Method

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Temperature
The temperature of the water plays a key role in deciding the quality and health of a water body. It can directly impact the chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of a river, lake, etc. The water temperature influences the amount of oxygen that dissolves in water, the sensitivity of the aquatic organisms towards toxic and photosynthesis by plants as well as algae.
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Oxygen is also vital for a healthy water body. Like humans, plants and aquatic organisms also require oxygen to survive. Waterways that have constantly high dissolved oxygen level, which is between 80 and 100%, are considered healthy and stable. They are capable of supporting an extensive range of aquatic organisms. We monitor the oxygen level throughout the day and the effect of photosynthesis.
pH Level
When we test the pH of a water body, we measure the amount of acid or alkaline present in the water. The pH scale is from 1 to14, where 14 is the most alkaline and zero is the most acidic. If the pH level of a water body is 7, then it is neutral. All animals and plants are very sensitive to changes in pH level.
Electrical Conductivity
To know the amount of dissolved ions like Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Bicarbonates and Chlorides, we measure the electrical conductivity in the water. For that, we first collect the sample from a specific water body and then measure the electricity flow between the electrodes. This factor can influence various species that depend on water. We conduct various tests to know the level.
Turbidity
Our volunteers also monitor the turbidity level of the water. The turbidity measures the clearness of the water body. When suspended matter increases, the turbidity level of the water also increases. When the turbidity level is high, the water will look murky or cloudy. It minimises the amount of light that penetrates through the water, which can negatively impact plant growth.
Phosphorus
We also monitor the Phosphorus level in the Gold Coast waterways. Increases in phosphorus levels in the rivers, lakes, etc., may result from the discharge of sewage, detergents, erosion, wash away fertilisers, etc. Too much phosphorus can increase the growth of algae and aquatic plants that can decrease the level of dissolved oxygen. It might also lead to algae blooms, which is harmful to human and animal health.
Nitrogen
The activity of human in catchments like land clearing, forestry operations, use of nitrogenous fertilisers, the establishment of pastures that have nitrogen-fixing legumes, etc., increases nitrogen level in waterways. The balance of the ecosystem gets disturbed when the nitrogen concentrations increased a lot. It can lead to problems like algal blooms, excessive growth of aquatic weeds and loss of species diversity.
Macroinvertebrates
The presence of macroinvertebrates in the waterways indicates that they are healthy. They play an important role in the food chains of the aquatic systems. Many of them live in the water for a long time, so they cannot escape the pollution and are sensitive to even mild pollutants or any changes in the quality of water. We conduct chemicals testing to confirm pollution.
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