Rio Grande River’s Effects on Saltwater Bodies Near the South Texas Coastlines

Rio Grande River’s effects on Saltwater Bodies near the South Texas Coastlines

Specific Aims

The Rio Grande River runs a length of 1,800 miles and is the fifth longest river in the United States. It spans from the beginning of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado to the United States-Mexico border. Through its path the Rio Grande collects sediments from erosion and pollutants from agriculture and municipal waste, it then dumps such pollutants into connecting saltwater branches such as: Boca Chica Beach and South Padre Island. The purpose of this experiment is to test the effects of the connection between the Rio Grande River and its connecting saltwater bodies. Boca Chica Beach and South Padre Island water will be tested for pollutants that could indicated the presence of municipal, industrial or agricultural waste brought by run-off from the Rio Grande River. The pollutants to be tested for are coliform bacteria, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, pH, phosphate, and turbidity because the presence and concentration of these elements indicate the quality of the water. This experiment will analyze the water quality of Boca Chica beach and South Padre Island and study if run-off from the Rio Grande River is the cause of the contamination of this water.

Research Strategy

Significance

The Rio Grande River and its connecting saltwater bodies are of great significance to the region of South Texas since they provide water for agricultural use and flood control for nearby cities. Preservation of this resource is monumental for the region, as well as the reduction of natural and manmade pollutants Natural pollutants in water are derived from natural mineral deposits in water bodies such as: chlorides and sulphates. The greater source of water pollution comes from man and his related activities. The three principal sources of manmade pollution that can enter a water body are: agricultural, municipal, and industrial wastes. Scientists attribute agricultural pollution to...