical devices would have also ensured close to 100% accuracy in results as
technological devices have shown signs of greater accuracy than humans. For example, a turbidimeter could have been
utilized to adjudicate the turbidity level of the River Torrens along the whole 85 km. Boats and technical ships could
have been used to gain greater momentum for the Water Bug Testing as only bugs from the banks were able to be
analysed. With that being said, there are a multitude of errors that occurred throughout the investigation and should have
been addressed prior to the inauguration of the experimentations.

Conclusion

Overall, the investigation was somewhat successful as the aim of the investigation was not fully accomplished. The
overall hypothesis was proven to be correct as the conclusion of the investigation was that humans would not be able to
swim in the River Torrens. Due to human and scientific error, there was a slight misjudgment in the results due to
measurement inaccuracy and lack of technical equipment. The reasons for which the River Torrens is unsuitable for
local swimming was identified, which was due to the fact that the pH level, water temperature, turbidity, debris, and
water bug testing results suggested that the health of the River Torrens would not be able to sustain humans in the event
of swimming. However, the improvements of that could be made to enable the recommencement of swimming in the
River Torrens was failed to be identified, which was an aspect of the aim of the investigation. Despite that, it is clear
that with the current state of the River Torrens, it is unsafe for humans to swim. This shows the overall hypothesis was
correct, however, the fluctuance of the results could impact that statements if some of the improvements were accounted
for before the investigation. With that, the investigation was completed with half of the aim fulfilled due to some errors
and lack of time management.
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%20your%20pond%20by%203-5%20degrees. (Accessed: August 23, 2022).