1. Distribution of (pH) and salinity in
Puerto Rico’s Eastern costal areas
and its effect on its flora
Carlos J. Cabello
RISE

2. The Problem
 Notable effects of Global Warming on our
ocean’s sea levels (Méndez, 2007).
 The rising temperatures of our oceans
increase their salinity.
 Puerto Rico, due to its topography, is
vulnerable to various natural catastrophes.

3. The Problem
 Rivers may carry contaminant sediments that
might alter ground properties.
 Rising sea levels can raise costal soil’s
temperature and salinity.
 Many species of plants will not adapt to
these changes in time (Méndez, 2007).

4. The Problem
 How will the rising sea levels affect the properties
of Eastern coastland terrain closest and farthest
from the sea?
 Then, how will the terrain affect the plants of said
ecosystems?

5. Hypothesis
 H1: The changes in sea level will alter the terrain’s
capacity and properties that sustaining life.
 H1A:These changes in the sea level will alter the
terrain’s pH.
 H1B:This change in the sea level will alter the
terrain’s salinity.

6. Objectives
1) Determine whether the sharp rise in temperature
variability impacts the level of PH (pH) and salinity
on the East coast of Puerto Rico.
2) Evaluate if the terrain closest to the seashore has
a higher pH level and salinity than that of the
more distant terrains.
3) Identify how these levels of pH and salinity affect
the flora located on said terrains.

7. Methodology
1. Selection of the coastal environment to be investigated.
2. Visit the selected location in the East Coast of Puerto Rico.
3. Extract multiple samples of solid terrain from near-coast
ground. (1 yard, 5 yards and 10 yards from beach)
4. Note out the plant population.
5. Do terrain pH testing (with Measurement Kit).
6. Put samples through a Salinity Test (Lab. procedures).

8. Salinity Test
1) Leave the samples to dry
2) Crush and clean samples
3) Add 50g to a testing container, then add 250ml of
water. (1 part of soil for every 5 parts of water)
4) Shake for 3 minutes* and rest for 1 minute.
5) Take measures with salinity meter in the container
(not in the soil in the bottom)

9. Final Procedure
 Convert your salinity meter readings (EC1:5)to soil
salinity (ECe) by multiplying the value by the
Conversion Factor based on the sample’stexture
(Gibbs, 2000).

10. EC1:5 to ECe Conversion Factors
Soil texture Multiplication Factor
Sands 17
Sandy loams 13.8
Loams 9.5
Clay Loams & Light Clays 8.6
Medium & Heavy Clays 7
(Gibbs, 2000).

11. Result Analysis
 The salinity results will be analyzed via additional
information of soil salinity and its effect in plants.
 The way plants are affected will be determined
by this result analysis.

12. Procedure
revision
Methodology Flow Chart
Selection of
the coastal
environment
Visit selected
location
Extract soil
samples
Note plant
population
pH testing
Salinity Test
(Lab.)
Data
Analysis
YES
Define
next
step:
Retest?
NO
NO
YES

13. Possibility of Human Error
 Measurement errors during lab tests
 Failure in instrumentation
 Alterations of samples during extraction
 Alteration during soil treatments in lab tests
 Data recollection error

14. Why?
 Better understanding of phenomena that
affects organism-environment relationships.
 Expand knowledge of sea effects in costal areas
 Create awareness about climatic changes and
their effects on Puerto Rico.

15. References
Méndez-Tejada, R. (2007). El calentamiento global y su
impacto en Puerto Rico. Dimensión, 17-19.
Méndez-Tejada, R. (s.f.). Calentamiento Global... en Puerto
Rico ¿qué dicen científicos? Corriente Verde. Retrieved
from: http://www.corrienteverde.com/articulos/calenta
miento%20global%20puerto%20rico%20que%20di
cen%20los%20cientificos.html

16. References
Gibbs, S. NSW Agriculture, (2000). How to texture soils & test
for salinity. Retrieved from Active Print website:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/p
df_file/0008/168866/texture-salinity.pdf
Wong, M. (2005). Salinity effects in nursery and landscape
plants. Cooperative extension service, SCM(12), 1-3.
Retrieved from
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/SC M-
12.pdf