Water Sampling Program
During summer and fall of 2011, volunteers have been assisting the Crystal Lake Conservancy with a very involved water sampling program. The City of Newton’s environmental engineer has provided regular advice in correct sampling techniques and collection sites. Water samples, taken from land and by boat, are being collected from 11 different locations around the lake at 6 different time periods between August–October 2011. Samples are being analyzed by a State Certified G&L Laboratory in Quincy MA. The comprehensive water sampling of Crystal Lake includes bacterial analysis and counts (E. coli and Enterococcus); herbicides and pesticides; fertilizer components such as nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and phosphorus and arsenic. We also measured dissolved oxygen levels, deepwater phosphorus and temperature readings as this is important for wildlife and vegetation at various stratification levels in the lake.
Water sampling, especially for bacteria, is extremely temperature and time sensitive, and volunteers have been careful to follow protocol for collecting the samples and communicating with the laboratory in a timely manner.
Water sampling, especially for bacteria, is extremely temperature and time sensitive, and volunteers have been careful to follow protocol for collecting the samples and communicating with the laboratory in a timely manner.
| The chart to the left shows the natural nitrogen cycle between plants and fish. Natural levels of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and phosphorus exist in an ecosystem. Higher levels due to watershed runoff could occur and can disrupt the natural balance and cause over growth of algae and plants which eventually creates an anaerobic condition too early in the cycle. This situation can create a hostile environment for those animals that depend upon longer periods of oxygen during the summer months.
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