2nd International RCE Conference Delegates Visit WWP

On 9 Aug 2007, 2.00pm, a group of 20 delegates of the 2nd International RCE Conference (held in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang), visited WWP. They were taken on a visit to the Sg Air Terjun whereby Prof Chan and Cik Madziatul demonstrated how WWP teaches children and other groups to monitor river water quality. Prof Chan talked about the physical and chemical properties of river water quality and demonstrated (with measuring equipment) how the measurements were made. Meters used include Dissolved Oxygen meter, pH meter, TDS meter, Turbidity meter, and Conductivity meter. Cik Madziatul talked about the use of bio-indicators to determine river water quality. It was an interesting time for the delegates who took part in catching invertebrates and aquatic insects in order to try to identify them on a colour chart. The delegates were amazed how certain aquatic life forms could be used to classify river water quality. For example, Stonefly nymphs can only be found in rivers with good water quality as they cannot survive in polluted water. In contrast, if you find segmented worms in a stream/river, it is an indication that it is very polluted. The group really had a great time playing and learning. Some like Robert Steele could barely be stoppped from getting wet!