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Assessing the water quality at Pescadero Creek, CA: does water turbidity and the creek’s composition affect the water quality?

Author(s): Ashley Alarcon1, Anne Espeset2

1. Los Altos High School 2. University of Nevada at Reno

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Summary:
Right now in the world, there are many factors affecting the world’s environment. Environments, ecosystems, and weather throughout the world are changing due to the anthropocene. Humans are affecting the water quality of creeks and rivers…

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Right now in the world, there are many factors affecting the world’s environment. Environments, ecosystems, and weather throughout the world are changing due to the anthropocene. Humans are affecting the water quality of creeks and rivers throughout the United States, often through pollution and agricultural run-off. Large amounts of nitrogen in water can affect a creek’s ecological surroundings. With the water quality changing, aquatic species and its ecological surroundings are now being affected as well. In my research, I studied the water quality at Pescadero Creek to find the relationship between water turbidity and the creek’s composition, to the water quality. My research suggests how “murky” water contains large amounts of ammonia, compared to clear water. This is because the sediment contains larger amounts of ammonia levels. The large amounts of ammonia in the sediment of the creek is affecting the aquatic life and ecological surroundings of the Pescadero Creek. My research also suggested how the nitrite levels in rocky surroundings were larger than nitrite levels in sandy surroundings....

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Version 1.0 - published on 10 Feb 2023 doi:10.25334/3ZTY-6X95 - cite this

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The Headwaters Research Experience (HRE) is a science education program that offers students an opportunity to design and conduct an original research project with the guidance of a professional scientist mentor. The program provides hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and life skills to help prepare students for college and careers in science. It is considered a valuable opportunity for students looking to enhance their science education and professional network.

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