Congregated Salmon Lab Report

Title: Effects of Congregated Salmon on water quality below versus the water above the weir

Purpose: This study consists of testing water quality in general as determined by two tests. One done above the weir where there are no congregated salmon. The other test will be done below the weir where the Salmon are congregated.

Background: The Little Manistee River exists due to several swamps that are located in eastern Lake County. The river flows through Lake County, Mason County and Manistee. After traveling 55 miles from Mason County it then empties into Manistee lake in Stronach. After entering the lake it then Empties into lake Michigan through the channel. Around the little Manistee there are mostly Northern hardwoods and Conifers.

The tests were taken along the Little Manistee watershed. Tests were done above and below the weir. The departure time was around 9:00 Am on 9/22/15. Weather conditions were good, warm and sunny. A series of tests were done to determine water quality. One test conducted was the measure of nitrate in the water. If there is too much nitrate it grows algae which is then eaten by bacteria, and can cause Eutrophication. Another test was done to determine the amount of BOD, which shows how much dissolved oxygen is needed by Aerobic bacteria in order to break down material. Ph is responsible for how acidic or basic the water is. If a body of water has a high ph it can be unsuitable for aquatic life. A very low ph level causes the release of metals from rocks or sediments. This can then affect fish and their fry. Throughout the test for total dissolved solids things like residential runoff, discharges from industrial sewage treatment plants, and minerals are detected. Water is a powerful solvent, and can easily pick up impurities. High total dissolved solids alter taste and quality of water. The turbidity test is responsible for measuring the cloudiness of water caused by sediment particles. The particles in the water absorbs heat from the sun which makes the water warmer. This then reduces the amount of oxygen in the water. High turbidity can also mean sediment pollution. The

With a rating of 69.67 water quality is better below the weir than above, with a rating of 67.73. While looking at dissolved oxygen and Biological Oxygen Demand it is seen that above the weir has a better level of Dissolved oxygen. But both below and above have the same results for BOD. This means that normal levels of oxygen demand is present, not to much oxygen is being used or needed by the river. The river can handle the amount being used by anaerobic bacteria and other aquatic life. There is more dissolved oxygen above the weir than below. This allows for fish who need clear bubbly water to survive better. The difference of dissolved oxygen above and below is only one point difference of the q value. This means that salmon and other fish will be able to live in both places. While looking at the Ph levels of the river it is seen that below the weir has the better value. At a value of 7 it is determined neutral. The water above the weir is considered more acidic. When testing for Nitrates and Phosphates in the river it was shown to be at equal levels both above and below. By the results it shows there is not a dangerous level of either anywhere along the river. Too much of either causes algae and plant growth, bacteria then breaks it down which can lead to eutrophication. With the turbidity test it shows above the river having a higher