Water quality and hydrologic patterns of Lake Warner Mill River basin

This project provides the opportunity to engage in soil and water quality research in local tributaries of the Amherst Region. We are investigating total phosphorus concentrations, soil hydraulic properties, soil chemical properties, and stable water isotopic compositions of the hydrologic cycle. 

Name of research group, project, or lab
Soil and Water Watershed Hydrology Lab
Website
https://www.cdavidguzman.com/team
Why participate in this opportunity?

What our group can provide:
1. Mentorship
2. Experimental research training
3. Data analysis experience
4. Compensation ($15/hr)

Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Civil Engineering
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Student qualifications

Expected of you:
1. Dedication, determination, and persistence
2. Driver’s license
3. Availability ~ typically 15 hrs weekly + a once-a-month 8 hr field day
4. Learn to measure stream Phosphorus concentrations using an AQ400 Analyzer and
analyze water isotopes using Los Gatos Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer
5. Perform weekly data analysis tasks

Time commitment
5-7 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Paid, General
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned

What to expect:
● Monthly Fieldwork:
○ Data Collection from 13 sites in Lake Warner Mill River Watershed
○ Data: phosphorus concentration, water isotope composition, flow, water
temperature, air temperature, stream width, and stream depth
● Weekly lab work
○ Isotope sample processing using Los Gatos Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer
○ Phosphorus sample processing using AQ400 Analyzer
● Weekly data analysis
○ Regional precipitation dataset creation
○ Data visualization tasks

Project start
September 30
Contact Information:
Mentor
Christian Guzman
cdguzman@umass.edu
Principal investigator
Name of project director or principal investigator
Christian Guzman
Email address of project director or principal investigator
cdguzman@umass.edu
1 sp. | 12 appl.
Hours
5-7 h/wk
Project categories
Civil Engineering