Hoa Nguyen

SCI.Q112L
Formal Lab Report

WATER TESTING AND WATERSHED

A. Introduction
Water is one of the most important substances for life. In order to determine
water quality, we need to administer water testing in order to determine the best Commented [N1]: wording
uses for different sources of water. Water testing includes various procedures used
to analyze water quality, mostly to figure out if the water is pure enough for
drinking and if it is contaminated with any harmful chemicals, substances or Commented [N2]: or any specific purpose
bacteria. For this lab, we collected water samples from Dr. Lammela’s aquarium, the
swamp behind the athletic fields, and the creek under back road to Nazareth
campus. We also studied a topographic map to learn about the watershed of Commented [N3]: and tap water
Pittsford. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), watershed
is the area of land where all of the water that is under it or drains off of it goes into
the same place.

B. Hypothesis
The quality level of the water decreases from tap water being the cleanest
source, to aquarium water, the creek water and finally swamp water being the
dirtiest. Tap water is filtered to be used as drinking water so it should be the purest
water. Aquarium water is also filtered for fish to live in so it should be pretty clean.
Water from the creek and the swamp is the dirtiest because they are get exposed
and contaminated by natural elements and living creatures in the area.

C. Analysis
 Through simple observation, we can see that tap water and aquarium water look
completely clear, while swamp water and creek water are tinted and have dirt
and small insects. This observation supports our hypothesis. Color in water may
be caused by the presence of different minerals (such as iron and manganese) or
by substances of vegetable origin like algae and weeds. In this case, the brownish
tint that our samples have is likely due to the dirt in the water. Commented [N4]: perhaps. Tannins
 Through smelling, we found that tap water and aquarium water has no smell, Commented [N5]: really?
while water from the creek and the swamp have the smell of lake water. This is
Usually want to tabulate results—easier to read and
because there are dirt and living creatures in the samples. The smell of the water compare samples.
can be caused by the presence of living organisms in the water, or decaying
organic matter such as weeds and algae. It may also be caused by industrial and
residential waste that is dumped into or near the water.
 When we filter the water samples, the tap water passed through without leaving
any residue. The aquarium water left some tiny green strings, which might be
from the plants in the aquarium. In the creek water and swamp water, there
 were dirt, tiny plant parts, and some living creatures and insect remains such as
worms and spiders.
 Table 1: Chemical Test Commented [N6]: Good format

Sample Chloride Iron Phosphate/Sulfate

Distilled water No reaction No reaction No reaction

Confirmation Becomes cloudy and Becomes brownish Becomes cloudy and

Standard then white red then white

Tap water No reaction No reaction No reaction Commented [N7]: Really? I am surprised

Test water 1 Becomes a little No reaction Becomes slightly cloudy

cloudy (cloudier (less cloudy than creek
Swamp
than creek water) water)

Test water 2 Becomes cloudy and No reaction Becomes a little cloudy

then white (cloudier (cloudier than swamp
Creek
than confirmation water)
standard sample) Commented [N8]: WOW

Test water 3 Becomes slightly No reaction No reaction

cloudy, barely
Aquarium
noticable

 Table 2: Test Strips

Sample Total Free Total Total pH

Chlorine Chlorine Hardness Alkalinity

Distilled 0 0 50 50 7.2
water

Tap Water 0 0 120 220 8.0

Test water #1 0 0 250 240 8.4

Swamp

Test water #2 0 0 250 240 8.4

Creek

Test water #3 0 0 120 40 6.8

Aquarium
 Chlorine is a synthetic chemical used to destroy or deactivate disease-causing
microorganisms in water and chloride is a natural element in nature that
imparts a salty taste to the water.
The hardness of water is a measure of the concentration of the multivalent
cations (positively charged particles) in the water, but primarily it is equivalent
to the calcium and magnesium concentration of the water. We need to measure
it because hard water can clog pipes with mineral build up left behind as the
water flows through the pipes.
Alkalinity is another word for basic in the pH scale. It refers to the quantitative
capacity of the water to neutralize an acid. Measuring alkalinity is important in
determining a stream's ability to neutralize acidic pollution from rainfall or
wastewater.
pH is the measure of acidity or causticity of a solution. In general, a water with a
pH < 7 is considered acidic and with a pH > 7 is considered basic. The
measurement of pH is needed to determine the corrosivity of the water.
 From observation, smell, filter, the chemical test and test strips, our original
hypothesis was verified. Commented [N9]: Need a bit more detail here—what
specific results led you to this conclusion?
 The contaminants found in aquarium water come from the plants and
decorations inside the aquarium. The contaminants found in the creek and the Commented [N10]: Nothing from the fish?
swamp come from the site. Plant parts come from the trees that grow next to and
along the creek and the swamp. There are insects that live in the water at those
two sites.
 These results are not sufficient to determine if the water is pure enough for
consumption, because the number of chemicals tested is limited, and we can
only detect visible contaminants. In real life, there are many more chemicals,
toxins, and bacteria that may be presented in a water source that these tests
cannot detect. Other tests that may be useful are to test for lead, arsenic,
pesticides, arsenic, viruses and other disease-causing organisms, chlorine by-
products, industrial and agricultural pollutants, and bacteria (especially E.coli). Commented [N11]: GOOD
 The only cleaning method that we used in class was the filter paper, which
would not be sufficient if we had to use the swamp water as a source of cleaning
water. Other methods we need to use is filtration with sediment filters (fiber and Commented [N12]: ??? What are you trying to say here?
ceramic) and activated carbon, as well as boiling and water distillation.
 As is, tap water can be used for drinking. Fish can live in aquarium water. Water
from the creek and the swamp can be used for watering plants and they are
drinkable to animals. Commented [N13]: good
 Because the water from Nazareth will eventually end up at the Erie Canal, if
these water sources are polluted, the Erie Canal will get polluted. That’s why we
need to be careful with how we process waste and how we use fertilizer and
other chemicals around campus, especially at locations that are close to a water
source.
 If I find a particular contaminate in the lake, I can trace back all the water paths
that bring water to the lake to find where it comes from.
D. Topographic Map Lab
 Map Activity A

1. What is the exact elevation of the following points?

a. point A = 140 meters b. point E = 80 meters
2. What is the approximate elevation of the following points?
a. point C = 155 meters b. point F = 165 meters
3. Explain why you can determine the exact elevation for points A and E but only
approximate elevations for points C and F.
Because A and E are on the contour line so we can determine exactly the elevation.
For C and F, they are not on any contour line, so we can just approximate the
elevation based on the contour line that they pass.
4. How many hills are shown on the map?
There are four hills.
5. In which direction is the Ert River flowing?
The Ert River flows south to Molen Lake.
6. Which of the following points have the same elevation?
a. points A & B b. points E & A
c. points C & D d. points F & C Commented [N14]: ???

7. Draw an island approximately 1.5 km long and 1.0 km wide. Draw it in Molen Lake
so that its longest dimension runs approximately north-south.
8. Add a mountain with elevation between 120 to 130 meters to the northern end of the
island. Draw a lake on top of the mountain with a river flowing out of it in an
easterly direction.
9. Add another mountain that has a depression on its top that is between 10 and 20
meters deep on the southern end of the island.
10. Label all contour lines on the island in meters.

 Map Activity B
1. What is the highest elevation on the map? What is the lowest elevation?
The highest elevation is 635 meters, the lowest is 43 meters.
2. How many bench marks are there on the map? What elevations do they mark?
There are three benchmarks at 43 meters, 245 meters and 635 meters.
3. What is the contour interval?
The contour interval is 100 meters.
4. What is the highest contour line?
The highest contour line is 600 meters.
5. Why are the contour lines closer together on one side of Outlook Hill?
Because the slope is steeper.
6. In what directions do you find steep slopes on the map?
The direction is from the top of the hill north to the river.
7. Imagine you are traveling south on Route 1. Describe the landscape and its changes
as you travel along.
You see three small hills and a couple of buildings on two sides of the bridge.
Crossing over the bridge, you go along a large mountain to your right which has a
very steep slope.
8. Study the brooks and rivers. In which direction is each flowing?
 Water from the Mad Brook flows west down to Atwater Pond. Water from the
Atwater Pond flows north into the Little Brook. The Little Brook merge into Randy’s
River which flows east to the big body of water. Water from the Clear Brook also
flows north east to the big body of water.
9. Find Outlook Hill. Which is its steepest side? Draw a side view of the hill as seen
from Clear Brook.
The steepest side is the north side.

10. Describe the scenery you would see if you traveled around Atwater Pond in a boat.
You can see four buildings surrounding the pond on one side, four small hills (?) near
the hill, the Mad Brook that brings water from the Outlook Hill to the pond and the
Little Brook that brings water out of the pond.
11. Which stream flows into Atwater Pond? Which stream flows out of Atwater Pond?
How can you tell?
 Mad Brook brings water down from the Outlook Hill to the pond and the Little Brook
brings water out of the pond to Randy’s River. You can tell from the elevation,
because water flows from higher elevation to lower elevation.
12. How many buildings are shown on the map?
There are 10 buildings.
13. Where is the swamp located? Be sure to state direction in regards to location of
swamp relative to nearby terrain.
The swamp is north of the Atwater Pond, west of Little Brook and south of Randy’s
River.
14. What is the length of Route 1 on this map?
Route 1 is ten meters long.
15. How far is it from the buildings on Route 1 to Atwater Pond? In what direction
would one walk to get there?
The buildings are about four meters away from Atwater Pond. You would walk
southwest to get there.
 Pittsford NY Watershed Map Questions
1. Enlarge the map until you can clearly see the Nazareth Campus. Identify any “blue”
(water) around the campus area. Describe what and where you see water?
There is a water source in the area between George Hall and Golisano Academic
Center, near where the horses are. There is a swamp and a creek on the west of
campus.
2. Go west of campus until you see a school (building with a flag on top)—what is it?
That building is the bell tower at St. Bernards.
3. Follow the water (stream) behind (east) of the school—where does it eventually drain
into?
All the water eventually drains into the Erie canal.
4. Think about #3. If we over-fertilize the sports fields (the athletes want a nice green
field)—what happens to the excess fertilizer? Where does it end up? Keep tracing
until you reach a large body of water. Describe the path.
The fertilizer will end up at the Erie Canal. The path of the water is, first it goes up
north to cross over Monroe Ave, then it goes down south before merging into the Erie
canal.
5. We will be sampling this creek. What do you think that we will find and why?
Dirt, insects, fish and plant parts because the creek is outside and exposed to all the
natural elements around it.

E. Conclusion
 From the watershed lab, we found out that Erie canal is the watershed of
Pittsford, and could see how all the water sources come together to the canal.
From observation, smell, filter, the chemical test and test strips, our original
hypothesis was verified. The water from the swamp was the dirtiest, the water from
the creek was dirty, and the aquarium water was clean and tap water was the
cleanest. This result helps us determine the best use for each water source. The
number of chemicals we had to test was limited, so the test is not sufficient to
determine if the water samples were truly pure and safe for drinking. Commented [N15]: Very nice report. Lots of detail and
specifics.

Some minor wording issues.

E. References
Grade 95
"Glossary of Terms & Commonly Used Abbreviations." National Testing Labs. National
Testing Laboratories, Ltd., n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.
"Water Quality Monitoring, Standards And Treatment." FAO Document Repository.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.
"What Is a Watershed?" EPA. United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web.
05 Oct. 2014.
Holmes-Farley, Randy. "Chemistry and the Aquarium: What Is Alkalinity?" Advanced
Aquarist. Pomacanthus Publications, LLC, Feb. 2002. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.