GRAND RIVER WATER QUALITY SAMPLING

In the summer of 2021, seven different reaches of the Grand River were sampled and over 120 samples were collected. Samples were analyzed for nitrate, total phosphate, ammonium, chloride, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, total suspended solids, E. coli, and total coliform. Field parameters included: temperature, specific conductivity, pH, turbidity, oxidation-reduction potential, resistivity, salinity, and total dissolved salts. Water samples were collected from bridges and kayaks, and were analyzed at the Allendale Wastewater Treatment Plant or in the GVSU Lab. Lab methods included: 1) HACH spectrophotometer analysis; 2) Total Suspended Solids Filtration; 3) Biological Oxygen Demand; and 4) IDEXX Colilert 2000 quanti-tray method. Ongoing sample analysis will be compared to water quality data dating back to 1968. Research goals included sampling at different locations and flow conditions, collaboration with wastewater treatment plants, and the development of a refined Water Quality Index.