The scientific question I will attempt to answer is, How do concentrations of Total Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorous (P)in golf course and residential ponds compare to each other and EPA guidelines?
In the pursuit of answering this question I will take samples from these two water bodies using the techniques learned from previous water chemistry studies. I will bring these water samples back to the laboratory on campus and do a chemical analysis using the Hach Colorimeter finding the total dissolved concentrations for both N and P. The data findings will then be input into an excel spreadsheet allowing me to build a double bar graph displaying my findings. On one of our previous assignments we were asked to find chlorophyll concentrations, and the water body I used for those samples was the same lake in which I plan to use for my IRP samples. The findings from that assignment were quite high (see graph). The chlorophyll findings labeled Jody's Golf Pond were over 35 micrograms per liter. These higher readings suggest that there are probably high concentrations of N & P as well, but we will not know for certain until my results are in. Due to a golf courses use of fertilizers more than likely the concentrations of these chemicals will be higher than other residential water bodies. But not necessarily, home owners use fertilizers too. I am interested in the results to know for sure whether Golf Courses are good or bad for the aquatic environment! We shall see... 
Jody, this is an extraordinary blog! You were very thorough and concise. I won't post my graph since you already did and we are doing similar projects.
ReplyDeleteAmanda--never limit yourself due to another's contribution. You have a similar graph??--GO FOR IT!!! This is about YOU --not Jody!!
DeleteStacy S, Sec 65--we learn in oceanography that plankton blooms due to high nutrient levels can cause low levels of oxygen when the plankton sink and die. Do your ponds have fish and are there low oxygen levels in your ponds that could kill your fish? thank you
ReplyDeleteHave not sampled for O2 levels yet, I should do that. I have worked there for five years and have not seen any fish kills. And yes, all the ponds are active with aquatic life. I see minnows, bass and carp quite often and wading birds munching on them every day.
DeleteAriel Chivers Section 50 Is the water used to water golf courses recycled? Are there conflicts with wildlife at golf courses?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the negative effects of these chemicals? Do the chemicals harm and/or kill any wildlife that live in or drink the pond water?
ReplyDeleteAnna S. Sec. 01