Concept Map



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Methods (can be turned into bulletpoints if too wordy)

Methods Grab Samples Samples from the middle of the pond were taken by boat using a ponar-type grab sampler and samples from the edge were taken using a peat corer or by hand. These samples were then plated in petri dishes and left to dry in a furnace. Dry samples were ground using a (name of instrument) and divided into samples to be analyzed via XRF analysis. Core Samples Core samples were taken by students in earlier years by using a Russian peat corer. The peat corer is pushed into the sediment and twisted to collect a cylindrical core, which is then removed, photographed, measured, sliced into sections, and left to dry. Dry samples were ground using a mixer mill and prepared for XRF analysis. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis Methods Photons are shot at sample, causing inner-shell electrons to be ejected. Outer-shell electrons fill vacancy and emit more photons. Each element has a different signature, which is picked up by the XRF detector. XRF Analysis can show both ...
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Bulleted List of Analysis, to go before conclusion

Analysis Different heavy metals showed variable concentrations both throughout the pond system and into the pond’s core. The different trends suggest that these metals were likely deposited from different sources and through different processes. Manganese and Iron Higher concentration at Silver Thread source shows these metals may be externally sourced and cannot travel farther downstream High levels of manganese (above 0.05 mg/L) can cause a bad taste in water which may discourage animals from using Paramecium Pond as a drinking source Zinc, Copper, Chromium Concentration also higher at Silver Thread source, trends diverge in rest of system Could be product of runoff or specifically from college road Likely sourced from Paintshop Pond Paintshop Pond is contaminated with toxins and heavy metals due to dumping of paint factory waste from 1848-1920 Likeliest source of zinc , copper , and chromium in Paramecium Pond Heavy metals found in the pond an...
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Analysis

Analysis The Graph shows that the mean concentration for each heavy metal considered in the graph is greater when the depth is less. Therefore, at a depth of 0-50 cm the concentration is, on average, higher. This makes sense because the metals enter the pond as a result of external, surrounding factors. They may continue to float at the top of the pond before possibly going off into the silver stream. This results in the surface of the pond to have a greater concentration of the heavy metal sediments. Additionally, the water goes through the outer drain and ultimately enters Lake Waban. This could mean that the sediment at the bottom of Paramecium Pond could travel towards Lake Waban. This would essentially decrease the concentration of the heavy metals at a greater depths.
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