Does the Chemistry of the Rio Grande River Change from Season to Season?
This is a year two study of the chemistry of the Rio Grande River. Dramatic changes in nitrates and total dissolved solids were noted between Oct. 2002 and Jan. 2003. A forty five mile stretch along the Rio Grande river was used to search for the answer in my quest to find out why these water quality indicators have changed. For the complete report, please see the online report. Abstract The purpose of my project was to determine if the chemistry in the Rio Grande River changes from season to season. Using the GLOBE hydrology protocols for taking turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates, pH and alkalinity measurements; I began collecting monthly water samples from the Courchesne Bridge in September 2001 for a science fair project. The Courchesne Bridge separates the city of El Paso, Texas from Sunland Park, New Mexico. The results show that there are noticeable differences in the chemistry of the Rio Grande River from season to season. Chang
