H2Oconee and beyond: Canoeing for middle Georgia's water quality

CHED 1121

Ben Barfield, benjamin_barfield@ecats.gcsu.edu1, Daniel C. Brooks, daniel_brooks@bobcat.gcsu.edu2, Katherine Harper, katherine_harper@ecats.gcsu.edu1, Lindsey Peaden, lindsey_peaden@bobcat.gcsu.edu2, Steven Rowland, steven_rowland@ecats.gcsu.edu1, David Wilson, david_wilson1@ecats.gcsu.edu1, and Catrena H. Lisse, catrena.lisse@gcsu.edu2. (1) Department of Chemistry and Physics, Georgia College & State University, CBX 082, Milledgeville, GA 31061, (2) Department of Chemistry & Physics, Georgia College & State University, CBX 082, Milledgeville, GA 31061
A research group of undergraduate chemistry majors from Georgia College & State University have come together to monitor the Oconee River Basin. The parameters that are monitored include nutrient levels, temperature, pH, and turbidity using on-site water testing kits, along with chemical analysis for organic compounds using purge and trap coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The testing locations are mapped using Global Positioning Systems technology to ensure that reproducibility studies can be completed in the same locations. In order to bring water samples back to the lab, the research students have been trained using EPA guidelines on proper water sampling techniques. This paper highlights the techniques used by the undergraduates and also summarizes their results.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Environmental Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007