Comparing Water Quality in Madison County, Kentucky and Volusia County, Florida
Presenter Hometown
Port Orange, FL
Major
Environmental Studies
Department
Biological Sciences
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Alice L. Jones
Mentor Department
Geosciences
Recommended Citation
Craven, Lillian, "Comparing Water Quality in Madison County, Kentucky and Volusia County, Florida" (2018). University Presentation Showcase Event. 15.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2018/undergraduate/15
Abstract
Water quality in four rivers in Madison County, Kentucky were compared with two rivers in Volusia County, Florida. Testing water quality is necessary to ensure safety of drinking water, recreational water activities, and survival of animals and aquatic plants. Water quality samples were taken in Kentucky and Florida in August for the summer season, January for the winter season, and March for the spring season. It was predicted that the water samples would be different between the two communicates because of differences in temperature, climate, and the nature of the pollutants entering the waterways. Kentucky and Florida environments also differ because Florida is coastal while Kentucky is inland, and the area in Florida is more urban while the area in Kentucky is more rural. Water quality parameters included of conductivity (the measurement of electrical flow); pH (a test of acidity or alkalinity); temperature; and dissolved oxygen (necessary for the health of aquatic life). In addition, E. coli, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphorus were collected in September in Kentucky and January in Florida. The results indicate that Kentucky has higher level of dissolved oxygen than Florida, which is likely because of Florida’s higher temperatures—which affect dissolved oxygen. The difference in dissolved oxygen may also be associated with differences in nutrient loading, especially nitrogen and phosphorous, which can reduce the level of dissolved oxygen.
Presentation format
Poster
Comparing Water Quality in Madison County, Kentucky and Volusia County, Florida
Water quality in four rivers in Madison County, Kentucky were compared with two rivers in Volusia County, Florida. Testing water quality is necessary to ensure safety of drinking water, recreational water activities, and survival of animals and aquatic plants. Water quality samples were taken in Kentucky and Florida in August for the summer season, January for the winter season, and March for the spring season. It was predicted that the water samples would be different between the two communicates because of differences in temperature, climate, and the nature of the pollutants entering the waterways. Kentucky and Florida environments also differ because Florida is coastal while Kentucky is inland, and the area in Florida is more urban while the area in Kentucky is more rural. Water quality parameters included of conductivity (the measurement of electrical flow); pH (a test of acidity or alkalinity); temperature; and dissolved oxygen (necessary for the health of aquatic life). In addition, E. coli, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphorus were collected in September in Kentucky and January in Florida. The results indicate that Kentucky has higher level of dissolved oxygen than Florida, which is likely because of Florida’s higher temperatures—which affect dissolved oxygen. The difference in dissolved oxygen may also be associated with differences in nutrient loading, especially nitrogen and phosphorous, which can reduce the level of dissolved oxygen.
