Environmental Science Unit 2: Water Pollution

Introduction

Pollution of water sources can have devastating effects on the surrounding environment. Pollution can make air and water resources hazardous for plants and animals. It can directly harm soil microorganisms and larger soil-dwelling organisms, with consequences for soil biodiversity, as well as impacting on food security by impairing plant function and reducing food yields.

In this workshop, learners participate in an environmental scenario where they must determine what and which industry is the cause of the lake pollution.

Program Overview

Students test the unique properties of water with analytical instruments.

1. UV – Visible Spectroscopy

2. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)

3. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

Students analyse a range of organic salts/compounds in water, using various techniques:

• The application of UV-visible spectroscopy, including the use of a calibration curve to determine the concentration of coloured species in a water sample.
• The application of AAS, including the use of a calibration curve, to determine the concentration of metals or metal ions in a water sample.
• The application of HPLC, including the use of a calibration curve and retention time to determine the concentration of a soluble compound in water samples.

Curriculum Focus

Unit 2 VCE Environmental Science: AOS 1 – Outcome 1: Chemical characteristics of pollutants.