The filtration of water through different type of soils 1B Environmental Systems and SocietiesWater filtration through soils TABLE OF CONTENTS PLANNING Research question.. Hypothesis Variables. Apparatus List. Methodology DATA COLLECTION .. Primary Raw Data... Primary processed data... DISCUSSION... EVALUATION CONCLUSION.......Water filtration through soils The filtration of water through different type of soils PLANNING Research question: How does the texture and composition of different soils change its std of drainage? 7 9 Hypothesis: The greater the sand content in a type of soil, the greater rate at which water will drain through soll, | Variables: ‘+ Independent variables: ~ _ the different types of soils experimented: + Sandy Soll (loam) + Merton Clay Soil + Sand Alize ‘ Multepurpoe compost, * Dependant variabl 2 thevoleoaoae L ) * Controlled variables: ( = the quantity of water (200m!) the quantity of soil (40g) - time given to test rate of filtration (2 minutes) ~Water filtration through soils Apparatus List: © Beaker Water © Soils: +Sand Methodology: of soil © Digital STOP Clock © Electric scale + Filter paper © Spatula We © Filter funni © Two measuring cylinder +Gretton Garden Soil + Sandy Soil (loam) + Merton Clay Soil + Multi-purpose Compost yy 4. Drawa table to record the colour, texture, moisture and the drainage far each type Type of Soil Colour Texture Moisture Drainage (ml/2min) #1 #2 #3 Gretton Garden |__ soit Sandy Soil (loam) Merton Clay Soil Sand Multi- purpose CompostWater filtration through soils me 2. Fill a beaker with either of the soils chosen to be experiment 3. Observe the colour and record its description on the table, under its correspopating type of soil 4. Touch and fee! the soil in the beaker and describe its texture on the table. 5. By feeling the soil, describe the level of moisture and record it on the table. checkrouie 6. Fold a filter paper into a cone shape and place it on the electric scale. Once placed, Wald yay © Sattescieosgy? 7. With a spatula, insert small amounts of the the beaker into the filter paper PL a7E Until the electric scales screen dsplays 408. ~~ 8. Place the filter paper carrying the soil into a filter funnel, and then, place the filter funnel into a measuring beaker. 9. Fill the other measuring cylinder with 100ml of water. 410, Set the cigital STOP clock at 00:00. Click START at the same time your pour the 3007 of water. 11, Stop the digital STOP clock after 2 minutes, and immediately measure and record on the table the millilitres of water filtrated tes the soll, 12, Repeat this process three times for each type ofsoil, Scifficeza he Mle 413. Repeat steps 2 to 12 per type of soll chosen. In this case, there must be five repeats Cf this process as 5 types of soll have been chosen to carry out this investigation, pl \7© Three repeats of the level of drainage must be measured per type of soll. It 9 essential to clean the beakers if afterwards you are going to test another type of soil. Cc ‘a Ise a different filter paper for every repeat, even when using the same type of soil. (food planus rectionWater filtration through soils DATA COLLECTION Primary Raw Data~ Table 1: Primary raw data collection ofthe colour, texture, moisture and drainage (mil/2min)~ per type of soil [ Typeof | Colour ] Texture | Moisture Drainage (ml/2min) Soil #1 #2 #3 Gratton Granby] Drvappearace Garden | cerktrown | compactin | Humi¢when | 52ml | 46mi | 34ml Soll wtetats” | crumbes | beoken ape Sandy Scat ah tusckwihtgnt | gardessol | stghty pum Soll | cchrepatches | a 2imi | 27mi | 24m lean san he, soft Martat Sona | Clay — | warengogrey | Hard &heavy 46 mi 61ml 59 ml ‘compact 4 e ood Compact yw w Ta Soft Diy fn relation tons clo) Sand | cxrre/gotien | smoot asml | 16mi | 20m Shy mis winste when combles ccumbes | broken apart Multi- | a very dry. purpose rons treindeatons | 49ml | 43ml | 48m (smes ck ‘fmostue) Compost ay Primary processed data Table 2: Average of drainage in ml/2min per type of soil Type of Soil "Drainage (ral/2min) Gretton Garden Soil 44 ml Sandy Soil (loam 2aml_| Merton ClaySoil _|_55.3 mi Sand a7 mi | | Multi-purpose Compost | 46.7 ml__ ; Lc (ated Rate { meisnte thotd Ge EatDent yot ‘ (eprom apes Prperapn jor if Pier vetrrv~od poy) desl, por7 wo1sDas Suimo}}0} 342 Uo passnasip aq IM sy]NSad BYL “I10s 40 sadAy IUBJOYIP any a4 Jo Yea YBNoI UOENY J}eM aBerane ayy smoys ange ydes8 seq ay. 3soduiog asodund 10 mw pues 198 hep woe mt (weo) pos Apues m tos uapie9 von 10s Jo 94 ysodwioy asodand-y]nWN, pues HOS Ae| wouaW (wseo}) jos Apues — i ae ese wes uywiz/jus uy a8euerp aBerany {10s Jo adAy Jad sagnunw z sad sauy ios wapses uona5 seqmuyw z 9d San wpe tu uy aBeulesp aBerany :T ydesy guos USNON UONSIN isanWater filtration through soils DISCUSSION How does the texture and composition of different solls change its rate of drainage? The rate of water filtration, drained through different types of soils are determined by soil porosity, texture, structure, organic matter content, salinity, moisture, air, among 0h factoys. However, this investigation has focussed on the effect of texture in water dr: Texture may indicate the degree of FIGURE 1: THE TEXTURAL CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS. moisture and organic matter content of each type of s Figure 1 will guide the suggestions discussed about the effect of the texture of the soils tested for this investigation. Silt Is responsible to hold clay and sand content together, and make it compact. Sand is responsible for the drainage of water through the suil, And finally, clay retains nutri e. and water’ The percentages of et: lester tint anmen tte ONIN these three componentsmust be equal to 100%. e@ 6 % & 5 According to Table 1, Gretton garden soil was classified as a dark brown soil, which consists or smal crumbles. The level of moisture of these crumbles is relatively humid, when ‘manipulated and broken apart, which suggests it has a high percentage of silt as its sedimentary remains can add to the level of moisture. Therefore, according to Figure 1, Gretton Garden Soil is composed by about a 45% of silt as the colour is dark, associated to the crumbly texture of sedimentary remains. It is important to notice that the darker the No wt colour, the higher the clay content. Moreover, as I consider itis about 45% silt, its likely to wert Sie about 15% clay and 40% sand. This means that Gretton Garden Solis likely to have aWater filtration through soils moderate rate of water filtration than for instance, sandy soil (loam). However, according to Graph 1, sandy soil (loam) has an average drainage rate of ee is slower than Gretton garden soil, equal to 44m|/2mins. Hence, sandy soil is retaining more water than Gretton garden soil, However, this is an anomaly because sandy soil (loam) contains about 80% sand, 10% of clay and 10% of silt Therefore, it would be expected that Gretton garden soil has a smaller drainage rate than sandy soil (loam), which as a very high percentage of sand whose function isto filter the waterAnstead, Gretton garden sol has'15%6 more clay content, which is the responsible to hold water and nutrients. [oa cart be fuse of Hut Moreover, according to Table 2, Merton clay soil has the highest average rate of filtration, equal to 55.3mI/2mins. This suggests that it is a significant outlier, because it is likely to have a high content of clay and hence, a slower rate of filtration. The function of clay is to retain the nutrients and water, as opposed to the function of sarid. Therefore, the greater the content of clay, the greater the retention of water and the slower the rate of filtration“ Since clay is a very hard soil to shape, there were probably many pores that accelerate water drainage. Merton clay soil also very dense and compact, which stops water from draining at a rapid rate. According to Figure 1 and a marengo grey colour, Merton clay soil did not have evident sedimentary remains which suggests its percentage of E A.silt is low, equal to 10%, as well as its sand percentage, equal to 10%, which is indicated by a its compact texture. Therefore, Merton clay soil has 80% clay as a component of its texture. oO Merton clay soil should have the lowest filtration rate in comparison to the other types of v ryp soll experimented, since it has the highest percent of cay. Furthermore, sand was another soil experimented to compare the results of this investigation. As recorded on Table 1, sand is a very te ype of soil which is composed by minute crumbles. Its function is to allow water to drain through the soll, 4s opposed to clay which holds the nutrients and water when the soil is irrigated. Sand itself is likely to have the highest percentage of sand, and therefore, the lowest of silt and clay.-The type of sand experimented had uncommgn sediments in its composition, which may not be characteristic of the type of soil. However, this led to the conclusion that it was composed by 90% of sand, 5% of clay and 5% of silt. However, it had hetreet take or drainage, when it is expected to have the greatest due to its ability of filtering water at a faster rate, The sand tested was slightly humid, as seen on Table 1, and was easy to shape into the filter paper. ceitisaoer ‘Aon wh Water filtration through soils very light granular material, it usually has pores which enable water to drain at grapid rate. However, since it was humid, the sand was more compact and therefore, the rate of drainage was slowed down to the extent that it has the slower rate of drainage, when the opposite was expected. Finally, mpti-purpose compost had the second highest average rate of drainage, equal to adits as shown in Table 2. tts colour is recorded as bistre brown on Table 1 and has sediments which make its texture be fibsous, characteristic of oam soil. Multi-purpose so ch in organic matter contentand therefore has relatively ropetionate percentage between the three components of texture. Regarding Figure 1, the 40g of multi- {Hburpose compost experimented in this investigation is composed by 25% of clay, 35% sand and 40% sit. This suggests that itis an ideal soil for agricultural purposes, which indicates that the rate of filtration is ikely to be moderate/in comparison to the other measurements shown in Table 2, the rate of filtration for multi-purpose compost is likely to be the most accurate as the percentage of clay for this type of sol isthe lowest of its three components. Thus, the retention of water will not be as significant as that from Merton clay soll, which has 80% of clay in its compositign’Furthermore, multi-purpose compost has vate of sand than clay, which indicates that the rate of drainage will be quickef. ifthe reverse was to be the case, more water would be retained than drained due to a higher percentage of clay. 4 grok Cero foe cack Jorl eope Sampled. Yaw wakeivend terlere, Shuchve © ganic covet 1 ete, 4 bal ¥ have Wade A ford aterpe 4 ep lace oust Comers fox Me Aaciraze cadeah (ton weer se 10Water filtration through soils EVALUATION Limitations and Likely Effects Improvements Weaknesses een y Three repeats per the five types of soils are nj representative of the rate of drainage at which each type of soil filter water. The results can be anomalous. Hence, the rate of drainage might not be reliable and cannot be compared to other rates of drainage measured as these will be inaccurate too. Do at least ¥0repeats in order to have a wider range of results and be able to | indicate significant anomalies which are not that evident within three results per type of sol Lack of precision in the ‘observations made under colour, texture and moisture for each type of soil. Colour, texture and moisture are not accurately } measured by an index, system or parallel experiment. Hence, an observation will only provide a vague result. The results are subjective as there have not been scientifically tested. Instead, have relied on my senses to describe these three factors. Make use of a colour range chart in order to appropriately use concrete terms to determine the most accurate colour. Measure the organic content, temperature, salinity, pHyporosity amon, other factors which are relevant to the investigation and which can be accurately | and scientifically measured. | Make use of moisture metres to'have an accurate valué/which is objective. [A scarce range of soils was tested, which does not enable a representative comparison between different types of soils. The comparison between the rates of filtration of different soils will not be reliable if the results are anomalous. Hence, it is more difficult to justify the possible outliers of the results. Choose a minimum of ten ‘ype of soils which have significantly different compositions, plus do at least ten repeats of the measurement of filtration for a more representative outcome. The volume of water and soil were not mesures accurately. The results are not precise as the measurements of its variables were not accurate, since it was difficult to. exactly insert 40g of soil into the filter paper and measure ‘100ml oF water. However, the measurements are not significantly irrelevant. Ensure that the digital scale is set to zero after placing the filter baper on it. Furthermore, carefully insert reduced volumes of | soil into the filter paper placed on the scale, until exactly reaching the 40 | needed to carry this 1Water filtration through soil investigation. On the other | hand, control the water > | pressure when inserting water into the measuring cylinder until it exactly reaches 100mI. [us red volume of soil for 1e volume of water poured to test the soil’s water drainage, in an unrepresentative period of time. Alterations in the results of the rate of filtration per type of soil. Due to the excessive volume of water to be filtrated and the proportionately reduced volume of soil, it is likely that the rate of drainage is not precise. This is because the measurements of the experiment are not proportionate to each other; hence, are not at an equilibrium which would determine an accurate average filtration rate. Each type of soil should cover 101 volume container and about 500ml of water should be poured for a more proportionate and accurate result. Furthermore, the rate of drainage should be measured after 15 to 30 minutes, for a more sharactessticsampin The soil was not firmly | compact when inserted into the filter paper, placed in the filter funnel. \ dr The natural characteristics that determine water ‘age, such as the organic matter content, cannot play its role if there are significant pores which allow water to drain at a quicker rate and alter the precision of the result. Initially, the soil has to be physically manipulated in order to be able to shape it and compactly adhere it in the shape of the filter paper, hence, filter funnel, This will enable a more accurate result of the filtration rate, as there are no pores allowing the water to drain ata faster rate. Rock fragments or other deposits restricted the rate of water filtration and is representative of a percentage of the volume of soil inserted into the filter paper. Rock fragments may slow down the rate of filtration, and therefore, lead to an inaccurate result. This is because water cannot drain through rock fragments ~ although this can be an input on the composition a type of soil. It also affects the volume of soil, as it contributes in the weight. Manipulate the soil and remove rock fragments — which can significantly alter the rate of filtration. it can be not only rock fragments, but other deposits which are not characteristic of the soil, such as small roots or branches. Tard iv Pp] We clwoactel of fil When classifying the soils by their texture, using Figure 1, The real rate of drainage at which water filters cannot The components of soil’s texture should be 12‘Water filtration through soils the percentages of the components of its texture are not accurate as these are based on the observations made in Table 1, which are not scientifically measured. be proven in this investigation because the ‘components of texture are not accurately measured. Hence, the discussion is relative to the observations applied to the theory. scientifically tested in order to accurately classify and obtain a reliable discussion. Sulfi cant relevaudk + len wralreiied diwit ator p, MWCUse oe BWater filtration through soils CONCLUSION Texture is an important indicator of the composition of soil, which can be classified with the use of Figure 1. This is because the composition, considering the percentage of clay, sand and silt, have a function which affect the rate of drainage at which water filters through different types of soils. Hence, the rate of drainage varies proportionately to the composition of each sot. However, tl vestigation has failed to represent reliable results of the rate of filtration at which the types of soils explored are capable of draining water. Theoretically, the texture determines the soil composition, which affects the drainage rate. Therefore, the greater the clay content of soit, the slower the drainage rate; this is because the function of clay is to hold nutrients and water. On the contrary, the greater the sand content, the faster the rate at which water will fiter. Due to the limitations explored in the Evaluation, the results have different degrees of 'yFor example, Merton clay soil should have the slowest filtration rate due to its intage of clay content; instead, it has the highest filtration rate equal to 55.3mif/2mins. Since it is a hard, dense and compact, it could not be shaped into the filter paper in order to avoid pores from allowing water to drain directly, and not through the (nthe other hand, sand has proven the lowest rate of drainage equal to 17ml/2mins, wich does not meet the theory. Since it is a granular material, there are more pores allowing water to filter at a quicker rate However, since the sand tested was humid, as that from the shore of a beach, it could easily become compact. Hence, the water could be retsined as less we V Cove, Pores would allow water to drain through the soil, which suggests that humidity also has a significant effect on the rate of filtration, as it changes the texture of the soll. Again, the composition of sandy loam is mainly composed by sand, in this case, by an 80%; and yet, the rate of filtration is smaller than that containing higher percentages of clay content. Finally, Graph 1 visually represents that Gretton garden soil and multi-purpose content are ly to have similar compositions, since their drainage rates are similar. This may indicate that both are mainly used for an agricultural or gardening purposes, because the lowest vee 14Water filtration through soils Percentage of their composition is clay (usually 20%) and the content of sand and silt are \,ssimilar (both 40%), which are the ideal soil conditions for crop and flower plantations.“As (We™" \& discussed above, Gretton garden soil is composed by 45% silt, 40% sand and 15% clay and on w aX . («the other hand, multi-purpose compost is composed by 40% silt, 359 sand and 25% clay. ne * -) The compositions are similar within themselves, but also similar to what is considered an ideal composition for agricultural and plantation purposes (40% silt, 40% sand and 20% cla Therefore, it means that the results for Gretton garden soil and multi-purpose compost are rel ively reliable. In conclusion, the results have different degrees of uncertainty, which are mainly affected by the texture. Peer such Aen Tahich affect the texture and therefore, the filtration’fate, were not considered. Gretton garden soil and multi-purpose compost are the most reliable results as they are similar to that proven scientifically. However, sandy loam and sand itself, having the highest percentages of sand, have the opposite result as what to be expected if compared to Merton clay soil, which has the highest percentage of clay, and yet, the highest rate of filtration. For this, the implications have been mentioned in the Evaluation, which indicate that there are uncertainties within this investigation. Good heat corckutron. Ns Gl = 15