Our classes intentions:

In our science class we procured water samples, used water quality test strips, and documented the temperature of our two study sites: the Coquitlam rive and The Oxbow Pond to determine the condition of both bodies of water. In addition to this, we identified invertebrate communities that inhabited both water sites.

We performed this activity because it relates to units we have been learning in class. More specifically it relates to the four spheres (Hydrosphere, Biosphere, Atmosphere, Geosphere) unit Ms. Yorke has been teaching us. The watersheds we were exploring are apart of the Hydrosphere. We also analyzed invertebrates and biomes which belong to the biosphere.  So, think of the spheres as four interconnected parts that make up a complete system: in this case, a complete system of life on earth.

Assessment of water quality:

While working on our unit, we performed identical processes at the Coquitlam river and Oxbow pond in groups. Every member in a group had a function, whether it be the waders willing to saunter into the river, or the role of documenting data and taking photos of our findings. As our class was walking to our study sites we were equipped with a few essential items. A thermometer to determine water temperature, a test tube to collect water samples and water quality test strips.

After that, as a class we analyzed the water quality results from both the Coquitlam River and Oxbow pond. The purpose of this activity was to determine the water quality index value. Personally, my group’s test strips was corrupted, but other groups had better results. To put it simply the water quality index provides a single number (like a grade) that expresses the overall quality of a body of water. This test is based on eight water quality parameters (Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity, Nitrates, Phosphates, Total dissolved solids, and Alkalinity).

On the water quality index, the Coquitlam River scored a value of 87.8 and the Oxbow Pond’s scored a value of 79. These values communicate that the health of both the Oxbow Pond and Coquitlam River are in good condition. In detail, the water index conveys that the water quality is protected and clean with a minor amount of impairments. In addition, both bodies of water support a high diversity of life and is suitable for all forms of recreation.

 

Invertebrate sampling:

For our second trip to our study sites our aim was to identify invertebrate communities that inhabited both water sites. The same as before, every member of a group had varying contributions and responsibilities. Once again, some of our peers were dressed in waders volunteering to wander out into the water.

The method that we used to capture invertebrate was to have the waders face the current (current does not apply to the pond) of the river and find a location where there were plenty of rocks. Our waders then picked up and gently brushed rocks on all sides in the water, to get the invertebrates off and into the net. We Then would flip the nets upside down into a bucket to identify the invertebrates. We also cleaned out the nets using collected river water. Lastly, we used popsicles sticks to examine and identify any invertebrates found. To make this process easier we were equipped with an invertebrate identification reference.

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Our group did not successfully catch any invertebrates at the Coquitlam river, but other groups did. Some common invertebrates present were stonefly’s, mayfly’s and damselfly’s. In order for these  invertebrates to be present in fresh water the pollution level needs to be significantly low. Therefor, the fact that they are flourishing in these bodies of water indicates that the water is healthy.

The oxbow pond is a whole different story. Our groups including many others managed to collect a variety of aquatic life. Besides the vast amount of fish and the occasional somewhat pollutant tolerant invertebrate, most groups caught pollutant sensitive aquatic species. Some commonly found invertebrates were caddisfly, water pennies and riffle beetles. This demonstrates that the water quality overall is hygienic and fresh enough for these sensitive invertebrates to inhabit.

 

How do the sample results at our two study sites compare?

Overall, the health and invertebrate communities of both bodies of water are very similar.  Our two study sites are almost identical in the sense that they both support a high diversity of life and is clean. Originally the Oxbow pond used to be a part of the Coquitlam river but over time the water became fixed and formed a pond which could be why these bodies of water are so similar.

 

This then leads me to believe that the quality of water is related to the diversity and number of invertebrates found in rivers or ponds. One of the reasons I believe this is that certain aquatic life prefers or can only survive in certain conditions of water, surroundings, the rivers velocity, and the depth.

Reflections:

I feel as if these activities were interactive, meaningful and an educational experience. Personally, I was not too big of a fan when I found out people had to wander into the water, but thankfully my group members were willing to do so. It was an interesting way to apply our new knowledge of watersheds, invertebrates, water quality factors and spheres to an activity instead of a test.  This activity has helped me learn how to properly follow instructions because one mistake can entirely change your results and analyze my results to make a conclusion.