Student Research Reports
Pearl River Pollution
Organization(s):Bayou View Middle School (GLIDKIGP)
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Lauren Hanshaw, Zaidyn Wills, Kyle Triplett, Jaden Sanford
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Educator(s):Angela Lee
Contributors:Pearl River Keeper
Report Type(s):Standard Research Report, U.S. Student Research Symposia (SRS)
Protocols:Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrates, Salinity
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:01/20/2024
This paper addresses that the Pearl River of Mississippi contains a large amount of pollution. This research uncovers that some of the pollutants dissolve in the river, while some of it still affects the community around it. This affects the entire Pearl River Basin, and is a problem to not only humans, but to the animals that reside nearby too. The Pearl River is one of the main water supplies in Jackson county. Considering that this problem affects all citizens and animals that are using the water, pollution is a major concern. It can create new diseases and could wipe out some species. Also, the government has done almost nothing to save this important river. The Pearl River was tested for nitrate and dissolved oxygen. This research is focused on looking for high levels of nitrate and large amounts of dissolved oxygen in the Pearl River. The goal was to make sure there were no unusual levels or amounts of these compounds. During the testing of the Pearl River, its nitrate levels became a lot more concentrated in lots of the areas. In the OD test, the dissolved oxygen levels had a massive increase in the summer of 2012. In conclusion, the Pearl River is polluted to a point of concern. Citizens should help by becoming more involved in the maintenance of the river and helping organizations dedicated to helping the Pearl River. Citizens can also watch their own impact on the river and make an effort to pollute less.