Introduction In my research I explored how the discharge and pH of a river are related and if there is any correlation between the two. Discharge is the measure of the total volume of water at a certain point in time recorded in cubic feet per second. pH is the acidity or alkalinity of the water measured on a scale from 1 to 14. I was interested to see if river discharge and pH levels had any relation and if the data collected could show any correlation. This information could be used to predict when and where pH levels rise above levels that would be dangerous for aquatic life, agricultural use, and use for recreation and drinking water. I drew upon data collected both from our Fort Lewis College Geology 107 class of Spring 2016 and the historical data collected by the Animas River Stakeholders and the Mountain Studies Institute. Both sources showed fluctuation in both discharge and pH and helped to show the larger effects these aspects had on each other and the environment.
Methods To conduct my research I employed multiple sources, including the data that was collected in labs for our class. Our studies focused on two sections of the Florida river: the Durango Nature Center and the Old Railroad Bridge. At both sites we took multiple measures of discharge while also testing for alkalinity and other substances present. To measure discharge we had members of our team first measure the width of the segment of river we were observing. Then, we measured …show more content…
1). Each measurement was taken during approximately the same time (March/April) in the same area. Figure 1: The recorded discharge (left axis- CFS) and recorded pH levels (right axis) of the Florida River at the Durango Nature Center [every March]. The next set of data was recorded at the Old Railroad Bridge along the Florida River also measured every month (Fig.
Methods To conduct my research I employed multiple sources, including the data that was collected in labs for our class. Our studies focused on two sections of the Florida river: the Durango Nature Center and the Old Railroad Bridge. At both sites we took multiple measures of discharge while also testing for alkalinity and other substances present. To measure discharge we had members of our team first measure the width of the segment of river we were observing. Then, we measured …show more content…
1). Each measurement was taken during approximately the same time (March/April) in the same area. Figure 1: The recorded discharge (left axis- CFS) and recorded pH levels (right axis) of the Florida River at the Durango Nature Center [every March]. The next set of data was recorded at the Old Railroad Bridge along the Florida River also measured every month (Fig.