20th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Analysis of bacterial and chemical indicators of water quality in the Locust and East Locust Creeks
Ignatius C. Onyewadume*, Carissa B. Holloway, Amy C. Schroeder, and Shannan N. Schoening
Dr. Cynthia Cooper and Ms. Melody Torrey (None), Faculty Mentors
Three prairie streams were analyzed for several indicators of water quality. Locust Creek is one of the few remaining meandering streams in north central Missouri with no known point source pollution. East Locust Creek merges with the Locust and is impacted by two point sources above the merge site. Water quality methods are from Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (1998) and Environmental Protection Agency Method 1604. Seven sites were sampled on 4 dates from June 4 to September 2 in 2006. Escherichia coli in E. Locust exceeded the limit for Whole Body Contact category B in 4/8 samples. Locust Creek exceeded this limit 2/8 times. Two sites showed evidence of impact from point source pollution based on nitrogen, conductivity, ammonia, pH and phosphate. The results suggest a negative impact of chemical and bacteriological pollution in this watershed caused by human activities along these streams.
Keywords: water quality, E. coli, bacteria
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-3
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15 pm