One Step Closer!

To answer my research question, a particle size analysis was conducted on the          samples using the dry sieving method.   

​Below is the step-by-step process used:

1. 36 samples from the disturbed site were dried at 95ºC on average for approximately 24 hours. This process was repeated another time to ensure that samples were dried properly.
2. Then the sample was weighed and its final mass compared to its initial mass to ensure that all the water was removed.
3. Seven sieves (sizes: 4740 µm, 2380 µm, 1680 µm, 841 µm, 297 µm, 149 µm, 63 µm) were arranged in order of largest to smallest with a pan at the bottom to collect remains. Whereas, six sieves (2380 µm, 1680 µm, 841 µm, 297 µm, 149 µm, 63 µm) were used to assess the undisturbed site. Samples were sieved for approximately one minute or until no soil fractions passed through the sieve.
4. Later the remaining fractions from the sieve and the collecting pan were placed in cups and weighed (Figure 5).
5. This data was used to calculate the percentage of particles passing through the sieves.

To access the graphs extracted from this analysis, please email me at jhanelle.williams@questu.ca

Figure 1. Photograph showing an aspect of the initial lab set up