This past spring 2023, WMHO hosted The Long Island Sound Connections project wherein 6th grade students in Stony Brook, NY and Bridgeport, CT conducted a “cross sectional study” of the Long Island Sound.
Cross-sectional study means that researchers collect data from multiple locations at the same specific point in time. According to students, “Long Island Sound is made up of harbors, rivers, and creeks. Organisms like horseshoe crabs travel between these habitats calling them home, so we wanted to do our study across all the different parts.”
Among the parameters students tested for include Dissolved Oxygen (DO).
What is dissolved oxygen? Why is this measurement important?
Dissolved oxygen tests for how much oxygen is mixed into bodies of water. Oxygen in water is produced by plankton that conduct photosynthesis. (Water bodies also receive oxygen from the atmosphere. ) This measurement is important since almost all living things require oxygen to survive. If levels go to low, animals becomes stressed.
Below are readings for Dissolved Oxygen (DO) along the Long Island Sound, including WMHO’s 88-acre wetland preserve at West Meadow Creek; and Pequannock River and Bridgeport Harbor both located in Bridgeport, CT:
In 2024, students will continue to monitor dissolved oxygen as well as other variables including salinity, bacteria and nitrates.
LISC project is made possible through the support by funding from The Fullwood Foundation, Webster Bank and the Family Frey Foundation.
To learn more how you can become involved in this project contact 631-751-2244.
