Stream Monitoring
Ben Biswell, Joshua Ewing, and et.al.
(fklafta@mail.whs.kcmsd.k12.mo.us)
Westport high school
Grade Level:
• High School (10-12)
Research Question
Based on 12 other school test results, how does Westport's Brush creek compare? How does bioindicator species determine stream quality? Is Indian creek a better quality stream than Brush creek?
Literature Review
The "Aquatic Entomology" hand book, by W.Patrick McCafferty
The "Feild manual for Water Quality Monitoring", by Mark Mitchell and William Staff.
Experimental Method
-Hypothesis-
Our hypothesis states, given the general knowledge of the two streams, that Indian creek should have better QI than Brush creek. We state this based mostly upon the historical record of Brush creeks QI.
For all our sampling procedures we had to follow careful instructions, from the KanCRN project web page. For example our PH sampling procedure was done with the exact same procedures each time - the procedure had to be exact and precise everytime. For a dissolved oxygen test sample, like the water sample of a PH test, the water should be collected away from the riverbank and below the surface.
On March 11, the coldest day of the winter, our research group of 15 students completed 9 chemical tests of two sites at Brush creek. To determine its water quality above and below the construction zone in-between Troost Ave. and Pasao Ave.
The identical chemical test was taken at each site. Three test kits were utilized at each site. Fecal Coliform samples were taken at each site to be tested when we got back to the classroom.
On March 13, Fecal coliform samples were analyzed for colinies. A five day BOD test was made on March 16, 1998.
For May, we wanted to predict, thentest for the water quality index, in a comparative study of the Brush creek results against the Indian creek results. Testa where made to compare the chemical and biological quality of each stream on may 21, 1998.
-An informal benthic sample was taken to see any evidence of life during the winter.
-Testing was conducted in analysis for nitrates, phosphates, and dissolved O2.
-Students were given proper guide and preparation to deal with extreme cold on March 11th. Like Mr.Klafta always said "there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing".
Results of the Study
Westport site 2 date:3/11/98 lat:39.039 Long:-94.550 AirTemp:-14c Water Temp:0c Dissolved Oxygen:8 PH:9.2 BOD:0.55 Phosphates:1.8 Nitrates:9.5 Total dissolved solids:5.6 QI:47.12
A few other results we used in our comparison are the fecal coliform results for Piper, East, and Moreland. For a look at all the results check into The Stream Data Site.
Data Analysis
Compared to the 12 other schools test results, Brush creek had the lowest Water Quality Index of all with 47.12. The highest was hickman mills with 91.1. Our phosphates were low, 1.8. And our nitrates were high, 9.5. The bioindicaters we found indicated low quality water, but we did go in the winter when most organisms are in their larveal stage. Our latest results of bioindicaters will aid us in determining the QI more accuratly this time, because the date of testing was later in the season.
Conclusions
The results of our second set of tests will be submitted in a future report. It can be said that Kansas city's Brush creek is alot better off than what has been projected to the public. Our second test, completed on May 21st, should prove this true. Don't get me wrong though, there's no way I'd get in that water.