Student Research Reports
Researching fieldside water bodies near Jõulumäe using GLOBE methods
Organization(s):Estonian Learning Expedition
Country:Estonia
Student(s):Andre Ületoa (Viljandi Gümnaasium), Anete Masa (Limbazi State Gymnasium), Estere Zemike (Limbazi State Gymnasium), Helleri Hirv (Võru Gümnaasium), Keita Parole (Limbazi State Gymnasium), Lauri Tollimägi (Juhan Liivi nim Alatskivi Kool), Liisa Tollimägi (Kristjan Jaak Petersoni Gümnaasium), Maribel Piller (Kääpa kool),
Triinu Liis Kuul (Miina Härma Gümnaasium)
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Member(s):Maiu Kaljuorg
Contributors:Helen Semilarski - Supervisor!
Johanna Raudsepp
LAURA ALTIN
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Alkalinity, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrates, pH, Water Temperature, Water Transparency
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Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-27
Using GLOBE hydrosphere protocols, we assessed how cultivated farmlands around Jõulumäe influence nearby trench water quality at four sites spanning forest-adjacent trenches, a field-adjacent roadside trench, and a confluence with Leina stream. We measured the following parameters: pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and water temperature, using Vernier sensors; transparency using a Secchi tube; and nitrate and alkalinity concentrations using Macherey-Nagel kits.
Nitrate concentration increased the more agricultural effect the trench had (growing from ≈0.2 mg/L at Jõulumäe trenches to ≈0.45 mg/L within fields and ≈0.7 mg/L at the downstream confluence), while conductivity and alkalinity were also rising in the same order (from ≈163 to 385 to 782 µS/cm, and from ≈155–210 to 310 to 450 mg/L CaCO₃). In contrast, dissolved oxygen tended to be lower at field-adjacent sites (≈1.7–2.6 mg/L) compared to Jõulumäe trench segments (≈3.1–4.3 mg/L). pH varied modestly (≈6.2–6.7), offering little evidence of alkaline fertilizers influence during the sampling window.
Overall, results indicate subtle agricultural signals (nitrate and ionic increases; lower dissolved oxygen) without visible nitrate pollution at the time of sampling. We recommend adding phosphate and ammonium measurements, reporting replicate statistics, quantifying trench geometry and flow for future monitoring.