Environmental Detective Project

Name:

Date:

🔎 Part 1: Observe & Identify

1. Photo A shows a stream with plastic bottles on the bank and an oily sheen on the water. What is the most likely immediate problem?

Litter and surface pollution

Erosion of the bank

Invasive plant growth

Air pollution from vehicles

2. A chart shows nitrate levels at 6 mg/L while the regional guideline is 2 mg/L. Which pollution type does this indicate?

Nutrient pollution (nitrates)

Plastic pollution

Heavy metal contamination

Thermal pollution

3. From an interview: "Since the paddocks were planted in maize, there's more green slime near the culvert and fewer eels." What is the most likely cause?

Nutrient runoff from farming

Increased fishing pressure

New recreational activities

Natural seasonal change

4. Which of the following would help reduce water pollution? (Check all that apply.)

Planting a riparian buffer of native plants

Installing a stormwater filter at the culvert

Increasing the frequency of river swimming events

Encouraging proper disposal of farm chemicals

5. Match the pollution source (left) with the likely evidence you would see in the stream (right).

A. Farm runoff

B. Illegal dumping of household waste

C. Stormwater from roads

1. Plastic and glass bottles on banks

2. High nitrate and algal growth

3. Oil sheen and tyre wear particles

🛠️ Part 2: Analyse & Act

6. Who would you contact to help investigate and fix this local pollution problem? List three stakeholders (e.g. local group, council department, landowner).

7. Quick calculation: Current nitrate = 6 mg/L. Target guideline = 2 mg/L. What percentage reduction is needed to reach the guideline? Show your working.

8. Action plan: Write three practical steps your detective team could take in the next 3 months. For each step include one resource needed and an approximate timeline (weeks).

9. Sketch a simple map of the local stream area and mark where you would place two actions (for example: riparian planting, litter bin, stormwater filter). Label each action and write one short reason for its placement.