Water Quality Assessment of Bear Creek, Kent Co. MI
Emily Anne Fuller, Calvin College 2013
Introduction
Methods
The water quality of Bear Creek was
assessed in order to elaborate on the already
existing macroinvertebrate study of Micorps
and Cannon Township. The variables
measured were expanded to gain a more
comprehensive view of the water quality.
Table 1: Water Quality Variables measured at set locations for
Br.Crk. water quality
Physical
a. Temperature
b. Flow rate
c. Turbidity
d. Sediment
profile
Chemical
a. D.O
b. pH
c. NH3
d. NO3
e. PO4
Biotic
a. Macroinvertebrates
b. Colifrom bacteria
c. Monitor animal use
(particularly
vertebrates)
Conclusions
Some variables showed little variation: (DO,
pH, temp)
By including three replicate trials of data
collection, of the physical, chemical and
biotic variable, and by sampling at sites 1
through 6 along the length of Bear Creek,
this research is able to provide a good,
comprehensive analysis of the overall water
quality of the stream.
14
12
Figure 1: Cannon Twn. Watershed and sample sites
Average measure of D.O(dissolved 02) mg/L
This study was conducted in partnership
with: GLISTEN, Cannon Township,
Micorps, and Calvin College.
Results
8
trial 1: 6/21-6/27
trial 2: 7/12-7/18
6
trail 3: 8/9-8/19
4
2
The methods and protocol are designed
as follows:
Macroinvertabrate sample & assessment
of stream health based on these benthic
communities was conducted by
protocol standardized by Micorps (esp.
D-net use).
10
0
1
2
3
4
Site location #1-6
5
6
Figure 4: Averaged measure of D.O (mg/L) at sites #1-6 over 3
trial periods (June-Aug.)
Some of the most conspicuous contrasts
across the 6 sample sites were the phosphate
levels & macroinvertebrate populations(see
Figures 5 & 6).
The final assessment of water quality was
based on the variables measured in Table 1
& qualitative observations recorded on site.
 Contrary indications of a ‘pristine’ river
are shown chemical levels & in
qualitative measures such as degradation
of the riparian zone and land use.
 A fairly constant measure of dissolved
oxygen throughout sites 1-6, that is at an
ideal level. Average of all 6 sites8.8
mg/L. (Figure 4).
Figure 2:Assessment of Macroinvertabrates chart(Micorps std.)
All other testing followed protocols
determined by Calvin Biology Dept. &
standardized procedures for calibration of
lab equipment by the manufacturer, HACH.
Figure 5:Measure of phosphate PO4 (mg/L) trial 1-3, sites #1-6
In conclusion, the maintenance of a healthy
stream should a priority of the Cannon
Township and the addition of an updated
watershed management plan and accurate
map of land usage would be beneficial in
aiding the preservation of Bear Creek.
50
45
40
35
Site 1: sand, rock
Site 2: clay, silt
Site 3: rock, sand
Total stream quality score
5/6 sites were previously used as sites for
macroinvertabrate sampling by Cannon
Twn. watershed funded under the Micorps
grant from the state of MI. The 6th site, just
down-stream of a dam was added in order to
observe any variance in water quality above
or below the dam.
 A healthy species richness and evenness
of macroinvertabrates based on Micorps
index. (Please see Figures 2 &6).
 No significant contrast exists between
site 5 (above the dam) and site 6 (below
the dam) in regard to the stream quality
score (Figure 6).
Objectives
The samples were conducted 1 trial per 1
month over a 3 month period along the left,
middle, and right sections of the creek. The
three sample collections were done from
June 2013 to August 2013.
The overall water quality of Bear Creek
based on the sampled parameters shows an
indication of..
30
trial 1: 6/21-6/27
25
trial 2: 7/12-7/18
trial 3: 8/9-8/19
20
15
References
10
5
The primary objective of research was to
collect accurate data that may be accessible
to both Cannon Twn. & Calvin College.
0
1
Site 4: rock, sand
Site 5: clay, sand
Site 6: rock, sand
Figure 3:Site locations #1-6 & primary sedimentation types
2
3
4
Site location #1-6
5
6
Figure 6: Stream Quality Score(assessment based on
Macroinvertabrate populations- Micorps standard index)
Lovelace, Julie. "Quality Assurance Project Plan for the
Bear Creek Stream Study."Micorps.net. Ed. Paul Steen.
N.p., 11 Sept. 2011. Web. 20 May 2013. <micorps>..