Nitrate Study in Betrand Creek

A project conducted by Andy Aley, Drew Jones, Gail Kornelis, and Mike Gross

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to study and record the level of nitrates in Betrand Creek at two locations. Also studied was the temperature, conductivity, and Ph.

Background: Nitrates can trigger a far-reaching and harmful biological chain reaction. High nitrate levels can fuel the growth of tiny plankton that can block sunlight to other plants. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome, which can be fatal to infants. The U.S.E.P.A. has established a drinking water standard for nitrate levels. This is 10 mg/L, which is equivalent to 1.3854 ppm.

Technique: When taking samples we used a bucket and string to get water, which was then placed into storage bottles until testing was done. Temperature was taken at the sampling location with a Vernier CBL and temperature probe, and also with a standard thermometer. The Ph was taken in the lab with a Vernier Ph probe using a Macintosh computer and Data Logger. The conductivity was taken in the lab with a Vernier conductivity probe, also using the computer set up. When doing nitrate analysis an InQuest Nitrate FS test kit was used to add color to the sample. After this was done, 3 ml of distilled water was added, and the sample was put into a Spec 20 colorimeter. The colorimetric analysis was used to find a y value (absorbency), which was then put into the equation y=.022655x+.018. This equation was used to find the concentration of the nitrates in the sample. This equation was derived by making nitrate stock solutions of known concentration (1-10 ppm) and then graphing the absorbency values obtained (using Graphical Analysis on a Macintosh computer). During earlier tests done on the creek, a Vernier colorimeter was used to obtain the y value for the equation, which was also different due to different stock solutions. The data obtained from these tests is included although the nitrate levels are significantly higher. The drastic between the two sets of data is contributed largely to the equipment used, poor stock solutions, and learning the process of sample collection, equipment use, and lab technique. This first set of data was collected by Andy Aley during an independent study course, and is presented only to illustrate the differences in equipment, stock solutions, and technique.

Data:

The data above is for the first set of tests taken. This is the data that is to be considered invalid. 

Conclusion: The nitrate levels we found for all but 1 of the samples were over the U.S.E.P.A. standards for drinking water. Betrand Creek is not directly used for drinking water, but it is part of the Sumas-Abbotsford Aquifer. The first set of data found nitrate levels dangerously high, yet this data was found to be invalid. The Ph and conductivity were found to be around the appropriate levels. Aside from slightly high nitrate levels Betrand Creek was found to be in good ecological condition.