Teaching Water Quality Analysis using a Constructed Wetlands Microcosm in a Non-Science Majors Environmental Science Laboratory
Aelin Shea 1, Christy R. Violin 2, Christina Wallace 1, Brian Michael Forster 1 *
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1 College of Arts & Sciences, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA2 Environmental Science and Sustainability Program, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Wetlands are defined as areas of soil saturated with standing water. These areas are rich in biodiversity, containing numerous plants, animals and microorganisms. Wetlands act as natural filtering systems for runoff and can improve the water quality in an area. To demonstrate the importance of wetlands to a non-science major introductory environmental science class, we designed a small freshwater wetland filter. This filter is able to reduce the amount of ammonia present in water entering the system. Sequencing the bacteria present in the soil of the filter identified bacteria capable of performing anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox). In this paper, we describe how to construct the filter and use it during class. It is our goal that this filter gives students a better appreciation of the role wetland ecosystems play in maintaining water quality.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

PEDAGOGICAL RES, Volume 4, Issue 4, October 2019, Article No: em0046

https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/5945

Publication date: 28 Sep 2019

Article Views: 2705

Article Downloads: 1255

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