Comparing methods of nutrient analysis

Comparing methods of nutrient analysis

by Hannah Parry-Wilson, Citizen Science Co-ordinator

As part of ongoing collaborative work with the Geography Team at Queen Mary University of London, since late 2023 we’ve been working with undergraduate student Simone for her final dissertation project.

Simone has been comparing citizen science methods of processing water samples to determine phosphate and nitrate concentrations in the River Chess, also comparing them with laboratory processing.

Having just submitted her final thesis in May, Simone found that of two citizen science methods used to determine nutrient concentrations, results from both equipments were comparable, but not necessarily to laboratory processing.

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Furthermore, the results suggested that wet weather in the River Chess appears to substantially increase phosphate concentations but not nitrate concentration, with the highest levels of both nutrients regardless of weather found downstream of Chesham sewage treatment works.

Hanna equipment

Congratulations Simone for winning a Laboratory Prize for Practical Research Skills, one of only two awards handed out each year to a QMUL undergraduate student for their dissertation work!

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