Student Research Reports

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The Rouge River Watershed of Southeastern Michigan is located in a region where urbanization has led to fragmented ecosystems and decreased species biodiversity. Increased attention and research on water quality issues need to be prioritized if we want to continue to restore, preserve, and protect the river and the wide variety of species living there. This research investigated the potential effects of seasonal change (summer to fall) on select hydrosphere and atmosphere parameters. Three sites were sampled along a segment of the Middle Branch of the Rouge River that flows through North Dearborn Heights. The sites selected for sampling included one behind an elementary school, another located near a parking lot and athletic center, and the other near a banquet center. The segment of the river we sampled passes through areas that have multiple uses. The water quality parameters we collected data on included dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, turbidity, salinity, total solids, precipitation, and water temperature. We also measured air temperature each time we sampled. Vernier sensors were used to analyze conductivity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, and pH. A Hach 2100 N Turbidimeter was used to measure turbidity, and total solids were measured using protocols from our local Rouge Education Program. As expected, water temperatures decreased from summer to fall. This caused dissolved oxygen levels to increase. However, precipitation events had no significant effect on dissolved oxygen levels. Salinity, total solids, conductivity, and pH levels were all unaffected by cooling temperatures in the fall. As river levels increased, turbidity levels rose as well. For future research, we would like to expand and extend our research to include additional water quality parameters and collect data during different seasons. To extend the scope of this research, we hope that future researchers will compare water quality in different branches of the Rouge River.