Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For a project testing water quality (especially presence of bacteria and arsnic), any ideas on the type of testing equipment required. My daughter is considering this as a project and needs to determine the practicality of accessing materials.

Thanks!

Hi Jean,

I did a google search using the key words "fresh water test kit" and came up with many results. The materials were pretty inexpensive. Here is an example:

http://www.freshwatersystems.com/produc ... e/60/83/38

Shijun
Science Buddies Staff

Jean,

To test for any living organisms, a fairly easy procedure involves centrifuging vials of the water samples, and then retrieving the small ball of organisms that will form at the bottom. You can then put the ball under a microscope and identify them. Your county water office can often supply you with materials.