SAE:

Adopt a local stream to monitor water quality

Description:

A student may monitor a local steam to determine the water quality of the stream.  Testing and monitoring of the steam requires a sample to be taken from the stream at least once month.  By testing a stream’s water quality, a student can determine if there are any problems with the stream that may be harmful to the stream’s environment.  If there are potential dangerous contaminates in the steam, the student can develop a plan of action to make the stream a safer place.

This SAE could be broadened to include the student joining an Adopt-A-Stream program and involving their FFA chapter or the whole community.  If the student completes the certification courses for biological and chemical stream quality conducted by the Adopt-A-Stream program they can serve as a trainer for local chapter of the program.

Written by Blane Marable


Factors To Consider

Ranking:
1 = lowest
10 = highest

Time required

7

Investment 2
Equipment needed 5
Skills required 7
Facilities required 3
Land required 8
Labor Intensity 8
Potential for income 1
Transportation required 8
Expansion possibilities 9
Expertise needed 8
Advertising needed 4
Susceptible to disease 2
Susceptible to insects 8
Suitable for residential areas 10
  Other (specify)
Length of production cycle Constant
Regional All regions
When to start project Anytime

Notes:
 

Sources of Additional Information:

-Georgia Adopt-A-Stream

-Environmental Protection Division

4220 International Parkway, Suite 101

Atlanta, GA 30354

(404) 675-1639

-Cooperate Extension Service

-Local Biology Teacher