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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Even though wildlife feces are a potential source of phosphates, phosphates were not detected in the Duck Pond this year and have not been detected since 2022. This could be due to the relatively short time water spends in the Duck Pond before flowing out via Cold Creek.
What are phosphates?
What are phosphates?
Phosphates are types of phosphorus that can be found in water
They originate from natural sources.
Why do phosphates matter to water quality?
Why do phosphates matter to water quality?
Phosphates act as a nutrient for plants and algae growth
Too much algae bloom can cause unhealthy environment
High phosphates level can cause lower oxygen which can lead to fish being killed
Normal Levels
Normal Levels
Majority of water should have less than 0.03 mg/L of phosphate
Levels above 0.1 mg/L will cause algae problems
Our levels were a normal and acceptable level
The amount of algae or duck poop can cause changes
2025 & 2022
in 2025 we used better samples and kits than 2022 so we cant really compare the significant different
2025 & 2024
As shown in the chart, the phosphate levels between 2025 and 2024 remained the same.
2025 & 2023
As shown in the chart, the phosphate levels between 2025 and 2023 remained the same.
How does pH affect phosphates?
Low PH- more Phosphates turn into H₂PO₄⁻ or H₃PO₄
Neutral PH- most phosphates are HPO₄²⁻
High PH- more phosphates are PO₄³⁻
All of these can bind with calcium or magnesium to settle out
Most forms affect the amount of phosphates available for plants and algae
What could be done if phosphate levels were abnormal?
What could be done if phosphate levels were abnormal?
Cutting down on fertilizer use
Improving BMP
Advanced treatments for point sorce pollution areas
Control over algae blooms in the duck pond
Page Creators:
Jackie Sizemore, Ethan Hageman, Dani Ziemke- Margaretta Class of 2027
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