Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Where can I find Benthic Zones in urban areas?

Hi,

Are you doing the microbial fuel cell project? There are all kinds of interesting bacteria that grow in the benthic layer of lakes and streams. The benthic layer is the top layer of mud at the bottom of a body of water. I just looked at a map of Dallas and there are several lakes, so you are probably very close to a benthic mud sample right now. I would recommend asking a parent to help you collect a sample of mud from water that is shallow enough at access safely, but otherwise undisturbed. If there is a lake with a pier, for example, you could scoop mud from the bottom of the lake where the water is 2-3 feet deep.

Sample collection is a very important part of a science project. Here’s a website that describes methods for collecting benthic water samples.

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/op/wqcc/Ne ... ppendB.pdf

Good luck!


Donna Hardy

Hi Donna,

Yes, I am doing a microbial fuel cell project. Thank you for your insight. It helped me very much

Thanks

Hi,

This is a great project and I'm certain you will learn a lot. Let us know if you have any more questions.

Donna Hardy