Identification
of Water Sources
and
the Effect of Pollution on Water Quality
Project WISE, Spring, 1998
Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences
Earth Science Educational Resource Center
Long Island Groundwater Research Institute
About This Workshop
Understanding the
sources of water - such as streams and groundwater - is important in understanding
geologic processes such as groundwater flow and also in understanding the sources of
potential pollutants. After determining several physical and chemical properties of
various geologic and industrial water sources near a small campus stream, students seek to
identify the source of this stream. The project includes sampling water from groundwater
monitoring wells, a small artificial pond, the campus sewage treatment facility, air
conditioning plant cooling system and tap water from various locations. Students may also
bring their own water samples from elsewhere. The analysis of water samples exposes
students to different analytical techniques and research methods. Variables that can be
measured include pH, temperature, flow, conductivity, chloride, sulfate and nitrate.
Discussion includes the hydrologic cycle, Long Island’s groundwater system, and
pollution from point and non-point sources, and the effect that different pollutants have
in different environments.
This workshop was conducted by the Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences, the Earth
Science Educational Resource Center, and the Long Island Groundwater Research Institute
for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program at SUNY Stony Brook during the
spring oif 1998.
[Email
all instructors and participants]
Schedule
of activities |
Session |
Date |
Activities |
| 1 |
February 4, 1998 |
Introduction
Using the aquifer model
Sampling water at the brook |
| 2 |
March 3, 1998 |
Sampling groundwater monitoring wells |
| 3 |
April 2, 1998 |
Sampling water at recharge basins
sampling water at Roth Pond |
| 4 |
May 6, 1998 |
Analysis of data |
|
Preparing to collect and analyze water from the brook on campus |
| Measuring the pH of the water in the brook |
|
|
Using a bailer to collect water from a groundwater monitoring well |
| Pouring the well water from the bailer into a cup |
|
|
Filtering the well water |
| Geese in Roth Pond on campus |
|
Links
visitors since
February 11, 1998