Student Projects - Biology

Project Name

Fairfield University Stream Water Sampling

Project Description

The purpose of this project is to obtain water samples at nine stream and pond sites throughout the watershed on campus. When obtaining the samples, the percent of dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity, and temperature of the samples are recorded. In the laboratory, we test the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and pH.

Project Outcomes

In Bellarmine Pond, next to the Dolan School of Business, the percent of dissolved oxygen decreases throughout the fall semester. This probably is from the activity of decomposers in the pond. We also see changes in phosphorous and nitrogen content at different sites.

We have to continue tests throughout the year to examine the different factors such as phosphorous levels, nitrogen levels, temperature, and the process of decomposition. Before we can hypothesis what has affected the quality of water in the streams across campus, we need to conduct more tests.