East Fork of Clarks River, Calloway County KY
October 1996


The Calloway County High School Environmental Research Team participated in the International Water Monoriting Day on October 1, 1996. The team included: Jessica Birdsong, Eric Braddock, Shae Bryant, Shane Burkeen, Andrea Conner, Beth Foster, Jennifer Gay, Tom Holcomb, Marty Koca, Jennifer Lamb, Jennifer Liddle, Matt Roberts, Shawna Rushing, Jason Stallons, Emily Thomas, Brad Walker, Rebecca Wilson, Laurie Witte, and Mechelle Woodall. The teen scientists and their supervisors (Stephanie Wyatt and Cindy Adams) conducted certain chemical tests along with biological and visual surveys. Our team was honored and appreciated the opportunity to be involved in such a project which informs the community and ourselves the impact our actions have on our environment. Our goal is think globally and act locally!


While we are at the test sites we not only remove trash from the water, but also the surrounding area. We do this so we can keep the stream and environment clean. The items we collect are recycled if possible.

Wiggins Furniture

The first site monitored on the International Water Monitoring Day was behind Wiggins Furniture on the East Fork of Clarks river, which is downstream of Murray. The CCHS Environmental Research Team began monitoring the water at 11:30 A.M. This was a perfect day to test our newest tool, the turbidity tube, which is a measure of the amount of light scattered or absorbed by particles suspended in the water. Beetle larvae and crayfish were found in the biological survey. Due to the lack of organisms in the area we tested the biological survey results may be less accurate than previously reported.

Wiggins Furniture
Tests                           Results
Dissolved Oxygen                7.9mg/l
Water Temperature               17 degrees Celsius
Air Temperature                 20.2 degrees Celsius
pH:                             6.8 su
Nitrate                         less than .1 mg/l
Iron                            .9 mg/l
Chlorides                       45 mg/l
Total Settleable Solids         less than .5 ml/l
Detergents                      none
Turbidity                       less than 1 NTU

Bee Creek

The second site tested was located at Bee Creek on the East Fork of Clark's River. Bee Creek is upstream of Murray, Kentucky. The test site received rain two days prior to the testing. The chloride test was acceptable, but at a higher rate due to agricultural run off from the rain. The following tests were performed at the test site:

Bee Creek 
Test                            Results
Dissolved Oxygen                7.8 mg/l
Water Temperature               17.6 degrees Celsius
Air Temperature                 22.9 degrees Celsius
pH:                             6.9 su
Nitrate                         less than .1 mg/l
Iron                            .6 mg/l
Chlorides                       45 mg/l
Total Settleable Solids         less than .5 /l
Detergents                      none
Turbidity                       0

The Environmental Research Team also conducted a biological survey at Bee Creek. Different types of macroinvertebrate found were Mayfly nymphs, Caddisfly Larvae, and Beetle Larvae.

The overall outcome of the chemical tests show that the water is of acceptable level.

Martin Chapel Road

On our International Water Monitoring Day, October 1, 1996 at 11:00 A.M . the CCHS Environmental Research Team began monitoring the water quality on Martin Chapel Road. This site is located on the East Fork of Clarks River, upstream of Murray. A biological survey was conducted in conjunction with the chemical tests. In the survey we found several different types of macroinvertebrates, which include crayfish, clams, beetle larvae, a mayfly nymph, and some aquatic worms. These organisms are pollution sensitive. A few of these organisms were caught with dip nets, but the majority were caught with a kick seine.

We also attempted a fish survey today. Unfortunately, we did not catch any fish today. This is due to both our inexperience in using the seine and the previous disturbance of the area where we placed the seine. However, we did manage to catch a crayfish.

Martin Chapel 10:30 a.m.
 
Test                            Results
Dissolved Oxygen                7.7 mg/l
Water Temperature               16 degrees Celsius
Air Temperature                 20 degrees Celsius
pH:                             6.8 su
Nitrates                        less than .25 mg/l
Iron                            1 mg/l
Chlorides                       45 mg/l
Total Settleable Solids         less than .5 ml/l
Detergents                      none
Turbidity                       12 NTU

Along with performing the chemical tests and biological survey we conducted a stream clean-up. During this clean-up we found discarded street signs, glass products, paper products and other items. Overall the results of the chemical tests were in an acceptable range.

Throughout our Water Monoriting activities, our research team has learned many skills necessary to display our results. Some of the skills we learned were to access the internet and create websites and pages. We have learned many skills that will stay with us even after graduation. Without today's technology, many students and teachers across the world would not be able to read and study our results. The technology that we use for conducting our research includes laptop computers, video cameras, internet, and a quick-take camera. Our research team is very thankful to be able to use these tools and prepare for the 21st Century!

Calloway County High School Environmental Research Team thanks
the following for their support of our Water Watch Program

  • Cindy Adams, Computer Resource Specialist
  • Bernard Kane, Murray Ledger & Times