Examining the Water Health of Salt Creek in Lincoln, Nebraska

Overview

By 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization says around 1.8 billion people will face severe water scarcity (FAO). In Nebraska, while we rely on groundwater, we should make sure our water is clean not just below the ground but above as well so that we have more sources to rely on in the start of a water scarcity. The following research will analyze the health of Salt Creek in Lincoln, Nebraska. This research was conducted over 7 months (n=1,190) using multiple parameters at five different locations along Salt Creek. Parameters included: Dissolved Oxygen(mg/L), Temperature(C), Conductance (SPC), pH, Pressure(mmHg), Turbidity(NTU), E.coli, Macroinvertebrates, Total phosphorus(mg P/L), and Total Nitrogen(mg N/L). The river showed a significant E.coli value(p - value of 0.041909) difference in location, as high amounts of E.coli were in the water after the wastewater plants and from the leaking pipe, which throughout was reported to authorities. Another significant finding is the higher amount of Nutrients in these locations because of the effect of the wastewater dumping into our waters, with both Total Nitrogen(p-value of .004707) and Total Phosphorus(p-value of .000385) being significantly higher than normal. We can also see a naturally higher dissolved oxygen because of the shallow and fast flowing stream. While the turbidity remained relatively low and conductivity showcased the salinity of Salt Creek as well as the changes that occurred along the way. While Salt Creek hasn’t been studied as much as other sources in Nebraska, saving water sources that are naturally different requires our help to research them. Finding we have without a doubt a significant creek in our town, but some results are more natural than others like salinity unlike E.coli and nutrient levels. Concluding that our Creek needs help thriving.

Competition history

• AJAS 2026 Category not listed

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