Watershed Assessment

1. Watershed Assessment Analysis of Data

2. Q Values • Raw data values are NOT Q values. • We need to convert the raw data/observations into “grades” (Q values) • Post all of your group’s collected abiotic and biotic data on the board such that averages may be obtained.

3. Temperature • Find difference between highest and lowest temperatures for the pond (∆T). Consider ALL of the collected values for each location (not just your class) 2. Use the Table 4 in your lab handout to determine the “grade”/Q value for temperature • The smaller the difference, the higher the Q value • Repeat steps 1-3 for the river

4. Dissolved Oxygen • To determine the Q value for D.O., we must first determine how much oxygen the water source could be expected to have at its temperature • Calculate the average D.O. for the pond • Use the nomogram on page 3 of your lab handout to determine the % saturation for the pond. Use AVG temp. and AVG D.O. • Once you have determined % saturation for the pond, use table 1 to determine the Q value for Dissolved Oxygen • If % saturation exceed 100%, you will have to extrapolate the Q value on table 1 • Repeat steps 2-4 for the pond

5. pH and Total Dissolved Solids • Use the appropriate tables (2-3) to determine the Q value for each parameter • Average the pH readings for the pond and use the appropriate table to find the Q value • Average the TDS readings for the pond and use the appropriate table to find the Q value Note: NTU = mg/L 4. Extrapolate if the average pH or TDS is between the increments on your table 5. Repeat steps 1-3 for the river 6. While low TDS/turbidity values are desired, moderate pH values are desired

6. Benthic Macroinvertebrates • Benthic Macroinvertebrate Q value does NOT factor into the overall abiotic Q value • Unlike the abiotic Q values, a lower Q value for benthic macroinvertebrates is indicative of a healthier ecosystem • High biodiversity of pollution tolerant species is indicative of an unhealthy ecosystem

7. Fecal Coliform • Obtain your Coliscan plate from the incubator and view under a stereoscope • Count all purple and pink fecal coliform colonies on your plate. Keep a separate tally of purples alone as they represent E. coli • Since you sampled 5mL of water, multiply your total # of f.c. x 20 to express as total number of fecal coliform/100mL • Post your findings on the board and average the number of fecal coliform for the water source • Using Chart 2 on p.7 of your lab, use the class average to calculate the Q value for fecal coliform. • Make sure you obtain the results for both river and pond

8. Conclusion • To determine the relative health of each ecosystem (river and pond), think about its overall abiotic Q value, its benthic macroinvertebrate Q value and its fecal coliform. The last two factors should be about 1/3rd of your consideration. • Cite specific data AND Q values when supporting your decisions about the health of each ecosystem • For each parameter (pH, temp, etc.) you should attempt to explain why it was healthy or unhealthy using logical reasoning. This needs to be addressed for both river and pond. • You are comparing the systems but also addressing each’s individual health • Include any qualitative observations in your decisions • Be sure to address both confounding variables AND sources of error

9. Data Presentation • Data tables (2): one for abiotic Q values, one for biotic Q values • Graph the Q values for 5 of the 6 values (do not graph benthic macroinvertebrates Q value as it is inverse) • Bar graph format