Estuary presentation and field trip

On Tuesday (17.02.15) Julien a PhD student here at the Coastal Marine Field Station shared some of his research then took us to see the different sites that he has been testing.  He was very open to the idea of communicating about his research with us.  He reminded us that in science you can prove almost anything you want.  This reiterates the importance of the Communicating in Science NoS strand in which students must question the purpose for which texts have been constructed.

In one aspect of his research Julien has taken estuarial samples (cockle shells, sediment, sea-grass, water) and measured the metal elements which are present, at differning levels over time.  His core sampler goes metres into the ground allowing the sample to be dated.  When the results are graphed longitudinally it was clear to see the different metals present in the sediment at different times. For example, higher arsenic readings in the sample dating from about 60 years ago could be linked to a particular type of fertiliser used at this time (which is not used anymore!).

Julien showed us some of the different locations from where he has taken samples (Water Treatment plant, Waimapu Estuary, Tauwhakatiki Marae) and we discussed the implications of his results on the communities from these areas.  Traditionally Maori have used these water ways for recreation and nourishment.

This data is adding to the growing knowledge about our waterways and the impacts of waste water.  Julien suggests that others may be able to use his data to ask further questions and to also make decisions about possible actions.  This links strongly to both aspects of the NoS Participating and Contributing strand.