Innovative Water Monitoring Technologies

Figure 1. Handheld YSI probe with 4 sensors that measure

temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity. 

Photo. J. Hewitt

 Figure 2. Another view of the YSI probe with computer and data storage. 

Photo. J. Hewitt

Figure 3. Submerged YSI sonde that measures water conditions 

at scheduled intervals over a period of time. 

Photo. J. Hewitt

Advances in portable monitoring technology allow ecologists to observe levels of chemicals and nutrients that enter aquatic environments from storm water runoff, pesticide and fertilizer applications, and other point source contaminants (Barraud et al., 2002). State-of-the-art water monitoring equipment has advanced as sensor technology is designed into portable monitoring probes and sondes. Probes (Figure 1&2) are handheld devices use to sample surface water. Sondes (Figure 3) are submerged instruments that gather continuous data over time with the ability to transmit that stored information. Scouts will get an opportunity at summer camp to use these innovative technologies to collect water sample data. This data will be documented over time to monitor Black Creek conditions. It is important to monitor conditions because conserving the richest biodiversity of stream life requires cool water, increased dissolved oxygen, and minimal contaminants (Kaller & Kelso, 2007). Part of the lesson will discuss how the latest monitoring technologies use portable lab chip sensors that are easily calibrated in the field and are aiding ecologists in water conservation efforts (Jang et al., 2011).

References

Barraud, S., Gibert, J., Winiarski, T., & Krajewski, B. (2002). Implementation of a monitoring system to measure impact of stormwater runoff infiltration. Water Science & Technology, 45(3):203-210.

Kaller, M. D., & Kelso, W. E. (2007). Association of macroinvertebrate assemblages with dissolved oxygen concentration and wood surface area in selected subtropical streams of the southeastern USA. Aquatic Ecology, 41(1):95-110.

Jang, A., Zou, Z., Lee, K. K., Ahn, C. H., & Bishop, P. L. (2011). State-of-the-art lab chip sensors for environmental water monitoring. Measurement Science and Technology, 22(3):032001.

In this episode we explore how scientists for the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program investigate the ecological health of rivers and streams across the United States. Focusing on a recent sampling effort along the Minam River in northeast Oregon, this video highlights USGS sampling methods for fish, macroinvertebrates (bugs), algae, and habitat. Join us, as we show biometric data can be used to assess the health of streams, only in this episode of the USGS CoreCast.

Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge

Scouts in Science Day

Come out to Georgia Southern University on April 26th from 9AM to 4PM to learn about Soil and Water Conservation and have the chance to earn the merit badge! Scouts in Science day will be an opportunity for scouts to investigate the world of science and their role in conservation of our Earth. Scouts will visit Statesboro's wastewater treatment plant for a tour and will participate in a number of activities related to the merit badge. Please bring $10 to cover lunch and snacks. Sign up soon--only 50 slots are available!

The boys will meet at the wastewater treatment plant (302 Briarwood Rd) to begin their tour at 9:00.  They may want to be there a few minutes early (8:45).  Once they sign-up on our link, we will send them maps with directions on exactly where to meet for drop-off and pick-up. 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DACA82CAAF85-boyscouts

http://www.coastalgeorgiabsa.org/event/1535522

Most boys love to fish!

Mason Hoffman enjoys fishing as a member of Pack 9058 in Bulloch County Parks and Recreation After School Program. Should he eat the fish he catches from the lake? How can he tell if the water quality is clean and risk free? Comment on your thoughts below.

Scouts as Citizen Scientists!

This summer Scouts participating at Black Creek Scout Camp will become "citizen scientists" as they join a team effort to monitor the water quality of Black Creek, the primary tributary to Eagle Lake. Please watch this short video. Merit badges include Soil and Water Conservation, Insect Study, Nature, and two Eagle required badges: Environmental Science and Sustainability. Would your Pack, Troop, or Crew be interested in knowing your freshwater?

Post your thoughts below!

Eagle Lake Recreation

There is a demand for clean, unpolluted water within Eagle Lake at Black Creek Scout Reservation (BCSR) located near Sylvania, GA. The primary tributary to the forty acre Eagle Lake is Black Creek, a freshwater coastal stream within the Savannah River Basin, Region 4. The lower Coastal Plain streams are referred to as blackwater river systems. The deep water appears black and the shallow water appears tea-colored. The coloration is from the tannic acids leached from organic matter (Wharton, 1998). Evergreen forests are the dominant land cover and these forests account for 37.20% to 53.35% of total land cover within the Coastal Plain (Chaloud et al., 2001). However, land cover at BCSR is changing and being developed to create an impressive summer camp for Scouts within the Coastal Georgia Council and surrounding areas. Members of the professional staff have identified a need to develop a land use management plan to include conservation goals, forestry management, wildlife habitat protection , and a water quality monitoring program of both Black Creek and Eagle Lake. This all needs to happen in conjunction with the support and partnership of the volunteer Camping Committee who oversee's the development of BCSR property.

"Reflection of Eagle Lake"

Photo - J. Hewitt, February 2014

References

Chaloud, D. et al. (2001). Savannah River Basin landscape analysis. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Warton, C. (1998). The natural environments of Georgia. Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Geological Survey Bulletin 114, 3^rd printing.