Student Research Reports

View Research Report

ABSTRACT "Tributary Wary" A study conducted using GLOBE protocols for analyzing water samples in search of usable alternative drinking water sources. Kaylee J. Stephenson - 5th grade Alpena Middle School, Alpena, AR USA The purpose of this project was to test water samples from local creeks, Long Creek, Crooked Creek, Bear Creek, Yocum Creek, and Bobo Creek, to determine drinkability. This information would be useful in the occurrence of city water contamination, a filtered water shortage or a natural disaster. It was predicted that Long Creek would be the most drinkable. Water samples were collected from the creeks and then tested for pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Phosphate, Temperature, T.D.S, and E.C., Salmonella, Staphylococci, e-Coli, and bacteria in general. BEAR CREEK: (EC)=394uS/cm, Ammonia=0.25ppm, Nitrite=0.1mg/L, Phosphate=1.0mg/L, (TDS)=175ppm, 27˚C, 8.0pH, negative for staph, e-coli, & salmonella. CROOKED CREEK: (EC)=310uS/cm, Ammonia=0.50ppm, Nitrite=0.0mg/L, Phosphate=0.5mg/L, (TDS)=136ppm, 27˚C, 8.0pH, staph=14 colonies, e-coli=2, no salmonella. YOCUM CREEK: (EC)=380uS/cm, Ammonia=0.50ppm, Nitrite=0.0mg/L, Phosphate=1.0mg/L, (TDS)=174ppm, 27˚C, 7.5pH, staph=30 colonies, e-coli=42, salmonella=58. LONG CREEK: (EC)=180uS/cm, Ammonia=0.25ppm, Nitrite=0.1mg/L, Phosphate=0.5mg/L, (TDS)=91ppm, 26˚C, 7.5pH, staph=89 colonies, e-coli=53, salmonella=48. BOBO CREEK: (EC)=132uS/cm, Ammonia=0.25ppm, Nitrite=0.1mg/L, Phosphate=0.0mg/L, (TDS)=77ppm, 27˚C, 7.0pH, staph=17 colonies, e-coli=1, salmonella=0. The hypothesis was not supported by the data. The results gave Bear Creek the top choice. It was the only water source which did not test positive for e-coli, salmonella, or staphylococci bacteria. However, all water sources did test positive for some sign of bacteria. If the creeks were ever needed for drinking purposes, it would be recommended to boil water first.