RUSSELL POND WATER QUALITY REPORT 2011

We assessed many characteristics of Russell Pond in Russell, MA during the 2011 growing season in order to get a basic understanding of the water quality and the dynamics of the Pond. We collected several different types of data on Russell Pond. These types of data include the Secchi disc depth, dissolved oxygen, temperature, specific conductivity, and pH. We also collected zooplankton and phytoplankton for further analysis in the lab. The Secchi disc depth ranged from 2.25 m to 3.5 m, indicating relatively good water quality. The Trophic State Index (TSI) was 43 suggesting that Russell pond is a moderately productive or mesotrophic lake. Our data supports the conclusion that Russell pond is a mesotrophic lake. Although water quality was good during this time period, there is still only a very basic understanding of Russell Pond. This is because it would take many years of research and data to draw firm conclusions about the pond. Due to the lack of funding, time, and equipment this type of research was impossible for this study.