Background Information

The project consists of chemical tests that are used to prove the quality of a specific body of water. While running these tests we also take water samples from each location to later be plated. We will allow a sample of water (or a diluted sample) to incubate for a set period of time in order to see the prevalence and variety of bacteria growing in the water.

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We are trying to compare the correlation between the quality of water and the level of bacteria in a body of water. Specifically, we are trying to see whether factors such as the presence of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen as well as pH level and physical properties (turbidity and color) can affect the level of bacteria in the water.

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High levels of nitrate or nitrate may indicate possible sewage pollution; the water may be harmful to aquatic life and dangerous for human consumption. A surplus of ammonia or phosphate in the water will cause stimulated plant growth that may be harmful to aquatic animals. A low pH level will not be able to sustain life. Other people can test for these factors in order to get a sense of the quality of water in other locations.