Project Description
The project will assess nutrient and chloride loadings in a restored section of Underwood Creek in Wauwatosa, WI, to estimate the potential of nutrient uptake or release. A graduate and undergraduate student will take surface and groundwater samples from Underwood Creek on a biweekly basis. Samples will then be analyzed for chemical water quality parameters in the lab the following week. In addition well slug tests and stream flow measurements will be conducted on site at various locations, to determine mass fluxes of water, nutrients, and chloride into and out of the restored section of the creek. The data will then be used to calculate mass balances for nitrate, phosphorous, and chloride to determine if any attenuation or release of those constituents occurs across the restored section of Underwood Creek.
Tasks and Responsibilites
The SURF student will work alongside a graduate student in the field to help collect surface and groundwater samples, take stream flow measurements, conduct slug tests and measure depth-to-water level in groundwater wells at the Underwood Creek site, every other week. The undergraduate student will also be tasked with measuring water samples for pH, alkalinity, conductivity, hardness, nitrate and phosphorous in the geochemistry laboratory in Lapham Hall. The undergraduate student will also help with data analysis when applicable and time is available.
Desired Qualifications
None Listed.