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How Will Warming River Temperatures Affect Aquatic Ecosystems?

Organization(s):Ottawa Hills Jr/Sr High School
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Alexa Potts and Aurora Puskala
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
Educator(s):Gloria Kreischer Gajewicz
Contributors:Sara Mierzwiak, Grant Wilson - The University of Toledo, Ohio/GLOBE Mission EARTH; Elizabeth Puskala
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report, Mission Earth Report
Protocols:Dissolved Oxygen, Water Temperature
Presentation Poster: View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/05/2025
To grasp a better understanding of climate change, we conducted an experiment that compares river temperatures to dissolved oxygen levels. If river temperatures rise then dissolved oxygen (mg/L) levels will decrease, because as water heats up, its molecules move faster, which weakens the bonds between the molecules and dissolved oxygen, allowing oxygen to return to the atmosphere. To test this hypothesis, collect water from a local freshwater source and obtain a dissolved oxygen kit and a thermometer. Record the dissolved oxygen level and temperature in a data table on the laptop. Repeat this procedure for four trials, each spaced about one week apart, which ensures trials from differing conditions, and more accurate results. To conclude, as river temperatures rose, the dissolved oxygen levels went down. To put our results into context, we assessed how these trends could impact local aquatic ecosystems; as when an ecosystem faces low dissolved oxygen levels it may lead to stress, decreased growth rates, alterations of food webs/balance, migration changes, and even death.


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Comments

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Darío Greni
1 Month Ago

Congratulations on your thoughtful and well-executed project! "How Will Warming River Temperatures Affect Aquatic Ecosystems?" is an excellent example of how young researchers can investigate real-world environmental challenges through data collection, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking.

Your clear research question, combined with data gathered using GLOBE protocols, shows a solid understanding of how climate change can impact aquatic life. The analysis of dissolved oxygen in relation to rising water temperatures is both timely and relevant, and your graphs and discussion reflect careful observation and interpretation.

To further strengthen your study, consider exploring additional GLOBE measurements or applying statistical analysis to deepen your conclusions. Nonetheless, your project already demonstrates strong scientific potential and a deep commitment to environmental inquiry.

Keep up the great work—you’re making meaningful contributions to understanding and protecting our planet’s water ecosystems!