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The Impacts of Freeze-up on Dissolved Oxygen and Fecal Coliform Malcolm Yerkes

Student(s):Malcolm Yerkes
Grade Level:Undergraduate
GLOBE Educator(s):Christina Buffington
Contributors:
Report Type(s):Standard Research Report
Protocols:Dissolved Oxygen, Water Temperature
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:12/03/2021
Petrifilm showing fecal coliform colonies sampled at the Tanana Lakes skate site
Water quality is one factor in the health of aquatic ecosystems. Dissolved oxygen is an important water quality parameter because it is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms that live in the ecosystem. In this investigation, I focused on how the process of freezing on a lake system in Fairbanks, Alaska affects water quality factors, dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria. The research question at the forefront of this project asks how the freezing of lakes affect dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform concentration. To carry out this investigation at different sites within one of the Tanana Lakes in Fairbanks, Alaska, I measured dissolved oxygen concentration in mg/L using Vernier Connect DO Probe and collected three water samples for fecal coliform bacterial analysis with Petrifilm Plates. After collecting data, I should see that the dissolved oxygen concentration will increase after the lakes freeze over. As far as fecal coliform is concerned, I expect to see a decrease in fecal coliform bacteria concentration as lakes freeze over. After conducting my investigation, I have concluded that the results weren’t consistent enough to support my hypothesis and answer the research question. Further sampling is needed to accurately compare the data of dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria concentration in lakes at the time of freeze-up.



Comments

It's surprising to see how many fecal coliform bacteria colonies present during the freeze-up process. You expect to have a decrease in fecal coliform bacteria concentration as lakes freeze; I wonder what the counts are now in March when ice is thickest and before the ice has melted. Nice work on your research process and poster.