Quraishy, Maliha Per: 6 5/8/02

1) OUR GOALS4) CONCLUSIONS 2) BACKGROUND INFO.5) ACTION PLAN 3) OUR RESULTS FOR:6) REFERENCES -Temperature-Turbidity -pH-Phosphates -Dissolved O 2 -Coliform Bacteria -DO% Saturation -Bromine -Nitrates-Free Chlorine -B.O.D-Alkalinity

To determine the quality of water at the Alligator Farm To test the water, by collecting a sample from The Alligator Farm & analyzing it To illustrate our results to authorized personnel (Ex: The Governor of Florida) To provide a variety of solutions that may be employed to increase the quality of the water in the park

The Alligator Farm is located about 8 miles from the Everglades. It was started in 1982 by Mr. John Hudson as an airboat ride attraction. Then in 1985 the state of Florida permitted commercial farming of alligators so Mr. Hudson opened it as an Alligator Farm too The Alligator Farm is not part of the Everglades. They have attempted to keep an atmosphere that is represents how it was when the first settlers came to that area, and at the same time try to maintain the feel of the Everglades' beautiful environment.

The Everglades was the first National Park conserved mainly for its large quantity and variety of life, instead of its beautiful or historic values. Boat rides, walking, tram tours or even canoe trails are wonderful ways to view the wildlife in the Everglades. Today, the Everglades National Park contains low water quality due to pollution & poor supervision. Wildlife like alligators & aquatic life like fishes, are at risk if our tests prove contaminated water.

Temperature Turbidity pH Coliform Bacteria Dissolved O 2 Bromine DO% Saturation Free Chlorine Nitrates Alkalinity B.O.D

The temperature was at an average of a normal 26.7 o C when the water sample was collected. The pH averaged at around 7.25, as shown by the picture on the left.

When we tested the sampled water, we found the results to be an average of 4.5 ppm for Dissolved Oxygen. The normal range is 9-10 ppm. At levels of 4 ppm or less, some fish and macro invertebrate populations will begin to decline. Good results for DO% Saturation are %. Our results were 74%, meaning the quality of the water is good for aquatic life, but needs more DO% Saturation in order to have more oxygen for an even better environment.

A result of 21 ppm was concluded for Nitrates, as seen in the photo on the right. This reading is considered good. The B.O.D level was at an average of 7.3 ppm for the water sample, as seen on the left. A good range is 1-5 ppm, so this reading was considered poor & showed that the water sample is contaminated.

The Turbidity was at an average of about JTU for this water sample, meaning the water wasn’t very clear (abnormal) & was unsuitable for drinking. Thus ranking it as poor. The results for phosphates was an average of 1 ppm, showing an excellent reading.

Our Coliform Bacteria test showed the water sample to be positive, meaning there is signs of harmful bacteria & other particles in the water sample collected.

The results for the Bromine test was 0.1 ppm. A good range is around 70 ppm, so 0.1 is definitely poor. The Free Chlorine test had a reading of 0. This is ranked as poor also since it proves that there may be different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria or dead plants, which have in fact contaminated this water sample. The Alkalinity for this water sample was about This reading is poor because high alkaline water is severely corrosive and potentially harmful, so this high reading is not good to have in this water sample.

We have concluded that the water in the Alligator Farm (from the water sample provided), was of poor quality. It is definitely contaminated & is harmful to the aquatic life. The 12 tests we have conducted prove our conclusion.

Our Action Plan is to firstly, make everyone aware of the water problem we have in the Alligator Farm & most likely in the Everglades as well. Next, is to make sure the right authorities are aware of this current problem. We can display either presentations or visuals of our tests, so that they will take the right actions in solving it. Finally, write letters to the Mayor of Miami, or the Governor of Florida, letting them know we have this current situation in our hands.

 Pictures & information on The Everglades & Alligator Farm supplied by: - Ms. Casal -  http//k12science.stevens/tech/.edu/curricul um/waterproj/  