Course: Introduction to Environmental Science Lab (ENV107L)

Section: 34

Final Lab Report

Submitted to:
Dr. Shafi Mohammad Tareq, PhD
Professor,
Department of Environmental Science and Management
North South University
Submitted by:
Group 3

Date: 16/10/22
Name ID
Tanzeem Mahamud 1831189030

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 Basic Understanding on Environmental and Scientific Method

Q1. Work together to develop a hypothesis about the distribution of colours in your sample of
marbles.
The marbles in my sample were normally distributed. Among the total number of marbles 6 were beige,
8 were green, 11 where blue, 7 were red, 6 were yellow, 14 were oranges and 10 were purple marbles.

Q2. Fill in data Table 1 using the data collected by your group and all your classmates. In the last row
of the table, give the average values (arithmetic mean) for each column. (Write the table title).

Table1:

Total # # of # of # of # of # of # of
Group # of red
of beige green blue yellow orange purple
Number marbles
marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles
1 67 13 5 7 8 8 15 11
2 60 4 7 3 15 7 11 13
3 62 6 8 11 7 6 14 10
4 68 5 9 4 11 18 10 11
5 54 9 9 6 8 8 6 8
Average 62.2 7.4 7.6 6.2 9.8 9.4 11.2 10.6

Q3. Fill in data Table 2 using the data collected by your group and the rest of your classmates. In the
last row of the table, give the average values (arithmetic mean) for each column. (Write the table
title)

Table 2:

Total % % of % of % of % of % of % of % of
Group
of beige green blue red yellow orange purple
Number
marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles
1 100.00% 19.40% 7.46% 10.45% 11.94% 11.94% 22.39% 16.42%
2 100.00% 6.67% 11.67% 5.00% 25.00% 11.67% 18.33% 21.67%
3 100.00% 9.68% 12.90% 17.74% 11.29% 9.68% 22.58% 16.13%
4 100.00% 7.35% 13.24% 5.88% 16.18% 26.47% 14.71% 16.18%
5 100.00% 16.67% 16.67% 11.11% 14.81% 14.81% 11.11% 14.81%
Average 100.00% 11.95% 12.39% 10.04% 15.84% 14.91% 17.82% 17.04%

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Q4. Make a (column/pie) chart for the average of all the five groups showing the percentages of each
color marble. Be sure to label your graph properly (including label your data) in Microsoft Excel, and
then copy it to Microsoft word.

TOTAL % OF MARBLES
% of beige marbles % of green marbles % of blue marbles
% of red marbles % of yellow marbles % of orange marbles
% of purple marbles

17% 12%

12%

18%
10%

15% 16%

Q5. What percentage of the total number of marbles in YOUR sample was each of the colours? Make
a chart (column/bar) of the percentages of each colour in your sample. Be sure to label your graph
properly (including label your data) in Microsoft Excel, and then copy it to Microsoft word.

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 % of each marble colour in the
sample
25.00% 22.58%

20.00% 17.74%
16.13%
15.00% 12.90%
11.29%
9.68% 9.68%
10.00%

5.00%

0.00%
% of beige % of green % of blue % of red % of yellow % of orange % of purple
marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles marbles

Q6. Look at your hypothesis; were you able to address your hypothesis with the data collected? Was
your hypothesis supported, or not, by the data?
My hypothesis is supported because the average of total numbers of marbles is almost same as the total
number of marbles in my sample. Also the the distribution of number of each colour of marbles were
close to the average.

Q7. How does your data compare with the class average? What is different or the same about the two
data sets? If there are differences, why do you think there are differences?

Color of Marble Number of marbles in Number of marbles Difference

our sample from class average
Beige 6 7.4 -1.4
Green 8 7.6 0.4
Blue 11 6.2 4.8
Red 7 9.8 -2.8
Yellow 6 9.4 -3.4
Orange 14 11.2 2.8
Purple 10 10.6 -0.6

Differences exists because the marbles were randomly distributed although overall distribution is very
close to the average.

Q8. If there are 10,000 marbles in the large container in the front of the room, a) how many marbles
would you predict be green based on your sample, and b) how many marbles would you predict be
orange based on the average of five groups?

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Ans: (a) I have 8 green marbles against 62 marbles and so if there are 10,000 marbles instead I would
have = = 1290 green marbles

I would have predicted 257 green marbles in my sample

(b) On average there are a total of 11.2 orange marbles out of 62.2. So out of 10,000 marbles total
number would have been based on the average of five groups = = 1800 orange marbles

Q9. If your sample contained 1000 litres of water from Burigonga River and the volume of Burigonga
River is 470,000,000 cubic meters, and each of the marbles represents fish of that colour, how many
red fishes would you expect to find in the whole river based on your sampling? Be sure to include your
calculations in your answer.
We know that 1000L= 1m3
Total volume of Burigonga River is 470,000,000 (m3) cubic meters [Given]
Our sample contains = 7 red fishes
Then based on your sample the Burigonga River will contain 7 X 470,000,000 =3.29 X 109 red fishes

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 Water Quality Parameters

Question1. Identify from the laboratory data table which liquid is acidic and alkaline. Prepare a graph
showing their pH values

Liquid/solution pH Acidic/Alkaline

Dist. Water 6.60 Acidic

NSU tap water 7.38 Alkaline

Coca-Cola 3.10 Acidic

Orange Juice 4.00 Acidic

Soap water 11.00 Alkaline

Antiacid 8.70 Alkaline

NSU tap water+ acid 3.48 Acidic

pH Values
12 11

10
8.7

8 7.38
6.6
6
4
4 3.48
3.1

0
Dist. Water NSU tap water Coca-Cola Orange Juice Soap water Antiacid NSU tap water+ acid

Liquid/solution pH

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Question 2: Prepare a graph from the following data table (use lab-measured values) given in the
table to show the relationship between temperature and DO, and explain.

Temperature of water (0C) DO (mg/L)

28.9 6.0
28.9 8.8
11.0 10.0
41.0 6.0

Temperature vs DO (mg/L)
12
10
10 8.8
DO (mg/L)

8
6 6
6

0
28.9 28.9 11 41
Temperature

DO (mg/L)

Temperature of water influences the amount of DO present. Less oxygen dissolves in warm water than
cold water. With this it can be stated that, the DO of water falls or decreases when the temperature
increases.

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Question 3: Take a picture of any waterbody/water source adjacent to your home. Include the picture
and the location, then describe its cause of (visible) pollution (if any). Finally, discuss what can be
done to keep it clean.

Figure: An Old Open Aquarium in Bashundhara Residential Area

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Here the water is polluted mainly due to lack of maintenance. Although the temperature is normal but
there seems to be a presence of bacteria and other micro-organisms. Finally, since the aquarium is open
and not maintained properly it is possible that is affected by air pollution as well. However, the value of
DO can be considered normal due to possibilities of air-reaction.
To keep the water clean, there should be a medium which can lead to proper air-reaction in the
aquarium which will increase the DO of the water. The aquarium needs to be maintained properly
through regular cleaning and observation of temperature.

Question 4: Write down any four water conservation techniques at your home.
Four water conservation techniques in my home:
1. Storing drinking waters in fridge and water filter
2. Taking shorter showers to save from using excess water
3. Flushing the toilet when only necessary
4. Washing clothes with required amount of water.

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 Air Pollution and Global Warming

Question 1: Look at the AQI of cities (including Dhaka) and give interpretation.

Answer 1
Country Air Quality Index Numerical Value Meaning
Levels of Health
Concerns
Dhaka Moderate 59 Air quality is
acceptable; however,
for some pollutants
there may be a
moderate health
concern for a very
small number of
people who are
unusually sensitive to
air pollution.
Chittagong Moderate 57 Air quality is
acceptable; however,
for some pollutants
there may be a
moderate health
concern for a very
small number of
people who are
unusually sensitive to
air pollution.
Khulna Moderate 57 Air quality is
acceptable; however,
for some pollutants
there may be a
moderate health
concern for a very
small number of
people who are
unusually sensitive to
air pollution.
Sylhet Moderate 72 Air quality is
acceptable; however,
for some pollutants
there may be a
moderate health
concern for a very
small number of

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 people who are
unusually sensitive to
air pollution.
Barishal Moderate 57 Air quality is
acceptable; however,
for some pollutants
there may be a
moderate health
concern for a very
small number of
people who are
unusually sensitive to
air pollution.

Question 2: Fill in the information in Table 1.

Table1: Measurements and reading for calculating the density of water at ___ 0C

Answer 2
To be noted all the action are performed under room temperature which is 28.9 0C
Step 1
Weight of 100ml of Volumetric Flask taken which is 60.70 g
Step 2
Pour 100ml of water in the Volumetric Flask using two steps
i. Steady fill the water through a running tap till a certain point.
ii. From that certain point fill the remaining portion of the Volumetric Flask using a dropper.
Step 3
Measure the new weight of the Volumetric Flask which is found to be 160.70g
Step 4
Calculate the mass of water = (160.70 – 60.70) g = 100 g
Volume of the Flask = 100 ml
Density = Mass/Volume
Density = 100 g/100 ml = 1 g/ml

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Question 3: The approximate volume of ocean water is 1.38 X 1035 cm3. Assume that this is the same
temperature as the temperature you measured in question 2. Calculate the mass of this much water.
Use the density of water you measured in question 2. Show your work and calculation in detail.

Answer 3
Volume = 1.38 X 1035 cm3
Mass = Density X Volume
Mass = 1 X 1.38 X 1035
Mass = 1.38 X 1035 g

Question 4: Now using the mass you obtained in question 3 and the known density of water at 60 0 C
(0.99907g/cm3), compute the volume of water at this temperature. Show your work and calculation in
detail.

Answer 4
Mass = 1.38 X 1035 g
Density of water at 600 C = 0.99907g/cm3
Volume = Mass/Density
Volume = 1.38 X 1035/0.99907
Volume = 1.381 X 1035 cm3

Question 5: Translate your answer from Question 4 into an estimate of sea-level rise that would result
from such a temperature increase from room temperature to 60 0C. Think of the world oceans as a large
box to simplify this calculation. Given that the surface area of the oceans is 3.75 x 1019 cm2, calculate the
depth (in m and km) for the ocean at the two water temperatures at room temperature and 60 0C.
Volume at room temperature is 1.38 X 1035 cm3 and volume at 600C is the volume you got in Question 4.
Also calculate how much the sea level will rise due to the temperature increase.
The volume of the box= surface area of the oceans x the depth of the box
Answer 5
Increase in temperature = (1.381-1.38) X 1035 cm3 = 1.28 X 1032 cm3
At room temperature,
Depth of the ocean = Volume/Surface Area

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Depth of the ocean = 1.38 X 1035/3.75 x 1019
Depth of the ocean = 3.68 X 1015 cm = 3.68 X 1013 m and 3.68 X 1010 km
At 600C,
Depth of the ocean = Volume/Surface Area
Depth of the ocean = 1.381 X 1035/3.75 x 1019
Depth of the ocean = 3.683 X 1015 cm = 3.683 X 1013 m and 3.683 X 1010 km
Rise in sea level = (3.683 X 1013 - 3.68 X 1013) m = 3 X 1010 m and 3 X 107 km
Question 6. Look at the map of Bangladesh. Which areas do you think are going to be most affected
from the sea level rise. Briefly explain any five impacts of sea level rise in Bangladesh.

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The coastal areas or the areas which is near the river are likely to be affected. These include places like
Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal, Dinajpur.
Impacts of sea level rise in Bangladesh includes such as:
i. Loss in human life due to many water-borne diseases
ii. Biodiversity
iii. Livestock of human
iv. Natural disaster such as hurricanes
Loss or negative effect in agriculture

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 Soil Properties
• From a soil sample of 40 g, the particle distribution was found as follows:
Particle size (mm) Weight (g)

<0.002 14.5

>0.02-0.002 5.70

>0.02-0.05 7.10

>0.05-0.25 3.50

>0.25-0.75 2.00

>0.75-1.25 4.80

>1.25-2.00 2.40

Question 1: What are the percentages of Sand, Silt and Clay Particles of that soil sample?
Total Weight (g) = (14.5+5.70+7.10+3.50+2.00+4.80+2.40) g = 40 g
% Of Clay = 14.5/40*100 = 36.25% Of Clay
% Of Silt = (5.70 + 7.10)/40*100 = 32% Of Silt
% Of Sand = (100 – 36.25 – 32) %= 31.75% Of Sand

Question 2: Find out the soil textural class using the Textural triangle.
Using the Textural Triangle, it can be deduced that the soil textural class is Silty Clay Loam.

Question 3: 100 g of soil has total volume of 75 cm3. From analysis the soil particle volume was found to
be 39.5 cm3. What is the percent porosity of that soil?
Bulk Density = Total mass (solid pore)/ Volume of soil (solid pore)
Bulk Density = 100/75 = 1.33 g/cm3
Particle density = Total mass (solid+pore)/ Volume of solid (soil particles)
Particle density = 100/39.5 = 2.53 g/cm3
% Porosity= (1-Bulk density/Particle density) x 100
% Porosity= (1-1.33/2.53) x 100
% Porosity= 47.33%

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 Ecology and Ecosystem

Question 1: Attach one leaf (out of the five leaves) that you have collected. You can use tape, glue or
stapler for this purpose. Then write down it’s common and scientific name just below the attached leaf.

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Question 2: Write down five characteristics/ special features of the five plants or the leaves.
Plum
1. Evergreen Tree
2. Can reach 10m in height
3. Straight trunk and dark brown bark
4. Covered with twigs of a few thorns on wild species
5. Toothed leaves up to 8cm in length
Papaya
1. Grows in tropical climate
2. Large, fleshy and melon-like fruits
3. Typically grows to 6-20’ tall
4. The flowers have five petals and are quite beautiful. The flowers have five petals and are quite
beautiful.
5. The stamens are joined to the petals in male flowers.
Jackfruit
1. The leaves are placed alternately and spirally.
2. The leaves are gummy and thick
3. The leaves are divided into a petiole and a leaf blade
4. The petiole is 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 inches) long
5. The rectangular to ovate-shaped leathery leaf blade measures 20–40 cm (7–15 inches) in length
and 7.5–18 cm (3–7 inches) in width.
Guava
1. Guava leaves (GLs) are a rich source of various health-promoting micro- and macronutrients as
well as bioactive compounds
2. The leaves contain 82.47% moisture, 3.64% ash, 0.62% fat, 18.53% protein, 12.74%
carbohydrates, 103 mg ascorbic acid, and 1717 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g total phenolic
compounds
3. Helps in stopping diarrhoea.
4. Helps bring down cholesterol.
5. Helps in losing weight.
Mango
1. Young Mango leaves are pliable, tender, and succulent when raw, bearing variegated purple-red
and green hues.
2. Mature Mango leaves will become dark green, developing a tough and somewhat chewy
consistency.
3. The leaves are simple, alternate, borne on 1-12.5 cm long petioles.
4. Leaves are 16-30 cm long x 3-7 cm broad on flowering branches and up to 50 cm long on sterile
branches.
5. The edges of the leaves are somewhat wavy.

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Question 3: Calculate the leaf surface area of the five leaves using the following equation. Then finally
calculate the average surface area of the five leaves.

Area of an Oval =

Area of an Oval (Plum) = = 19.2 cm2

Area of an Oval (Papaya) = = 56.2 cm2

Area of an Oval (Jackfruit) = = 84.2 cm2

Area of an Oval (Guava) = = 79.5 cm2

Area of an Oval (Mango) = = 93.5 cm2

Average = (19.2+56.2+84.2+79.5+93.5)/6 cm2 = 55.4 cm2

Question 4: Calculate the surface area of one leaf using LabBench method. Note: The students have to
attach all the leaves to the report.
For Plum, there were 17 squares inside the leaf altogether and so the area is estimated to be 17 cm 2
For Papaya, there were 41 squares inside the leaf altogether and so the area is estimated to be 41 cm 2
For Jackfruit, there were 75 squares inside the leaf altogether and so the area is estimated to be 75 cm 2
For Guava, there were 66 squares inside the leaf altogether and so the area is estimated to be 66 cm2
For Mango, there were 82 squares inside the leaf altogether and so the area is estimated to be 82 cm 2
Average = (17+41+75+66+82)/6 cm2 = 46.8 cm2
Question 5: Write down five characteristics/ special features of an animal.

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Scientific Name: Canis Lupus Familiaris
Common Name: Dog
Five characteristics of a dog:
1. It is a domestic animal
2. Good family pet
3. Loyal companion
4. Adaptable
5. Gentle, patient and intelligent

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 Conservation of Energy and Resources

Question 1: How much did the households pay for electricity for the two months (Include both including
and excluding vat)? (This may be listed as “Total bill.” Total Dues (Rounded)” is the amount without VAT.
Check to see if your bill includes other utilities, such as gas, or if your bill covers more than 1 month.)

For the month of October the household paid an amount of 757tk without VAT and 795tk with VAT
included in total.

For the month of August the household paid an amount of 547tk without VAT and 604tk with VAT
included in total.

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Question 2: How many kilowatt hours of electricity did the households use in the two months? (This
may be listed as “meter usage,” “recorded demand,” “kWh consumed,” or “electricity usage.”)
During the month of October,
100 KWh was consumed by the household
During the month of August,
Only 59 KWh was consumed by the household

Question 3: What is the cost the households pay per kilowatt hour? (You have to divide the “Total
Energy Charge” by “KWH Consumed”. “Demand Charge” is the charge that is a set fee paid monthly or
seasonally – most customers pay for the energy they use)
For October pay per kilowatt hour,
= 457/100 tk per KWh
= 4.57 tk per KWh
For August pay per kilowatt hour,
= 247/59 tk per KWh
= 4.19 tk per KWh
Question 4: Can you tell from the bill if any or all of the electricity comes from renewable energy
sources? (They may pay extra to ensure a portion of their electricity come from renewable resources.)
No because the building doesn’t have any sources to provide energy from renewable sources of energy.
Question 5: Calculate the water bill for one flat from the bill provided in slide 9.

Water Bill for one flat = 3765/5 TK

Water Bill for one flat = 753 TK

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Question 6: Energy efficiency refers to completing a task using less energy input than usual. For
example, an LED light bulb produces the same amount of light as other bulbs, but with less energy.
Where do you see opportunities to become more energy efficient at your home (discuss any three
techniques)?
Three techniques to discuss:
1. Using fans instead of AC or air cooler
2. Heating water in the stove rather than using water heater
3. Using normal water purifier instead of electronic water purifier
Question 7: Energy conservation refers to behaviors and actions that people can do to save or use less
energy. For example, turning off the lights when you leave a room is an action you can take that reduces
the amount of electricity you use. Briefly discuss any three actions you can take to reduce the amount of
energy you use?
Three actions to take to reduce the amount of energy use:
1. Turning the tap through which water runs out when not needed
2. Switching off the multiplug when the devices are fully charged
3. Turning off the fan when the room is cool and windy.
Question 8: Saifan and his wife are in the market for a new microwave oven and a television! a) One
microwave oven they like is energy efficient, but a bit more expensive and another one is cheap but
consumes more energy. According to you which one they should buy and why? b) They also found a LED
and LCD television of the same price. According to you which one they should buy and why?
a) Saifan and his wife should buy the expensive one instead of the cheap one. Even though the
initial investment is higher, the expensive one is energy efficient and will save money and
energy in the long run compared to the cheaper one.
b) Energy-efficient backlighting allows LED televisions to have energy consumption of up to 40
percent less than LCD televisions and so Saifan and his wife should purchase the LED television.
Question 9: According to you what can be the possible reasons for such a difference in the bills for these
two months in SLIDE 7 and SLIDE 8? Briefly discuss any four reasons.
Four Reasons:
1. Consumer was less conscious in saving energy in October compared to August
2. The kilowatt per hour price was higher during the month of October compared to August
3. October is the month of winter and quite possibly relied heavily on water heater to heat water
4. Winter is a season with longer night hours and this might have prompted the consumer to rely
heavily on light.

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Question 10:
 Take the quiz (all the members of your group)
 Take screen shot of the results (for all the members)
 Make a graph/multiple graphs to compare the results (number of earths, ecological footprint,
carbon footprint and carbon footprint) of your group members
 Write down some suggestions to reduce your ecological footprints without compromising your
lifestyle.
Number of Earths

No. of Earths
7

0
Myself Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

No. of Earths

Ecological Footprint

Ecological Footprint
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Myself Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

Ecological Footprint

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Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint

14.2

8.9
8 7.5
6.9

MYSELF PERSON 1 PERSON 2 PERSON 3 PERSON 4

Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint
70

60
59
50 55
51
40 46
43
30

20

10

0
Myself Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4

Carbon Footprint

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Suggestions to reduce ecological footprints
1. Using renewable energy more often
2. Reducing the use of single plastics
3. Reducing wastage
4. Water use reduction
5. Recycling resources

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