Jonathan Giron
Water Quality of Natural Springs in the Springfield MO Area
Home Institution: Missouri State University
Advisor: Melida Guitierrez
Abstract
In our research we are looking at water quality parameters in natural springs in the Springfield area. We took samples once a week from September to November 2019 from five different springs (Doling, Fulbright, Sander, Sequiota and Silver Springs). The parameters we are searching for are the major anions (nitrates, sulfate, and chlorides) and the major cations (Mg+2, Ca +2, Na + and K +) as well as the alkalinity, pH, and turbidity. We did our research because it is important for the health in drinking quality not only for people but for animals in our ecosystem. Our last research was also from 20 years ago so we are filling in the missing gap.
I was personally assigned to study Doling, Fulbright and Silver Springs. Once we collected our samples we followed our standard methodology procedures and we applied quality control to our data by repeating the sample testing. A calibration curve was also prepared to compare our data with the graph to get our final results and we displayed those results for everyone to see.
Due to our results we are able to see patterns that are unique for each spring and they might also reflect the weather.