Water Quality in the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed
Faculty Sponsor
Jon Schoer
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Chemistry
ORCID Identifier(s)
0000-0003-1969-9977, 0000-0002-29747795, 0000-0002-2295-1873, 0000-0001-9536-7953
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Summer 7-28-2015
Abstract
The water quality in the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes watershed has been regularly monitored for the past decade. Eleven lakes and associated streams, ponds, and wetlands make up the watershed. Multiple tests were performed in the field including measurements of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, chloride concentration, nitrate concentration, ammonium concentration, and clarity. Samples were collected and an assortment of laboratory tests were also performed including total and reactive phosphorus, biological oxygen demand (BOD), total coliforms and E. coli, and total suspended solids (TSS). Most of the parameters monitored have remained relatively constant in the watershed. One notable exception is that the total and reactive phosphorus levels for most of the lakes tests have generally decreased from their levels at the beginning of research in 2005. Water quality and clarity have also somewhat improved. These improvements are attributed to efforts made by various organizations, groups, and individuals near the watershed to better manage the lakes. By continuing to collaborate and interact with the community, we anticipate growing awareness of the factors affecting water quality in the watershed and that sound management practices will expand and lead to further improvements in the quality of the watershed.
Recommended Citation
Barkus, Brittany M.; Tomten, Hannah M.; Delorenzo, Jordan P.; and Mamahit, Yugoviandi P., "Water Quality in the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed" (2015). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 466.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/466
