How to Test a Salt Water Estuary for Air Pollution From Airplanes

A salt water estuary is a wetland environment that occurs at the junction of land and salt water. Many species of ocean animals and migratory birds depend on estuaries. Yet, the environment is adversely affected by pollution such as airplane exhaust and fuel. Airplane exhaust contains sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and organic carbon-based particulate matter. In the presence of a catalyst such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide will form sulphuric acid and lead to acid rain. Organic particles in the air can coat plants and make it harder for them to photosynthesize. Fuel leaks from a nearby airport can coat the gills of aquatic life and make it hard for them to breathe.

Fresh water pH test kit
Airborne particle counter
Clean container with lid that seals

Instructions

- 1
  
  Each water color represents a different pH
  
  Test the rainwater that is falling into the estuary to determine whether it is acid rain. Purchase a pH test kit that is available from an aquatic supply store. Collect rainwater in a clean container and transfer a sample to the pH test kit. The test kit will have instructions for use and it will also have a beaker where you can place the appropriate-size water sample.
- 2
  Follow the directions on the pH kit. Mix the pH chemical bromythol blue with the water sample. Swirl the water around until it is a uniform color. Compare the color of the water with the colors on the pH test kit. Each color will represent a specific pH. Determine if the pH of the rainwater is 5.5 or less. If it is, the water is acid rain and could impact the plants and animals in the estuary.
- 3
  Use a handheld airborne particle counter to determine whether the air in the estuary has more particulate matter than the air in other places around the estuary. Turn on the particle counter and write down the percentage of particulate matter in an a remote area such as a forest. Test the percentage of particulate matter near a local road. Finally, test the particulate matter levels in the estuary. If the levels in the estuary are as high or higher than the levels near the road, the plants could be impacted by the airborne particles.
- 4
  Test for airplane fuel in the water if the estuary is close to an airport. Look for traces of kerosene and naphtha from different types of jet fuel. Examine the water and the water's edge for the distinctive look and odor of fuel. Smell the water for kerosene, a clear liquid that has a strong, gassy odor. A large spill of kerosene in the water may be identifiable simply through this strong odor.
- 5
  Collect a water sample from the estuary to send to a lab to test for trace amounts of kerosene and naphtha. Research companies that do water testing for environmental companies or companies that test the water quality of wells. Use a clean container with a lid that closes tightly. Try to collect a minimum of plant material. Seal the container and deliver it to a lab for processing.

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