Student Research Reports

For this study we explore the possibility of additional nitrates in waterbodies as result of agricultural activities. We did this by testing NO3 concentration, along with pH, water and air temperature. Nitrates have a well-documented effect on the environment and waterbodies surrounding agricultural zones. Nitrate runoff into surface water systems causes eutrophication, resulting in high fish mortality and algal blooms (Bijay-Singh, 2021). This damage can easily affect food webs and the overall health and productivity of an area. Fairbanks, and Alaska as a whole, is still in the early stages of agricultural development. As a result, local ecosystems are relatively untouched compared to areas with more established agricultural industry. Creamer’s Field is an important habitat for wildlife and overabundance of nitrates could have a negative impact on these waterfowl. We found that the presence of nitrates in these waterbodies was well below maximum contaminant levels and there is little evidence that agriculture is affecting the concentrations in Creamer's field.