Abstract
A Stream Quality Data was collected at Tulip Spring, New Jersey through a macroinvertebrate collection that had been used to identify the quality in which this freshwater animals were living. Collection and preservation of such invertebrates help in the determination of its water quality and capacity to tolerate pollution. Also a biotic index calculation was applied in order for the result of our findings giving a polluted water quality. The streams were not clean as predictions after been able to experience a moment at the Tulip Springs in the south Mountain Reservation in New Jersey October 20th, 2015.
Introduction
First, stream quality had been investigated to measure pollution from a biological perspective. …show more content…
First, macroinvertebrates were collected and taken into a lab in a disposable jar for identification. Second, once they were identified a biotic index was used to determine the stream pollution through biotic index calculations. Biotic Index Ranges helped in determining whether or not the Tulip Spring Stream was polluted.
Results
Our group collected the following information: Table 1. Stream Quality Assessment. This data was obtained while the macroinvertebrates were collected and examination of the surroundings were needed it. Table 2. Group 1. Macroinvertebrates collection. The Biotic Index for this group was 2 indicating a gross pollution for the stream. Table 3. Group 2. Macroinvertebrate Collection. The Biotic Index obtained for group 3 was 6 indicating a moderate pollution. Table 4. Group 3. Macroinvertebrate Collection. The Biotic Index obtained for group 4 was 3 indicating a moderate …show more content…
The predictions made before this experiment was a non-polluted site. The channel showed some occasional bends. Also, bedrock, clay/silt were present. The current gave a volume of flow of 0.173. The habitat complexity was observed and rock, sticks and overhanging vegetation was found. There was as well exposed oil on banks and active zones of erosion. There was no fish observed in the stream and no activity of people fishing. However, the presence of a parking lot left a lot to say. This could be an evidence that pollution is due to definitely external environment. The lack of time was the enemy in collecting data leaving with what it was necessary and poor observations.
Conclusion
The Tulip Spring showed a moderate to a gross pollution based on the biotic index number obtained based on the freshwater macroinvertebrates collection. This species had showed their tolerance against organic pollution. Even if it is an area which location is apart from the constant exposure to pollution doesn’t indicate a clean stream will be found.
References
Macroinvertebrate Identification Key. Stroud Water Research Center. Avondale,