Transcript
Page 1: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

is overloaded by pollutants and

the micro-organism can’t dis-

compose it, this pollutants stay

in the water polluting it and all

the living beings in and around

it.

The non-natural way of water

pollution is cause by domestic

discharge, industrial discharge ,

agricultural wastes, sedimenta-

tion, erosion, oil and other

dangerous substances.

This projects greatest desire is

to solve this problem. But we

can’t do anything if we don't

know anything about the water

and its characteristics. In our

first field trip we measure the

water’s temperature, ph and

turbidity.

Like most people the first

thing you think about when

you here the word water

pollution is water you can’t

drink and is probably con-

taminated, and your probably

right . Water pollution is any

chemical change, physical or

biological quality of water

that has a harmful effect on

any living being who con-

sumes that water. When hu-

mans drink polluted water

often have health problems.

Water pollution can also

make it unsuitable for a de-

sired use. Pollution in water

often can occur by natural

ways or non-natural ways.

Every body of water like riv-

ers, seas, lakes and estuaries

have a natural ability to clean

itself. They all have a limited

capacity of micro-organisms,

which are the ones in charge

of discomposing and changing

the pollutants into substances

that can be used by living

beings. But when this capacity

The multidisciplinary project

Planet Guardians of Colegio

Nuestra Sra. Del Carmen, train-

ing students to study watersheds

and understand what happens to

the flow of water over them.

Also, learn how human activities

impact the hydrology and

how the change in land use

can affect plant and animal

communities that live along it.

This project will develop

technology skills in applica-

tions such as Logger Pro and

Vernier Software LabQuest,

MS Publisher 2007, ArcGIS

Explorer, Adobe Premier

yThinkquest.org or Blogger

Planet Guardians project is a

multi-application where stu-

dents have the opportunity to

Water pollution in ‘Sabana Llana’

stream

I n s i d e t h i s

i s s u e :

Introduction 1

Abstract 1-2

Purpose 2

Methodology 3

Procedure 3

Data Results 4

Data Analysis 7

Conclusion 10

Abstract

D e l C a r m e n v e r d e

Planet

Guardians News A p r i l V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1

N o t e s :

Vernier Logger Pro

LabQuest and good

products to sample

water quality.

ArcGIS Explorer

Excellent tool for

creating dynamic

model where you

analyze, manipulate

and develop data.

Blogger Web2.0

fascinating tool to

document the proce-

dure of the project.

A p r i l 1 2 , 2 0 1 1

Page 2: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

P a g e 2

Purpose

research on water quality

from several points of Sa-

bana Lllana stream in

Trujillo Alto. To perform

these investigations will be

used hand held technologies

called: Vernier Technology

for take water quality

measurements. Some of the

measurements which will

be performed are:

-Turbidity

-Conductivity

-latitude & longitude

-pH

Students using Vernier

Labquest for sampling.

As a component of water

quality research, the stu-

dents used handhelds Lab-

Quest Vernier scientific and

current sensors for meas-

uring pH, dissolved oxygen,

temperature, turbidity,

nitrate ion, Ammonium

ion, calcium ion, chloride

ion, conductivity and

stream flow.

Industrial Discharges an Un-

natural contamination cause.

watershed to understand

the flow of water in them,

how human activities within

watersheds have been

shaped by its hydrology,

and how land use by hu-

mans is affecting the hydrol-

ogy watershed.

The project Planet

Guardians, enable students

to explore their own wa-

tershed and understand

what happens to the flow

of water over them, the

way in which human activi-

ties depend on the river

and impact the hydrology,

and the way in which the

change of land use can af-

fect plant and animal com-

munities that live along it.

This project also seeks to

develop technology skills in

applications such as Vernier

LabQuest, Logger Pro Soft-

ware, ArcGIS Explorer,

Adobe Premier, MS Office

Publisher 2007 and

Thinkquest.org or Blogger.

These will allow students

to investigate their own

P l a n e t G u a r d i a n s N e w s

Mr. José explaining the sampling process

Some students making

water quality measure-

ments.

-Temperature

-Dissolved Oxygen

-Stream Flow

-Ammonium ISE

-Nitrate ISE

-Chloride ISE

Freedom to inquire and

technology excellence

Trash near the stream basins

Page 3: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

Methodology

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1

coastal, download speed, quali-

tative and quantitative local

watersheds. Identify by name

and number of used tools re-

search scientist and physical

mathematics to gather water

quality data build a model of

watershed maps drawn using

titles, legends, its role and for-

mulate ways they can help

maintain healthy water. Recog-

nize the general state of health

and water quality a stream is

based on physical and chemical.

Part II. Chemical Evalua-

tion of Water Quality

Description: As a component

of water quality research, stu-

dents use handhelds LabQuest

Vernier scientific and current

sensors to measure pH, dis-

solved oxygen, temperature

and turbidity. electronic books

in the field, running the inter-

active software water quality,

Part I. Physical Assessment

of Water Quality

Description: As a component of

water quality research, students

observe, calculate and map the

physical characteristics of a

stream bank (riparian) habitat.

Quantitatively, using handheld

scientific LabQuest Vernier sen-

sors and current flow, measuring

flow velocity stream of students

and calculate the discharge cur-

rent average. Qualitatively, stu-

dents use observation skills to

note specific characteristics and

physical flow. For example, titles,

legends and symbols, students

collect and analyze quantitative

and qualitative information on a

current map, draw conclusions

about the water.

Objectives: Upon completion of

the program, students will be able

to: Define the terms of the wa-

tershed, erosion, deposition,

Planet Guardians used Vernier technology to

take water quality measurements. It will

choose an urban water body near the school

and then take two sampling sites. There will

be three shots for each sample with the

Vernier LabQuest sensors.

The students took measurements of tem-

perature, pH, DO, conductivity, stream flow,

turbidity, ammonium, calcium, nitrate and

Chloride with Vernier sensors. If desired, to

demonstrate the principles of water chemis-

Procedure

try, levels of nitrates and phos-

phates can be measured with a pho-

tometer Chemistries multiple analy-

sis.

Upon completion of the program,

students will be able to: Define the

terms of watersheds, point source

pollution, pollution from nonpoint

sources, pH, dissolved oxygen and

turbidity.

As a component of water quality re-

search, students observe, calculate and

map the physical characteristics of a

stream bank (riparian) habitat. Quanti-

tatively, using handheld scientific Lab-

Quest Vernier sensors and current

the field, running the interactive

software water quality, students

assist in the creation of hy-

potheses, data entry, records of

observation and scientific find-

ings on the local tap water.

Objectives: Upon completion of

the program, students will be

able to: Define the terms of

watersheds, point source pollu-

tion, pollution from nonpoint

sources, pH, dissolved oxy-

gen and turbidity. Identify

local watersheds by name

and the name of number of

different sources of pollu-

tion. Explain how pollutants

travel through the basin and

river. Explain how different

chemical properties of a stream

affect water quality. De-

velop tools to use a scien-

tific model watershed and

mathematics to gather

chemical data of water

quality.

Vernier Labquest

Conductivity Sensors

Dissolve Oxygen Probe

Ion Selective Electrodes

Page 4: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

P a g e 4

P l a n e t G u a r d i a n s N e w s

The pH level is acceptable for

most drinking water standard .

Conductivity: Solids are found

in streams in two forms, sus-

pended and dissolved. Total

dissolved solids or TDS, can

pH: Water contains both hydrogen

ions, and hydroxide ions. The relative

concentrations of these two ions

determine the pH value. If a solution

is acidic, the concentration of OH–

ions exceeds that of the H+ions. On a

pH scale of 0 to 14, a value of 0 is the

most acidic, and 14 the most basic.

The average pH of the Sabana Llana

stream is 8.2. The water is optimal

for most organisms.

determined using a Vernier Conductivity

Probe to determine the ability of the dis-

solved salts and their resulting ions in an

unfiltered sample to conduct an electrical

current.TDS values in lakes and streams

are typically found to be in the range of

50 to 250 mg/L. The average conductivity

of the Sabana Llana stream is 403µS/cm.

On a field trip to the Sabana Llana

stream and identifies a point where

we start the investigation, once the

sensors are calibrated makes the

study begins by using the Vernier

LabQuest. In our investigation site 1

to the Sabana Llana stream we tested

the water temperature, pH, conduc-

tivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity,

stream flow, Calcium Ion Selective

Electrode, Chloride Ion Selective Elec-

trode, Ammonium Ion Selective Elec-

trode and Nitrate Ion Selective Elec-

trode.

Temperature: The temperature of a

body of water influences its overall

quality. A change in water tempera-

ture can affect the general health of

the aquatic organisms, thus changing

the quality of the stream. The tem-

perature measured on Sabana Llana

stream is suitable for small mouth

bass and the rest of similar water

organism. The average temperature

in this site was 25.7 °C.

Sabana Llana Water Quality Results

Objectives: Upon completion of the pro-

gram, students will be able to:

Define the terms watershed, benthic

macro invertebrates, indicator species

and local watersheds Identify by name

and number of simple dichotomous

keys and use flow charts to correctly

identify macro different invertebrates.

Recognize the overall health and qual-

ity of water from a stream is based in

physical, chemical and biological .

Build a basin. Build the model and in-

terpret a graph of distribution function.

Describe how macro invertebrates as

an indicator to study the role of species

and develop ways they can help maintain

healthy water.

Page 5: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

P a g e 5 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1

Dissolved Oxygen: Trout and

small bass can’t live with this

amount of dissolved oxygen found

in this site of the Sabana Llana

stream. Oxygen gas dissolved in

water is vital to the existence of

most aquatic organisms. The aver-

age DO of this site of the Sabana

Llana stream is 4.3mg/L. Some

organisms Carp, Catfish, May fly

larvae can live in this amount of

DO.

Turbidity is a measure of water’s

lack of clarity. Water with high

turbidity is cloudy while water

with low turbidity is clear turbidity

is measured in Nephelometric

turbidity Units, NTU. According

to the USGS, the turbidity of sur-

face water us usually between

1NTU and 50 NTU. Water is

visibly turbid at levels above 5

NTU. The average turbidity in this

site of the Sabana Llana is 55.4

NTU. The water is visibly turbid.

Stream Flow: Is the volume of

water that moves through a spe-

cific point in a stream during a

given period of time. Discharge is

usually measured in units of cubic

feet per second. Flow velocity is

influenced by the slope off the

surrounding terrain, the depth of

the stream, the width of the

stream, and the roughness of the

substrate of stream bottom. The

stream flow of this site of the Sa-

bana Llana stream is low. 0.064 cfs,

because there is not much depth,

the stream channel is not wide,

there are many rocks, and there is

no slope or inclination.

.

cation. The concentration of cal-

cium in fresh water is found in a

range of 4 to 100 mg/L. The aver-

age concentration of Calcium ion

of this site of the Sabana Llana

stream is 6.3 mg/L. This amount

of calcium is in the expected lev-

els for organisms and for drinking

water.

Calcium Ion: Most calcium is

surface water comes from

stream flowing over limestone ,

gypsum, and other calcium-

containing rocks and minerals.

The concentration of calcium

ions in freshwater is found in a

range of 0 to 100 mg/L, and

usually has the highest concen-

tration of any fresh water

Students used the Logger Pro software for graphing the collected data of the Sabana Llana water quality

Investigation.

Page 6: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

P a g e 6

Vernier Water Qual-

ity Package in action.

Chloride Ion: These salt,

and their resulting chloride

ions, originated from natu-

ral minerals, saltwater in-

trusion into estuaries and

industrial pollution. There

are many possible sources

of manmade salts that may

contribute to elevated chlo-

ride readings. Freshwater

streams and lakes have a

significant chloride level

that can range from 1 to

250mg/L. In Sabana Llana

stream the average concen-

tration of Chloride ion is

5.5mg/L. The obtain

amount is within the nor-

mal levels.

high amount of nitrate

which can’t permits life

for many organism.

Nitrate Ion Selective Elec-

trode: The nitrate level in

freshwater is usually found

in the range of 0.1 to 4 mg/

L . Unpolluted waters gen-

erally have nitrate levels

below 1 mg/L. The average

concentration of nitrate ion

in this site of the Sabana

Llana stream is of 4.6 mg/L.

This body of water has a

in this water isn’t accepted

for drinking water. Am-

monium-nitrogen levels

are usually quite low in

moving surface waters.

This is because there is

little decaying organic mat-

ter collecting on the bot-

tom. If there is a high level

of ammonium nitrogen in

a moving stream, it may

be an indication of pollu-

tion of some kind enter-

ing the water.

Ammonium Ion Selec-

tive Electrode: While levels

of ammonium nitrogen in

drinking water should not

exceed 0.5 mg/L, streams

or ponds near heavily fertil-

ized fields may have higher

concentrations of this ion.

The average of the concen-

tration of ammonium ion

are 6.29mg/L. These

amounts of ammonium are

above the expected values.

The amount of ammonium

P l a n e t G u a r d i a n s N e w s

Vernier Labquest

Page 7: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

Sabana Llana Water Quality Analysis

In this investigation of water quality that the club made Planet Guardians took several samples of parameters that

will dictate whether that body of water is contaminated or is already polluted. As you know Vernier technology

used to measure the following parameters: temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, current velocity, and

concentrations of ammonium, nitrate, chloride and calcium.

Research tells us that most of the parameters are expected and normal levels, but we have to watch some of

these which are the maximum allowed or are already at higher levels than expected.

The parameters are:

Turbidity

Sabana Llana - Site 1

According to the USGS, the turbidity of surface water is usually between 1 NTU and 50 NTU. Water is visibly turbid at

levels above 5 NTU. The standard for drinking water is 0.5 NTU to 1.0 NTU. The average turbidity in this site of the Sa-

bana Llana Stream is 45.8 NTU. The water is visibly turbid and in the standard range. It can’t be used for drinking water.

Sabana Llana - Site 2

The average turbidity in this site of the Sabana Llana Stream is 55.4 NTU. The water is visibly turbid and in the standard

range.

Possible causes of high Turbidity

Many factors can contribute to the turbidity of water. An increase in stream flow due to heavy rains or a decrease in

stream-bank vegetation can speed up the process of soil erosion. This will add suspended particles, such as clay and silt, to

the water.

Conductivity

Sabana Llana - Site 1

TDS values in lakes and streams are typically found to be in the range of 50 to 250 mg/L. Drinking water will tend to be 25

to 500 mg/L TDS. The average conductivity of the Sabana Llana Stream is 403 μS/cm. There is little amount of metals be-

cause the standard levels of conductivity are low. Sabana Llana - Site 2

Llana Stream is 432 μS/cm. This measurement is of our concern because is in the maximum limit of this parameter. We

have to watch very carefully the conductivity of the Sabana Llana Stream.

Possible Causes of high Conductivity - Site 2

Solids are found in streams in two forms, suspended and dissolved. Suspended solids include silt, stirred-up bottom sedi-

ment, decaying plant matter, or sewage-treatment effluent. Total dissolved solids, or TDS, can be determined usinig a

Vernier Conductivity Probe

Page 8: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

Ammonium Ion Selective Electrode

Sabana Llana - Site 2

While levels of ammonium nitrogen in drinking water should not exceed 0.5 mg/L, streams or ponds near heavily fertilized

fields may have higher concentrations of this ion. The average of the concentration of ammonium ion are 6.29mg/L. These

amounts of ammonium are above the expected values. The amount of ammonium in this water isn’t accepted for drinking

water.

Possible causes of high Ammonium concentrations –Site 2

Ammonium-nitrogen levels are usually quite low in moving surface waters. This is because there is little decaying organic

matter collecting on the bottom. If there is a high level of ammonium nitrogen in a moving stream, it may be an indication

of pollution of some kind entering the water.

Nitrate Ion Selective Electrode

Sabana Llana - Site 2

The nitrate level in freshwater is usually found in the range of 0.1 to 4 mg/L . Unpolluted waters generally have nitrate lev-

els below 1 mg/L. The average concentration of nitrate ion in this site of the Sabana Llana stream is of 4.6 mg/L. This body

of water has a high amount of nitrate which can’t permits life for many organism.

Possible causes of high Ammonium concentrations –Site 2

Nitrates are an important source of nitrogen necessary for plants and animals to synthesize amino acids and proteins. Al-

though nitrate levels in freshwater are usually less than 1 mg/L, manmade sources of nitrate may elevate levels above 3 mg/

L. These sources include animal feedlots, runoff from fertilized fields, or treated municipal wastewater being returned to

streams. Levels above 10 mg/L in drinking water can cause a potentially fatal disease in infants called methemoglobinemia,

or Blue-Baby Syndrome.

Page 9: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

P a g e 9

P l a n e t G u a r d i a n s N e w s

Sabana Llana Site 1 Water Quality Investigation

Sabana Llana Site 1I Water Quality Investigation

Page 10: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

According to the dynamic model created with the ArcGIS Explorer

can be seen clearly that the population density surrounding the

sampling area is extremely high. Research tells us that most of the

parameters are expected and normal levels, but we have to watch

some of these which are the maximum allowed or are already at

higher levels than expected.

With this model, students can create spatial analysis of data ac-

quired, organized and manipulated by them.

Discussion of the results

Students sampled two areas of Sabana Llana Stream. In the first site of the stream the

samples showed normal levels of measurement, except turbidity and conductivity that are

in the maximum level of the accepted range. In the second site the samples showed a level

of nitrate and ammonium above the of the maximum level of range accepted. This second

point is the most affected by pollution which the NH4 and NO3 levels are strongly af-

fected, reflecting a level far above the expected level. The possible causes are the agricul-

tural runoff, some kind of human pollution entering the water, animal feedlots, runoff from

fertilized fields, or treated municipal wastewater being returned to streams.

Analysis of a Watershed in Puerto Rico

A) climatic data including seasonal and station densities

of both: extremes and averages.

b) road map

c) hydrographic maps

d) hydrological data (inventory of water, surface runoff,

river network);

e) lists of species for the fauna and flora, land and wa-

ter, its distribution, life histories, economically impor-

tant species, rare species and unique or that are in dan-

ger of extinction;

f) population density

g) flood map

h) ecosystem

i) Soil maps (distribution, nutrients, toxic minerals);

j) Anthropological studies;

k) Sources of pollution past, present and future can do

so by searching or a tour of the area using GPS.

l) location and description of existing environmental

problems, location of critical areas

Possible dynamic models :

a) Buffer zones map vs actual construction or aerial

photos.

b) Population density vs. amount of available water re-

sources

c) Analysis of potential areas for reforestation prevent-

ing contamination of the canal.

d) Map of places that could be designated as protected

reserves or for the benefit of all.

e) Map of the hot spots and dividing by their effect

(minimum, medium, severe)

Page 11: Scientific Article Sabana Llana Stream

Planet Guardians

Contact us

delcarmen.blogspot.com

clcwaterquality.blogspot.com

Edificio BBVA

Calle Amarilla

#206 San Juan

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787-764-2222

Fax: 787-764-9999

[email protected]

COMPUTER LEARNING

17 apoyando la educación en

Puerto Rico


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