NIAGARA RIVER
North Tonawanda High
School
Teachers: Dave Vona, Terry Brosius, Gary Lachut, and
Paul Swisher
Students: Grades 9 through 12, earth science,
biology, and AP biology
On April 22,1998 North Tonawanda High School student volunteers in
grades 9 through 12 (earth science and biology) conducted water
quality tests along the Niagara River. The students were split up
into two groups (30 each) one group was sent to Niawanda Park
(Tonawanda) and the other to Fishermans Park. (North Tonawanda). The
parks are a few miles apart, with Fishermans Park downstream. Results
are listed below:
Niawanda Park Water Quality Index = 84
Dissolved Oxygen = 9.6
ppm
Dissolved Oxygen
Saturation = 87.3%
Phosphate =
0.06 ppm
Nitrate = 0.1 ppm
Secchi Depth = >5
ft
Temperature = 11oC
Dissolved Solids = 128
ppm
Suspended Solids = 5.5
ppm
Total Solids = 133.5
ppm
pH = 7.2
Benthic Organisms =
crayfish & scuds
E - Coli = 0
Fisherman's Park
Water Quality Index = 62
Dissolved Oxygen = 7.8
ppm
Dissolved Oxygen
Saturation = 67.2%
Phosphate = 0.09 ppm
Nitrate = 0.13 ppm
Secchi Depth = 3.5
ft
Temperature = 11.6
oC
Dissolved Solids = 180
ppm
Suspended Solids = 11.5
ppm
Total Solids = 191.5
ppm
pH = 7
Benthic Organisms = none
recorded
E - Coli = 2/mL
The bacteria tests revealed a
striking difference between the two sampling sites. Niawanda Park
recorded no E-coli and between 3 - 5 general coliform on each petri
dish. Fisherman's Park recorded two E-coli and well over 50 general
coliform on each petri dish (general coliform greater than 20/mL
suggests a pollution problem). Student volunteers will go back to the
river to track down the excessive general coliform.
For more details and
discussion of results, link to North Tonawanda's EnACT and Science
Department 's web site:
http://www.localnet.com/~broguy
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