Site One: Sub Pixels

 


Members: 
  • Niall — Animals, Turbidity and Temperature
  • Tomas — pH and Bacteria
  • India — Plants and Salinity
  • Martha — BOD and DO
  • Alon — Nitrogen Compounds
Physical Description of The Sub Pixels Site:

Alewife Reservation is home to many animals and plants from trees to reptiles and mammals to dill weed. The Sub Pixels chose to investigate a large section of the reservation filed with lots of wildlife such as the ones described before. The quadrant the Sub Pixels chose is a semi-large pond (in relation to the other ponds) that is home to various fish including alewife and an abundance of Mallard Ducks, which is the most frequently spotted animal. The pond has a dock in the middle where you have the opportunity to sit and look out into the nature and a bridge spanning across the length of the pond so you don't have to travel the length to get around. The pool is completely bordered by trees and thorny plants along with a small brook on one side and on the other side there is a path for people to walk or cycle by.






Analysis of Data
The site that we used to test water quality of the Alewife Reservation was the furthest from the train station. We took a long rocky path to the site, and entered through a gate. After entering our site, we could see that the soil surrounding the water at our site had formed a bank. There were many trees and plants scattered around the bank. When we first went to the site, snow covered the bank and we could only see soil and trees. However, once the snow melted, many plants began to grow and become visible. The bank made the water easily accessible for our water quality testing. In addition to the bank, there was a bridge jutting into the water that also could also be used to test the water quality. On the left of the site, there were a few buildings that looked like factories. On the right side of our site is where another group of students called “Recess is Cancelled” were doing their water quality testing.

The data that we collected during our first three Alewife Reservation fieldwork days appeared to be within the normal range. However, on our most recent fieldwork day, we found that nitrate levels of the water at our site were quite high. Our previous three tests indicated that the nitrate levels of the water were between 0 and 5 ppm, but our most recent test indicated that the amount of nitrates in the water was 20 ppm. This result concerned us because it could indicate the presence of pollutants, such as bacteria or pesticides, in the water at our site water. My suggestion is that we contact the authorities that oversee the Alewife Reservation to make them aware of this result. If the authorities share our concern, I would expect them to test the water to confirm the accuracy of our results and, assuming that our results are accurate, begin to develop a plan to improve the quality of the water. The lives of the organisms in the water will be at risk if this problem is not dealt with urgently. If the Alewife Reservation authorities do not respond with appropriate speed, my suggestion is that we retest the water ourselves to confirm our concerning result. If the level of nitrates in the water remains high in our subsequent tests, my suggestion is that we seek the help of environmental activist organizations in the Boston area to plan a media campaign and protest marches to put pressure on the Alewife Reservation authorities to take action.