On the 7th December, 2024, Water Watch Penang conducted an engaging river education programme in collaboration with Salcon Engineering Berhad at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi. This initiative was part of Salcon’s long-standing Smart Water Programme, a corporate social responsibility effort now in its 14th year. For these two programmes, WWP’s facilitator guided the teachers of to conduct river education programme. This programme involved 40 students and 4 teachers from SK Bandar Sunway.
Leader of the teachers commenced the session by providing practical methods to conserve water at home. He also provided an introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of water quality assessment. The participants were then divided into four groups, each guided by their respective teachers and supported by Water Watch Penang’s Education Officer, Ms. Nur Atiqah Binti Roslan alongside facilitators Mr. Yee Jean Chai and Ms. Chan Yi Ying.
The first session focused on physical and chemical assessments of river health. Students explored techniques for measuring river velocity using the ping pong ball method and assessing turbidity with the Secchi disk method. The teachers elaborated on key chemical parameters, including pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen, utilizing the colorimetric method to analyze results.
Following a break, students were equipped with nets, plates, and small aquariums to collect macroinvertebrates. The lead teacher, assisted by facilitators, explained the significance of macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of river health. Students successfully identified organisms such as freshwater shrimp, river prawns, pagoda snails, and water striders, which were promptly released back into the river after the activity.
The programme concluded with a reflection session where students shared their insights and takeaways. Water Watch Penang extended its heartfelt thanks to Salcon Engineering Berhad for its steadfast support of environmental education initiatives. For further details, please contact WWP at info.waterwatchpenang@gmail.com