Terius Grandison
Allison Singleton
Pam Panzino
Monique McGough
Lab Report #1 on Water Testing at North Fork, Shenandoah River

Purpose- The purpose of our experiment was to test the quality of the water at the North
Fork of the Shenandoah River.

Procedure- First, we picked a location on the right side of the bridge with a good riffle
area. Next, Allison and I ventured into the water and placed the net in the river as
Monique scrubbed the rocks in front of the net. After 30 seconds of scrubbing rocks, we
came out of the water and observed the macroinvertebrates. As we collected different
species we placed them into individual spots in an ice cube tray. After identifying al the
organisms captured, we return the macroinvertebrates to the water and cleaned the net.
Then, we tested the temperature of the water by sticking the thermometer in the water for
about a minute and thirty seconds. After recording the temperature in Celsius, we tested
the pH. To test the pH, we filled a test tube with water to the five millimeter line, put 10
drops of Wide Range Indicator into the test tube, mixed it all together, and compared the
color of the test tube to the colors on the Octet Comparator. Next, we tested the nitrate
levels in the river. To test the nitrate levels, we filled a test tube with five millimeters of
water, put a nitrate #1 tablet into the test tube and let it dissolve, then put a nitrate #2
tablet in the test tube, waited five minutes, and the compared the color of the test tube to
the colors on the Octet Comparator. Last but not least, we tested the dissolved oxygen. To
test the dissolved oxygen in the river, we completely filled a test tube with water, put two
dissolved oxygen tablets into the vial, shook it up, waited five minutes, and then
compared the color of the vial to the colors on the Octet Comparator.
Terius Grandison
Allison Singleton
Pam Panzino
Monique McGough

Data/Results- x-axis: Name of Organisms/ y-axis: Number of Organisms Found
Terius Grandison
Allison Singleton
Pam Panzino
Monique McGough

Data/Results Continued- All listed numbers are the average of the data
-
Left Side
Temperature: 23.3
pH: 8
Dissolved Oxygen: 4
Nitrate: 1.8
-
Right Side
Temperature: 24.1
pH: 7.9
Dissolved Oxygen: 1.9
Nitrate: 2

Discussion- According to the data above the quality of the water was in very good
condition. Finding macroinvertebrates such as water pennies is such a high quality means
just proves how great the water condition is. The nitrate was a little higher probably than
usual because it had just recently rain, which would increase nitrate levels. The dissolved
oxygen is probably off because we have to take into account (along with all the other
tests) that human error can occur. For example, putting too much water in a test tube or
put a hint of extra drops when testing pH. Things can happen. Also, using different kits
can sometimes give you different results. Ways we could improve our experiment is
doing a few test for things like pH to get a more accurate recording. Honestly, our group
Terius Grandison
Allison Singleton
Pam Panzino
Monique McGough
did not really have any limitations while doing our experiment, but others ran into the
problem of not having all the materials they needed for a specific test, resulting in the
borrowing of others’ materials.

Conclusions- In conclusion, the water at the North Fork of the Shenandoah River is in
good condition. The pH was good, the temperature was nice, the dissolved oxygen was
good, especially since we found a lot of macroinvertebrates, and the nitrate was not too
bad either. Having good levels of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nitrate means
life in the river can survive and all things in the river are healthy. If not, then some
organisms may survive, but for the most part life will not survive.

Reflections- My partners and I worked well together. We all did our share of work.
While one person was doing something the other was either helping out that person or
doing something else that would benefit the overall project.