Description
Project Overview
In this project, you will analyze data from water samples and make a recommendation based on the findings. You will be taking a scientific approach to solving a practical problem.
Competency
In this project, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following competency:
Describe how scientific approaches are used to address a complex practical problem
Scenario
You work for the Division of Water Sourcing and Education (DOWSE), an international nonprofit organization. DOWSE is doing a project to study the health of global freshwater ecosystems.
The organization recently collected samples from two different locations in South America. The first sample shows signs of contamination. DOWSE hypothesizes that this is due to agricultural runoff from surrounding farms and ranches. The second set of data was collected from a nearby water source to be the “control” for comparison.
René Dey, your supervisor, has asked you to review the information and fill out the Water Analysis Report for the contaminated site. In the report, René also wants you to explain the possible causes of the contamination and recommend a solution.
Directions
Water Analysis Report
Download and complete the Water Analysis Report. First, finish filling in the table that already contains the data from the DOWSE team in South America.
Next, complete the Written Explanation section. In this section, address the following:
Identify how the scientists in South America determined their hypothesis.
Consider how the contaminated water impacted the surrounding environment and the people who live nearby.
Describe the scientific testing performed and the results the team found.
What were some of the testing procedures they used?
Describe the different types of data collected, and include their units of measurement, where applicable.
At what measurement is pH considered acceptable? What is the level of pH at the contaminated site?
At what NTU level is water considered acceptable? How many NTUs are being measured at the contaminated site?
What color is the water at the contaminated site?
Determine whether the scientific data collected supports or refutes the hypothesis. Consider the following:
How can low water pH cause problems for local people and wildlife?
What do you think is the cause of the higher-than-normal turbidity?
What does the color of the water tell you, and why is that important?
Do you think DOWSE’s hypothesis is right? Why or why not?
Identify a possible solution for the water problem in this location in South America, based on scientific methods and the provided data.
Is there anything in the nearby area that could be degrading the water quality?
What to Submit
Every project has a deliverable or deliverables, which are the files that must be submitted before your project can be assessed. For this project, you must submit the following:
Water Analysis Report
First, complete the table in the report. Then, write a 300- to 500-word explanation (about 1 to 2 pages) of what is wrong with the contaminated site and a possible solution for dealing with the problem.
Supporting Materials
The following resource(s) may help support your work on the project:
Citation Help
Need help citing your sources? Use the CfA Citation Guide and Citation Maker
Reading: DOWSE Data in the Water Analysis Report
The Water Analysis Report that you will complete contains the results of common water tests performed by DOWSE at two different locations in South America.
Reading: How to Interpret a Water Analysis Report
This PennState Extension site will help you interpret the DOWSE data above. As you look at the table, you will see the acceptable levels of nitrates and pH. You’ll also learn about some common health effects of water that is outside these acceptable limits.
Reading: Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results
This resource identifies why water can change color, turbidity, and some of the possible causes of unclear water.
