The Verdigris River Project

Project Summary

Water quality was measured at five locations across the Port of Catoosa, Bird Creek, and the Verdigris River confluence, with data recorded at each site. During sampling, we observed significant spikes in water quality indicators between points A-5 and A-2, prompting additional testing within that interval. Further investigation revealed a pipe discharging water from a nearby wastewater treatment facility associated with CF Industries. This project was first presented during my freshman year of high school alongside two other students, who focused on Tar Creek and the Arkansas River, respectively. During my sophomore year, the project narrowed its focus to the Verdigris River, and the research team transitioned to a group of two. The project earned first place at the regional level during the freshman year.

In 2022, our AP Environmental Science class conducted water quality data collection across several bodies of water, including the Verdigris River, Arkansas River, Sand Creek, and Tar Creek. Using this dataset, our group developed a research project that examined trends and anomalies across the sampled sites. In 2023, we presented our findings at the Regional Science Fair, where the project advanced and qualified for the State Science Fair. That same year, we also presented our research at the Geological Society of America (GSA) conference, being the first highschoolers to do such. Building on this foundation, our group has since narrowed its focus to a single system, the Verdigris River. In 2024, we present an expanded and more detailed study of this river, drawing on data collected between October 2022 and October 2023. The project represents both a continuation of our earlier work and a deeper dive into the long-term patterns and impacts affecting the Verdigris River.

Hypothesis

If one tests a flowing body of water near an anthropogenic source, then a negative correlation will be seen between the EPA water quality standards and that of human influence.

Abstract

During 2022 and 2023, our team, the Owasso High School STEM Club, conducted an in-depth investigation of the Verdigris River in Oklahoma to evaluate overall water quality. Using kayaks, we sampled the river on five separate occasions, collecting multiple samples at varying locations along the waterway. Testing was performed using both strip tests and digital meters, and select samples were further analyzed by Oklahoma State University for more comprehensive evaluation.

Early in the project, our data revealed an irregularity at a site located a short distance upstream from a Terra Nitrogen facility. In response to this anomaly, our team expanded the study in October 2023 by adding two additional sampling locations closer to the facility. This decision was made to better assess whether industrial discharge or leakage could be influencing water quality in the Verdigris River.

Based on the data collected through January 2024, our findings indicate a noticeable improvement when comparing results from October 2022 to those from October 2023. Measured levels appear lower and more closely aligned with EPA standards, suggesting that mitigation efforts may be underway at the facility. However, should future data contradict this trend, our team intends to formally communicate our findings to the Terra Nitrogen plant. This project remains ongoing, with continued monitoring planned to better understand long-term impacts and accountability.

Procedure

The Owasso High School STEM Club conducted field sampling along the Verdigris River using kayaks to access multiple testing locations. Data collection was carried out with handheld gray and black digital meters, water quality test strips, and physical samples that were subsequently sent to Oklahoma State University for more detailed laboratory analysis. Using the collected data, our team organized results into charts and graphs, conducted comparative analyses, and documented findings. These results formed the foundation for our presentations and allowed us to evaluate and refine our hypotheses based on empirical evidence.

Results

After careful review and analysis of all collected data, our group concludes that the 2022 hypothesis was supported by the results, while the 2023 hypothesis was not fully supported. The 2022 hypothesis stated: “Less affluent areas receive less government funding for environmental regulation compared to more affluent areas.” The data supports this claim. Locations characterized as less affluent and more urban, and therefore receiving limited or no regulatory support, consistently showed stronger negative correlations when compared to EPA water quality standards. This trend is evident at sites such as CF-A/B and A-2, where reduced government funding corresponds with poorer water quality outcomes.

The 2023 hypothesis proposed: “If a flowing body of water is tested near an anthropogenic source, a negative correlation will be observed between EPA water quality standards and human influence.” This hypothesis was only partially supported. While sites such as CF-A/B demonstrated a clear negative correlation, other locations contradicted the expectation. For example, Site A-3, located at the Port of Catoosa, did not exhibit the anticipated decline in water quality. This exception is likely due to substantial government oversight and funding at the Port of Catoosa, which appears to mitigate environmental impacts. These findings ultimately reinforce the conclusions drawn from the 2022 hypothesis, highlighting the role of regulatory support in maintaining water quality.

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