An educational approach to the study of water quality environments of rivers and streams

Prior studies of an endangered genus of snail lo fluvialis in the Powell River's threatened water system located in upper east Tennessee indicated a need for a comprehensive study of the water quality environment. No known comprehensive studies on water quality of this river have been conducted. No module or educational field guide has been developed for this river basin.

Sampling of water at two sites in the approximate mid-section of the river system were performed. Sampling was done approximately once a week. Twenty-eight different measurements consisting of physical and chemical properties were conducted over an eighteen week period. Physical and chemical measurements were performed on-site when weather conditions permitted. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed on the data of each site when appropriate. Student t-tests were conducted for any significant differences between the means of the two sites. Statistical analyses using a t-test were also used to test the significance of differences between mean chemical readings and specific values. A five percent significance level was used in all analyses.

An educational approach in the design of a learning field guide for water quality studies for use in secondary schools and colleges was undertaken. Modules were developed and pretested by eighty-five college and high school students. Student oral and written comments were used to further develop the modules.

A specialized field guide, "An Introductory Guide to the Study of Freshwater Streams and Rivers," was developed from the detailed research investigation. Observation by the researcher indicated that students enjoyed and benefited from the field testing.

No significant differences existed between the two sites relative to physical and chemical measurements, however, some measurements of each sites' readings were not within the safe recommended levels. The snail population is still threatened in this water shed area according to research findings.

The two sites' readings showed more similarities than differences even though the population of Io seemed adequate during the time of this study. The field study guide should help students become interested in local environmental problems.