Results
From the experiment conducted, the following observations were made: Firstly, in regard to volume of flow a long Ashland Creek, site number one had the least volume of water flowing. The volume of flow then rose steadily across sites 2, 3 and 4. Secondly, water temperatures were observed to be slightly higher in site 1 as compared to site 2. The temperatures then dropped slightly across site 3 and rose steadily across site 4. In regard to the amount of dissolved oxygen present, site 1 had the highest amount of oxygen present. The levels dropped slightly in site 2, rose a little bit in site 3 and then dropped once more in site 4. In addition, nutrient concentrations were observed to be increasing steadily across sites 1, 2 and 3. The levels increased rapidly in site 4. On the other hand, phosphate levels were observed to be rising gradually across sites 1, 2 and 3 then decreased slightly in site 4.
Discussion
The volume of flow of water at the four sites along Ashland Creek was observed to be increasing steadily downstream. This pattern can be debated as being normal. This is because, in a normal situation, the volume of flow water upstream which is the course of the river is always smaller. As the stream progressively moves downwards, it merges with other streams to form a relatively larger river with a higher volume of flow because of the increased volume of water.
Temperatures along the Creek are found to be steadily increasing downstream. This pattern is normal and maybe attributed to the fact that, decrease in altitude results to an increase in temperature.
Dissolved oxygen along the Creek was found to be decreasing gradually downstream. This pattern is normally expected in a stream. This is because, as we move downstream, we expect to find very many aquatic living organisms which majorly utilize the oxygen available. On the contrary, few organisms live upstream and hence dissolved oxygen may not be much utilized. Moreover, there is increase in pollution downstream hence levels of dissolved oxygen are expected to be lower.
The concentration of nitrates and phosphates were found to be increasing downstream. These maybe attributes to increased deposition of nitrates and phosphates from industries. These patterns are not actually expected in normal conditions. This is because, as the stream moves towards its mouth, much of the nitrates and the phosphates are utilized by growing algae hence, the levels are expected to be lower.
References
Ilic, D., & Panjan, J. (2010). Nitrogen and Phosphorus Amounts in the Ledeva River Before and After its Outflow into Lake Ledeva, 1-7. Retrieved from < http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1589.pdf>
