Conclusion

For three weeks, our group investigated the quality of water at local lakes and ponds in Chicago. We conducted chemical tests on-site, as well as incubated bacteria using water samples from these locations.

​

​

Unfortunately, since many of the plates had too many colonies to count, we cannot say for certain the level of bacteria in the water. However, we can estimate the variety of bacteria based on the different types of colonies found in the “No Dilution” plate. Based on our observations, the Lily Pool had the poorest water quality of all the locations we’ve sampled. Its low dissolved oxygen level indicates that the water may be stressful for animals to live in. In addition, its relatively high levels of phosphate and ammonia may indicate plant overgrowth.

​

We cannot know for sure what kind of bacteria was present in the colonies, since we did not have the necessary materials to be able to identify them. For three weeks, our group investigated the quality of water at local lakes and ponds in Chicago. We conducted chemical tests on-site, as well as incubated bacteria using water samples from these locations.n, while the coliform tests confirmed the presence of bacteria in the water, they were unable to specify the level that they were present.

 

In the process of investigating local water quality, we learned how to efficiently collect and record data. We learned how to incubate bacteria as well as how to conduct chemical tests (similar to titrations) to determine the level of dissolved nutrients (in ppm).

​