Association for Biology Laboratory Education

The Kankapot Creek Coast Guard: Public service through water quality monitoring of a stressed stream
 

Joy Perry

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2005, Volume 26

Abstract

The Biology Department at the University of Wisconsin – Fox Valley is carrying out a long-term project in which students gather water quality data on a nearby impaired stream. These data will eventually be used to help formulate a restoration plan for the stream. This exercise follows the procedures our students use to assess stream habitat quality, chemical and physical parameters, and benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and pollution tolerance. Data collection is completed in the field using relatively simple – but informative – techniques. Sources of supplies and equipment are provided as well.

Keywords:  stream water quality, water quality, habitat assessment, stream ecology

Bowling Green State University, Ohio (2004)