Water Quality of Rush Creek Spring (2012) Morgan F. Cara Lantz Rebecca H. & Ruth Lee

~Purpose of Water Labs~ The purpose of this specific series of labs is primarily to provide a direct overview of the water quality in the “Rush Creek” area located in Rushford, MN.

~Google Earth Map Site 1 and Site 2~ Coordinates Site 1: 43 degrees 52.64” North 91 degrees 45’ 09.61” West Elevation: 738 ftCoordinates Site 2: 43 degrees 48’ 52.45”North 91 degrees 45’ 07.84” West Elevation: 737 ft

~Purpose for Stream Flow Lab~

~Photos and Data collecting method used~ Materials Used  Windows PC  Vernier Computer Interface.  Logger Pro.  Vernier Flow Rate Sensor.  Measuring Tape.  Meter Stick.

Overall, the data explains just about everything. The depth isn’t really too deep, and the width is fairly wide. Therefore, the flow velocity isn’t too much, and everything appears to be traveling at a good interval. Overall, the data explains just about everything. The depth isn’t really too deep, and the width is fairly wide. Therefore, the flow velocity isn’t too much, and everything appears to be traveling at a good interval. No recommendations or improvements need to be precisely made in this area. No recommendations or improvements need to be precisely made in this area.

~PH Lab Purpose~

pH Q Value:71.45

~Photos and Data collection methods~ Equipment used Vernier pH Sensor. Windows PC Vernier Computer Interface. Logger Pro

 To allow for students in small groups to complete a series of water quality laboratories using Vernier Probes and sensors to collect the important data. These lab tests will result in factors that indicate whether or not the stream is “healthy”. The health of the stream is termed the water Quality Index of the stream. This index can be used to explore options as far as improving the stream.

Equipment used Vernier pH Sensor. Windows PC Vernier Computer Interface. Logger Pro

~Purpose for Total Solids Lab~

Average TS (mg/L)275 Q Value for Total Solids~66.7

~Photos and Data Collection Method Used~

ColumnA ReadingTurbidity (NTU) Site Site Average Turbidity (NTU) Q-Value52.3

Dissolved Oxygen

~Dissolved Oxygen Lab Purpose~

Data Table ColumnABCDE ReadingDissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Water Temperature (Celsius) Atmospheric Pressure (mmHg) 100% dissolved oxygen (mg/L) Percent Saturation (%) % % Average %81.8% Calculated Q Value:1.7

Materials  Windows PC  Vernier Computer Interface  Logger Pro  Vernier Dissolved Oxygen Probe  Electrode Filling Solution  Pipet

~Written Implications of Data~

EBOD Final Value FQ Value54

ABCD AerationDayInitial Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Final Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Difference (mg/L) Day Day Day Day Day Day

~Written Implications of Data and Recommendations~

Phosphates

Data Table

~Photo’s and Data Collecting Method Used~ Materials Phosphate Kit

Implications and Recommendations The phosphate readings appear to be at a moderate level. So considering this, I have no recommendations, truthfully it appears that the phosphate level looks like it’s at a safe medium.

~Data Table~ ColumnA ReadingNitrate (mg/L NO3-N) Site 11.5 Site 21.0 Average1.25 Q-Value82

Biotic Index Value 26.1Average

~Pictures of Biotic Index Lab~ Bugs in White Container People with BIG nets~

ABCDTestResultsUnitQ-Value Weighing Factor Subtotal Temperature..05Celsius pH7.49 pH unit Turbidity22.9NTU Total Solids 27 5 Mg/L Dissolved Oxygen 81.8 % sat Day BOD Mg/L Total Phosphates.2 Mg/L PO4-P Nitrates1.25 Mg/L NO3- N

Score49.7 WQI RatingPoor-Moderate Rating~