Chemistry in Water

Surface Water Quality Case Study

Laboratory Experiment (Part 2)

Now that you have established some partnerships in this water quality study, ask yourself some additional questions before continuing:

• How many analyses should be performed on the same sample to report an accurate concentration?
• How will you report the uncertainty of the value you measure?
• Can you use a standard curve developed in the first period to determine the concentrations of contaminants in all of the samples that you take? How often do you need to check the validity of the standard curve?

After you have collected some samples and identified some contaminants, try to identify possible sources of the pollutants. To accomplish this, you need to make observations at and near the sampling site. Speculate about how you would test your hypotheses if you had a longer time-frame for your studies.

Dissemination of Your Results and Conclusions for each week of the study.

When you reach consensus with your group, complete a group report on your experiment. Make sure to include a graphical analysis of your data.  Use the linked report template as model for construction your report.   Discuss with your team:

1. How do the data make sense?
2. If they don't make sense, determine what your team will do to get better results.
3. Enter your data and plot any that you need to graphically using Excel. Find interesting parameters from the graphical data that have meaning for this investigation. 
4. Describe questions you have at this point in the investigation.

* Dissemination of Your FINAL Results and Conclusions

The last full lab period will be devoted to poster presentations of final results from each student group. The professors of 188 and 189 and other chemistry faculty and staff will also be present to see the culmination of your chemical analysis work, give comments and ask questions.

      When you are satisfied with your report, print a copy for your instructor and retain an electronic copy for future references. Always retain copies of all documents you produce during the semester for your use and to prove that you have completed the laboratory assignments.