Just Ducky? The Harsh Effects of Torrance Runoff on Madrona Marsh

Overview

Objectives/Goals To use various forms of science including biochemistry and microbiology to preserve Madrona Marsh a vernal marsh in Torrance, California from harsh contaminants in local runoff. Methods/Materials Mock Marshes, Zinc Chloride, Lead Nitrate, Chromium sulfate, Ammonia, Gasoline, Compound light microscope, Balance, GC/MS, seperatory funnel, dichloromethane, NaCL Aqueous solution, Ethanol, Sodium sulfate, safety equipment, droppers, Madrona marsh water, Torrance street runoff, 300 ml distilled water. I obtained permission to use the UCLA GC/MS facility and Madrona Marsh water. I collected marsh and runoff water. Then with the assistance of Dr. Jane Strouse and co-workers, I prepared and analyzed samples of marsh water and runoff using a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer to look for similarities in the marsh and runoff to prove runoff contaminants were entering the vernal marsh when it rained. I researched and chose chose 5 prominent toxins to test on protozoa. I used the protists as an indicator species I set them up in six mock marshes and tested each toxin in the miniature marsh. I counted the amount of protozoa living after 2 weeks and established lead nitrate as the most lethal toxin. I found a filtration system to remove all five toxins from the marsh, a salmon saver Enviro-drain. Results Lead Nitrate had the most lethal effect on the protozoa. In a miniature pond previously containing 525 protozoa viewable (100x magnification, 5 minutes), it had only 60 protozoa viewable. An Enviro Drain system can restore the marsh, the top tray filters particles and a natural cellulose fiber absorbs oil and gasoline substances, the bottom tray, filled with activated carbon, neutralizes pesticides and removes lead nitrate as well as the other prominent toxins. My chi-square results prove there is a significant difference between each set of data. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis was valid because lead nitrate was the most lethal of the five toxins (lead nitrate, zinc chloride, chromium sulfate, ammonia, and gasoline). This means that by removing Lead Nitrate alone, 88.5% more protozoa would survive. When adding each toxin to the mock marshes I used the PPM by mass ratio that each toxin is present in the marsh. I counted protozoa accurately, counting how many I could view in 5 minutes on 1oox magnification. I counted Six times, per container and averaged those numbers.

Awards (1)

• Fourth Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2009 Earth & Environment (Senior Division Only) · Entry S0805

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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