Water Quality Testing with OFI

Water Quality Testing with OFI
Posted on 03/08/2022
Students taking water samples

The Daniel C. Oakes Earth and Environmental Science class partnered with the Ocean First Institute (OFI) in Boulder to do a study on the water quality of our local Plum Creek, located less than a mile from our campus. Scientists from OFI came to Oakes four times to work with our students, starting off with a lesson on the effects of microplastics in waterways. Water and sediment samples were taken from the creek, and were tested for salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and microplastics by students using professional grade equipment, sensors, and probes.

Students will be analyzing the data and report their findings to the Douglas County Conservation District.

Students collect water samples from frozen creek  Microscope view of water sample