On Thursday, September 19, the Calloway County High School Environmental
Research
Team ventured out on their first water testing excursion for the year on the
East Fork of Clark's
River at Martin Chapel Road, Bee Creek and behind Wiggins Furniture. The
team members
include: Shae Bryant, Andrea Conner, Beth Foster, Jennifer Gay, Tom
Holcomb, Marty Koca,
Matt Roberts, Jason Stallons, Rebecca Wilson, Laurie Witte, and Mechelle
Woodall. The
research team performed chemical tests, as well as biological and visual
surveys. Unlike many
past water testing days, Thursday was ideal; with the sun shining, warm
weather, and a gentle
breeze, the researchers and supervisor, Stephanie Wyatt, could not complain.
The biological test is performed by counting and classifying
macroinvertebrates in the water. The
different types of invertebrates living in a certain area, determine the
water quality, which is rated
good, bad, or fair.
While we were at the test sites we not only monitored the water, but we also
removed trash
from the stream and surrounding area. Our research team recycles the trash
if possible, such as
aluminum cans, plastic containers, etc.
The testing of Bee Creek did not go as planned due to the inexperien ce of the team. The nitrate test and the biological survey were both performed incorrectly and thus the team was unable to gather the information needed. After some minor glitches in our tests, the following were completed successfully:
TESTS RESULTS Dissolved Oxygen 6.2 mg/l Water Temperature 18 degrees Celsius Air Temperature 26 degrees Celsius pH 6.9 su Iron .9 mg/l Chlorides 30 mg/l Total Settleable Solids less than .1 ml/L
In conclusion all tests were in the acceptable range at Bee Creek.
The site we tested on the East Fork of Clarks River was at Martin Chape l upstream of Murray. The weather was sunny and warm. The air temperature was 24 degrees Celsius. Although it had rained earlier in the week, the water level was relatively low. The temperature of the water was 13 degrees Celsius. The site was polluted. We removed large quantities of trash including: beer cans, shot gun shells, a wet floor sign, and other assorted trash. The area contained an assortment of trees and grass, which is normal for the area. The Environmental Research Team conducted a biological survey. An assortment of organisms such as nymphs, beetle larvae, crayfish, clams, and isopods were found. The majority of these organisms came from the Group Two Taxa. This indicates fair water quality.
TESTS RESULTS Dissolved Oxygen: 6.4 mg/L pH: 6.2 su Nitrates: .25 mg/L Iron: .9 mg/L Chlorides: 45 mg/L Settleable Solids: less than .25 ml/L Detergents: noneDue to the rain earlier in the week, Dissolved Oxygen was slightly low er than previously reported, and the Chloride reading was slightly higher. Although these results were not what we expected to find for this area, they are still in the acceptable range.
There were varieties of trees and grass, which is common for the area
,
located around
the stream. The water level was low and flow rate was average. There was
trash in the area,
including: a tire, shotgun shells, radio and other assorted trash.
The biological quality assessment scale indicated that the water was
of
good quality.
We found crayfish, clams, beetle larvae, scuds, caddisfly and dobsonfly
larvae, and other
macroinvertebrates. Most of the organisms came from the Group Two Taxa.
TESTS RESULTS Dissolved Oxygen: 6.2 mg/l Water temperature: 19 degrees Celsius Air Temperature: 25 degrees Celsius pH: 6.8 su Iron: 2.0 mg/l Chlorides: 45 mg/l Total Settleable Solids: Less than .1ml/L Detergents: None
As found at Martin Chapel and Bee Creek, the Dissolved Oxygen and Chlor
ide
readings differed slightly from that which was previously reported by our
team. Once again, the
results were not what we expected, but were acceptable.
After performing our water monitoring, the team learned some valuable
time saving tips
that will be helpful on our International Water Monitoring Day on October
1. Before you leave
on your excursion make sure your technology(computer) is up and running!
One vital time
saving component is to make sure all test kits are complete with
instructions and chemicals prior
to arriving at the site. Also, fill out all water monitoring sheets and
biological survey sheets
before arriving at the test site. Remember to bring chemical, biological,
and visual equipment
that is listed on your checklist. A basic reminder: "Don't trash where
you splash!"
Kentucky Water Watch
Program