Silt Deposits in Streams *

Areas of Science Environmental Science
Difficulty
Time Required Average (6-10 days)
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Abstract

Silt is a fine sediment that collects on the bottoms of rivers, streams and lakes. The natural process of the decay of organisms into the water can lead to the production of silt at the bottom of a lake. Silt can be a rich source of nutrients for fish and bottom dwellers like crayfish. However, it can also be introduced by unnatural processes. One problem for rivers, lakes and streams is the buildup of excess fine sediment introduced by industry. Because it often contains harmful chemicals it can turn a beautiful clear lake into a brown, contaminated, sludge-filled pond. Silt can be introduced into streams and lakes by mining, agriculture, other industries, and sewage. Test an aquatic environment for the presence of silt. Is it above or below normal levels? Can you test upstream and downstream of a potential industrial site? Do the types of organisms you find change in areas with an excess silty bottom? Use a water test kit to test for the presence of contaminants. Are the contaminants enriched in silty lakes compared to clear lakes? Study the silt under a microscope; is the silt layer enriched with micro-organisms? (WMC, 2006; NPS, 2006; EPA, 2006)

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MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Silt Deposits in Streams." Science Buddies, 14 June 2018, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/EnvSci_p035/environmental-science/silt-deposits-in-streams. Accessed 11 Dec. 2019.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2018, June 14). Silt Deposits in Streams. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/EnvSci_p035/environmental-science/silt-deposits-in-streams


Last edit date: 2018-06-14

Bibliography

  • EPA, 2006. "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," Washington, D.C. Retreived March 1, 2006, from http://www.epa.gov/.
  • NPS, 2006. "National Park Service," Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior. Retreived March 1, 2006, from http://www.nps.gov/.
  • WMC, 2006. "Watershed Management Council: Advancing the Art and Science of Watershed Management," Boise, ID: Watershed Management Council. Retreived March 1, 2006, from http://www.watershed.org/wmc/index.php.

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Experimental Procedure

For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

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