This study analyzed nutrient and bacterial concentrations in Bowne Park Pond over time. Algal blooms were previously observed, indicating potential eutrophication. Water samples were tested for nutrients and bacteria using various methods. Results showed high nutrient levels, likely due to surface runoff during heavy rainfall. Total coliform levels increased from 18 to 24 hours of incubation. Enterococcus levels remained relatively constant, suggesting it may be a more stable indicator of contamination than E. coli or total coliform. Future studies are needed to determine if the pond is prone to eutrophication, and if remedial actions are required to protect the marine habitat and public.

1. Future studies
From this project we were able to see the temporal
variability of nutrient and bacterial concentrations
in Bowne Park Pond via Chemetrics Vacu-vials
and IDEXX Methods. Algal blooms were
observed in this water body so from this
observation, future test need to be conducted to
determine if this pond is prone to eutrophication. If
it is prone to eutrophication remedial actions need
to be addressed in order to save the marine habitat
as well as the public.
NYC Psrks. 2015. Bowne Park. NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation, Flushing, Queens.
Colangelo, Lisa L. 2011.Vanishing turt;es and fish at Bowne Park pond stir up poaching fears among
residents. NY Daily News
NYC Parks. 2015. “Bowne Park Highlights. NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation. Flushing, Queens.
Chapman, D. 1992. Water quality assessments. Chapman and Hall, London, UK.
Rhoads,J.M.,D.J. Yozzo, M.M. cianciola, and R.J. Will. 2001. Norton Basin/lttle Bay Restoration
Project: historical and environmental background report. Report to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
References
Temporal Variability of Nutrient and Bacterial Concentrations in
Bowne Park Pond of Queens, New York
Discussion /Summary
The results from the samples were collected after a
period of heavy rainfall. It showed an increasing ORP
value, which suggest that the pond was in a oxidative
environment. The samples also showed high nutrients
concentrations in phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia
and silica. This was expected because of the surface
runoff from the occurring heavy rainfall. A large range of
Total coliform concentration was observed after 18
hours incubation period from Bowne Pond Samples.
After 24 hours incubation the overall concentration was
found to be 12% for sample 1, 4% for sample 2 and
32% for sample 3 which have increase. The range for
E.coli has be relatively constant over 18 and 24 hours
incubation period and Enterococcus was found to be
very low when compare to the other fecal indicative
bacteria.
LATEEF, Michael, BROWN, Leroy, HERALALL, Sasha and SMITH, Ricardo
(Environmental Health Science Major)
Mentor: Dr. Ratan Kumar Dhar
Department of Earth and Physical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences
Field Photos
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank our mentor Dr. Dhar for his stimulating support
and encouragement.
Results
Abstract
Introduction
Many changes can go unnoticed as a water body may appear to look, smell and
even taste clean. The quality of a water source may change over time, sometimes
suddenly, which may negatively impact human health and the environment. This
research involves monitoring water quality to determine the temporal variation of
nutrient and bacterial concentrations in Bowne Park Pond, located in Flushing
Queens. Water quality monitoring involves taking measurements that provide
information on water conditions and allow scientists and policy makers to
estimate trends. Monitoring provides the information needed for an assessment of
the conditions of the water in relation to natural variability, anthropogenic effects
and intended uses (Chapman 1992). Monitoring our water quality is necessary to
ensure our treatment system is working effectively, providing the best quality
water for our intended use while simultaneously protecting the environment.
Water quality is the situation of the water body or water resource in relation
to its uses. Parameters in defining water quality can be grouped into three aspects:
physical, chemical, and biological. Physical parameters include temperature,
suspended sediments, turbidity, color, odor and taste. Chemical parameters
involve the major and minor elements, and other chemical parameters such as
nutrients including ammonia, chloride, copper, iron, pH, Dissolved Oxygen
(DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Oxidation Reduction Potential
(ORP) and Alkalinity. The major elements include nutrients such as Nitrate and
Phosphate; and minor elements such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and
few others. Biological aspects include Fecal Coli-form and E. coli. These
parameters are expressed in different units, and their magnitudes can vary
significantly from one location to another and over time. For example, the
temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit, and coliforms
in numbers or Colony Forming Units (CFU), and most chemicals and nutrients in
milligrams per liter (mg/L) or in parts per million (ppm).
This research will be carried out in Bowne Park Pond. Bowne Park Pond is
a water body located in the middle of Bowne Park in Flushing Queens, which is
embedded within a heavily urbanized region with extremely high population
densities. This Flushing park is bounded by 29th and 32nd Avenues, and by
155th and 159th Streets. As a result of being located in an urbanized area, the
pond is prone is stromwater runoff of numerous dissolved nutrients and bacterial
contamination. This also puts the pond at risk for eutrophication from algae
blooms, which have been spotted in this water body (NYC Parks, 2015)
Methods & Material
Samples were collected from Bowne Park Pond in Flushing
in 100mL nanopure washed bottles and brought back to lab
for nutrient and bacterial analysis.
On site measurements were recorded using YSI multi-
parameter probe (600 QS) of water temperature (C), pH, DO
(mg/L), ORP (mV), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS in g/L),
salinity (parts per thousand) and conductivity (uS/cm) along
with latitude and longitude using Google Maps on mobile
phone.
Figure 1- Satellite image from Google Maps of the study area where the research was conducted
Determination of nutrient concentrations
were carried out using Chemetrics vacu-
vial methods. Independent 4 point
calibrations were conducted for nitrate,
ammonia and phosphate. The results of
the calibration are shown in figure.
EPA approved IDEXX method was
used for the microbial analysis of the
water samples collected
Figure 3- Nutrient Concentrations expressed in ppm facilitated using Chemetrics Vacu-vial methods
Figure 2- Biological Parameters observed after incubation for 18 and 24 hours from IDEXX Method
Table1- Physical parameters observed using YSI Multi-
parameter probe.
Several land uses may increase the vulnerability of surface waters towards degradation. The concentrations and present of E. coli,
Enterococci, and Fecal Coliform in a water body such as pond, lake or stream maybe helpful to indicate whether water quality is
related to certain land uses or not. E. coli is an indicator of fecal contamination. Elevated levels often indicate the presence of
pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Pathogenic intestinal organisms from faces deposited in surface waters may lead to health
problems and possible death in humans as well as other animals that drink from contaminated waterways. This research will focus
on evaluating physical parameters: Temperature, Conductivity, Salinity, Total Dissolve Solids (TDS), pH, Oxidation Reduction
Potential (ORP), Alkalinity and Hardness. Chemical parameters: Ammonium NH4
+
, Nitrate NO3
-
, Nitrite NO2, Phosphate PO4
-3
,
Sulfate SO4
-2
, Silicon Si and biological parameters such as the fecal indicative bacteria (FIBs): Total Coliform, E.coli and
Enterococcus of Bowne Pond. Samples were analyzed in the laboratory using different protocols for each parameter. The V-2000
Multi-Analyte Photometer is capable of measuring virtually all CHEMetrics Photometric vials; it was used. For the Coliform sampling
the IDEXX Colilert System was used. Result indicated that enterococci is in very close range after 24 hours of incubation which
might be a more stable indicator compare to E. coli and Total coliform consequently. There high levels of bacteria present could be
as result of either runoff because at the time of sample it was actually raining or the presence of birds and the closeness of house
that are nearby to the pond. Large inputs of nutrients from stormwater runoff and anthropogenic activities as well as bacterial
contamination from waste water treatment plants, sewage outflows, and runoff are serious concerns. In an attempt to study the
spatial and temporal variation in nutrient and bacterial concentrations in the area, three test were carried out using a YSI Multi-
parameter probe at the shallow end of the pond. Temperature, conductivity, salinity, pH, ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential),
dissolved oxygen (DO) were measured on site using YSI multi-parameter probe (600 QS).Three 100ml samples were collected and
filtered with distilled water, using 10ml of sample with 90ml of distilled water. Chemetrics Vacu-vials methods were used for
determination of nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, sulfate, ammonia, silicate and alkalinity. The rest of the samples were taken back to the
lab for microbial analysis. Nutrients concentration including nitrate, phosphate consistently showed an increasing trend.
Physical parameters being
collected using YSI multi-
parameter in the bay
Observing
data before
recording on
the YSI
system.
Calibrating the equipment
Test1 Test2 Test3
Time 12:01PM 12:06PM 12:15PM
Temperature (°C) 8.11 7.89 7.89
Conductivity(µS/cm) 2 87 87
Salinity 0 0.084 0.084
TDS (g/L) 0.002 0.06 0.06
pH 8.83 8.23 6.97
ORP 77.3 85.3 124.4
DissolvedOxygen(mg/L) 8.4 8.23 8.36
Alkalinity <10 <10 <10
Hardness <100 <100 <100
PhysicalParameters12/02/15