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How do the species of macroinvertebrates in the Boulder Creek compare with the water chemistry of the stream?
Organization(s):Alexander Dawson School
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Lindsey Bartoletta
Breck Dunbar
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Educator(s):Bill Meyers
Contributors:
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:
Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):
Date Submitted:04/03/2017
This science project was done to learn more about the macroinvertebrates in the
Boulder Creek, and how the numbers and species fluctuate according to alkalinity, temperature,
dissolved oxygen (D.O.) and pH. Before collecting data, we hypothesized that the warmer the
water got, the more pollution tolerant species would be present. This is because if the water was
warmer, it would mean that the atmosphere outside was warmer, which would lead to snow
melt. The snow would pick up the dirt and debris it passes on its way to the creek, therefore,
polluting the water. Almost every Monday, we went down to the creek and collected
macroinvertebrates using the kick and pick protocol. Our conclusions were that since the
stream’s water chemistry stayed healthy and balanced, there was little change in the
macroinvertebrates numbers and species. The only change was between the spike in stoneflies
and drop in the mayflies during the fall.