Pollution along Buffalo Bayou, Quach, Jessica; Robinson, Corey; Maradiago, David
College of Science and Mathematics
The purpose of this study was to identify the potential pollution present by testing certain parameters of water, such as the levels of nitrate, ammonium, TDS (total dissolved solids), and chloride, for different bodies of water throughout Houston along the Buffalo Bayou. The different locations chosen for sampling included: Gay Hill, Mayde Creek, White Oak Bayou, the Houston Arboretum, the Port of Houston Ship Channel, and Galveston Bay. Water samples from the aforementioned sources were collected and then tested and analyzed using certain instruments such as TDS meters and probes like the Vernier Nitrate Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE). Water from the Houston Arboretum served as the control, since it is a relatively undisturbed ecosystem. It was hypothesized that the levels of all the parameters to be tested should increase from body of water to body of water as the water travels farther down the Buffalo Bayou due to the pollution accumulated. Results showed that the amount of only certain parameters, such as nitrate levels, increased in a direct manner as predicted.
