Chicago River Water Testing
My group tested the nitrate levels of the Chicago River, about a one mile from Lake Michigan. The test consisted of 50 mL of river water and two pre-made mixtures added to the sample. These mixtures' purpose was to react with the nitrates and create a a pink color for the tester, in this case me. The more intense this pink color, the more nitrates there were in the water. If there are too many nitrates in the river, it may cause eutrophication. High amounts of nitrates in drinking water could also lead to many problems in very young and unborn children, such as infant methemoglobinemia. Two groups did this test, and the average "Q" value, or quality value, of the river was 100, meaning that water has perfect nitrate levels. One way I or anyone could continue this great balance is to ensure that there car and its engine is working properly and that there is no chance of leakage of any fluid.
3 Things I Learned
1) Due to the near perfect balance that the bridge achieves, there are surprisingly small motors used to lift the Michigan Avenue bridge.
2) It took 12 years to build the Michigan Avenue bridge.
3) Chicago Sanitary District was established in 1887
2 Surprising Facts
1) The river flow was reversed to avoid polluting Chicago's main source of drinking water with its inhabitants' sewage.
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2) 2/3 of the men died when working on the canal in 1839-1839
1 Question
1) Whose idea was it to name 5 consecutive streets after the Great Lakes?
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| View from Michigan Ave. Bridge Mueseum |
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| Color comparison to find nitrate levels |
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