Water quality studies | Cloudbridge Nature Reserve in Costa Rica

Chirripo River Water Quality Study
This study is designed to test the water in the Chirripo River for 10 indicators of water quality. The tests are conducted at 9 points on the river and are repeated at different points in time. Using an inexpensive kit, we test for temperature, pH, phosphates, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, coliform bacteria and turbidity.

Water Monitoring Study Methodology by Joanna Souers

Water Monitoring Study Report by Joanna Souers (in process)

We would welcome more research on this subject. Here are other possible water-related research topics:

Compile temperature of water in Chirripo River:

Identify key locations
Record temperature, noting date, time, current and recent weather conditions, strength of flow, etc
Repeat at different times of day and under different conditions such as heavy and light rains.

Map location of streams and gullies along and near trails:
- Give each an identifier on map and in the field
- Every time someone walks a trail, note whether there is flow or not in each tributary
Map location of all tributaries along each stream:
- Give each an identifier on a map and in the field
- Every time someone walks a stream, note whether there is flow or not in each tributary
- Identify suitable locations for staff gauges at waterfalls or other bedrock controls on the major streams:
Record water heights:

Install staff gauges (basically a long ruler that will not wash away)
Every time someone goes past a staff gauge, record the height of the water
At planned intervals, photograph the gauge

River and stream mapping:
- For the rivers, and for each stream, walk the length of the stream with a hip chain and map habitat units, waterfalls, pools, riffles, etc.
- Take dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and temperature measurements along a longitudinal profile
- Do a rapid sediment budget assessment
- Do pebble counts at selected locations
- Assess shade levels at selected locations
River and stream ecology assessment:
- Take surber samples of benthic invertebrates at appropriate times and locations
- Take drift samples of invertebrates at appropriate times and locations
- Set out algae tiles in various sites, collect and measure dried biomass after selected time intervals