Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I need to analyze water for my project. I am testing water from 3 locations in a local river for polution(among others). How can I test it for Ph levels, pollution, and for bactiera? Thanks so much for all you do. -Someone( )

Use a pH meter for measuring pH. It is possible to build one yourself easily and more cheaply than buying one.

Your project sounds interesting.

I noticed that there are many tests possible to see if water is OK to drink, but I'm not sure that is what you are trying to find out.

I wonder why you think the river water will be different at three different places. In what ways do you think the river water might differ?

One thing you can use to test for bacteria is called coligel:

http://www.geneq.com/catalog/en/coligel.html

It tests for coliforms, ie E. coli relations, which are often bacteria from fecal contamination that cause disease in people.

Hi!
This sounds like a really interesting project, perhaps these links will give you some more information-
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/water ... aterph.htm
http://www.engr.uga.edu/service/extensi ... 19-9c.html
https://www.microessentiallab.com/index ... egoryID=28
Hope this helps, good luck!