IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) - Old SL Internal Assessment Example

The research question is sharply focused, specifying independent and dependent variables, location and measurable parameters, enabling a coherent investigation.

This literature review situates global water‐pollution concepts and defines point vs nonpoint sources well, providing strong context for the research question.

The link between global nightlife litter and local Tagus estuary pollution is explained clearly, showing causal mechanisms for chosen parameters.

Consider including calibration procedures as a controlled variable (e.g., probe calibration frequency and buffer standards) in Table 1 to enhance method reliability.

Including an upstream control site would strengthen the sampling design by providing baseline water‐quality data unaffected by nightlife runoff.

Before applying Pearson’s r, the assumption of normality should be checked—for example via Shapiro–Wilk—ensuring the test’s validity.

Record and report the exact time of sampling at each site to account for diurnal fluctuations in water‐quality parameters.

Probe calibration is noted but buffer standard checks are not specified; add a step to use pH buffer solutions and log calibration results.

The description of electrical conductivity incorrectly states that low EC suggests higher dissolved substances; in fact, high EC indicates greater ionic concentration.

Raw data in Table 4 lacks unit labels in column headers, hindering immediate interpretation; include units (e.g., pH, mg L⁻¹, µS cm⁻¹).

While Pearson’s r is presented, p-values and assumption checks are omitted; include p-values or confidence intervals to fully support significance claims.

The summary table of pH averages and SD is well constructed, displaying all relevant processed data succinctly.

The worked example of mean and SD formulas is clear and pedagogically effective, reinforcing correct data processing.

The nitrate averages table shows high variability at 1.70 km; discuss potential causes and consider outlier impact on correlation.

The correlation table lists r-values but lacks indication of statistical significance (e.g., p<0.05); annotate r-values with significance markers.

Axes in Graph 2 should explicitly display units and sample size (n = 5) to improve clarity and reproducibility.

The interpretation of conductivity variability is clear, noting higher SD near the centre and reliability elsewhere; this strengthens the analysis.

The conclusion succinctly answers the research question by summarizing the extent of correlations; it is data‐driven and well supported.

The analysis section ends abruptly (‘However, the’); ensure all sentences are complete to maintain logical flow and coherence.

The evaluation links high nitrates to eutrophication and impacts beyond nightlife, effectively situating findings within broader environmental issues.

The method evaluation notes Thursday sampling but omits upstream controls and temporal replication in recommendations; consider these for robustness.

Proposed future study is noted, but detail on sampling frequency and site selection in a longitudinal design would strengthen the improvements section.

The application linking estuary clean‐up to WWTP upgrades and nanomaterials is well justified by nitrate findings and past project successes.

Evaluation of the clean‐up solution addresses cost and logistics but omits stakeholder acceptance and technical feasibility; consider adding these aspects.

The risk assessment table is comprehensive, grading probability and severity and proposing effective mitigations for each hazard.

Ethical considerations note habitat disruption but omit data management and permissions; consider adding steps for sample labelling, data storage and local authority permissions.

Figure numbering is inconsistent: the caption refers to Graph 3, but the plot is labeled Graph 4; please align numbering and captions.

The bibliography is extensive but citation formatting varies; adopting a consistent style (e.g., APA) will enhance clarity and professionalism.