Water Testing

Another windy day! Most of the group went to visit a lighthouse and swim in a cave. I stayed at the research center to help with testing the water samples we took from two reefs on the island and video conference with the third graders at Pinckney Elementary. I was the only teacher that was able to successfully have audio and video! The internet service is not very reliable here.
To collect the water samples we had to swim down to a marker on the reef and scoop up one cup of water. Then in the lab we do about 20 different tests. One of the tests I did was to determine the pollution level. I was supposed to add one drop of a chemical at a time until the reef water turned yellow. Each drop that it takes to make the water turn yellow indicates a higher level of pollution. I added 22 drops and it still did not turn yellow! What do you think that means?
This afternoon we tried to go to one of the testing sites but the water was too rough. So we went to another reef and mapped out what shape the patches of coral are and measured their size. The coral reefs here are not very healthy. They are not colorful and full of fish like other reefs I have snorkeled. When the next research team is here in July they will look at our maps and see if the coral has changed.
Yesterday before dinner a wood carver from the island came to display his work. He carves from trees on the island in the shape of fish, turtles, fish or whatever you want. I put in a special order for a starfish.

p.s. We just got back from tide pool exploring at night! More about the octopus tomorrow!

CHALLENGE QUESTION: Why do you think the water is so polluted here? Why do you think the reef is not colorful? What do you think you can do about it? Do some of your own research to find the answers. Write your answer or post it on the blog. I love reading your comments!