October 2019
Nutrients including nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are contaminants that degrade drinking, irrigation, and recreational waters across the Midwestern United States. These contaminants in high concentrations are dangerous to human health and can cause events like harmful algal blooms. The map below comes from research completed by the mesoLab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Graduate student, Julia Lindgren, measured nitrate levels at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska to monitor water quality and flow paths in the lake. Her data can be used to make data-informed recommendations for installation locations for a floating treatment wetland (FTW).
The maps below show nitrate levels before (bottom picture) and after (top picture) a large storm event.
Students
- After viewing the map above, think about these three questions:
- What do you notice?
- What do you wonder? What are you curious about that comes from what you notice in the map?
- What might be going on in this graph? Write a catchy headline that captures the main idea. If your headline makes a claim, write what you noticed that supports your claim.
- Next, join the conversation by adding to the discussion below. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)
- After you have posted, read what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting a comment. Use the “Reply” button to address another student directly.