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W
ith the information we obtained from the water tests, we could report that the Chicago River is in a mediocore condition because most of our tests had high Q-Values and our overall Water Quality Index was a 64 which is considered mediocore.
Water Quality Index for the Chicago River:
76.05
To calculate the total Water Quality Index (WQI) of the site we tested, we used certain weighing factors to determine the importance of each test and what that meant in terms of overall water quality. After using the weighing factors and multiplying them by the Q value for each test, we determined the calculation for each individual test. Then, we added all of the calculations together which yielded the total Water Quality Index. Our number was 76.05%, which means that overall the quality of our water is good.
What is the significance for our low scores?
Suggestions for future tests?
Correlation of Benthic Macroinvertebrates?
We had high Q-Values for all of our tests except for BOD, Turbidity, and E. Coli. We had such low Q-values for turbidity most likely due to the low water levels and sediments located at the bottom of the river. E. Coli and BOD both influence each other because of the bacteria present in both of them. Therefore, if one amount is high, so is the other. With the high levels of organic waste in the Chicago River, it lead to high levels of decomposers using the oxygen as well.
For further tests, in order to receive more consistent data, we would suggest that the water is tested throughout the year. By doing so, we can recieve information about the river from every season and could obtain more data and monitor levels.
How do we improve the river?
There were a large amount of intolerant benthic macroinvertebrates. This means that our water quality has to be good. This is because if intolerant organisms are able to survive and thrive in the water, it is necessary that the water is sustainable and clean enough for them. Our water is thus clean and healthy enough for intolerant organisms to thrive in.
Overall, the health of the river was mediocore. However, it was able to sustain organisms and give them an environment for them to thrive in. There were some limitations that could be improved. In order to improve the quality of the river, the city of Lake Forest should be monitoring what is going in the river and what is going on around the river. This could be done by taking surveys of people who live nearby the river and how they affect it. Also, water quality test should be tested on a regularly basis to make sure that the quality of the river is good and continues to maintain levels that provide safe environment for organisms.
Our Data Tables
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