Identifying Patterns in Bacterial Distribution

This study investigates how bacterial communities in Lake Washington vary spatially and temporally. While prior research has examined the lake’s ecosystem, it often focused on specific questions rather than addressing broader patterns. My research sought to discover what factors influence bacterial distribution across the lake, providing critical insights into its ecological health.

Watch the Project in Action:
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Sampling with Custom Device

I conducted sampling at 13 beaches, utilizing a custom-designed water-capturing device to collect water at varying depths. We measured bacterial counts (CFU), temperature, and pH, adapting protocols used by King County for water quality monitoring.

Bacterial CFU Samples collected from various locations and later analyzed to evaluate bacterial variation.

Variability in Bacterial Concentrations

• Bacterial levels varied significantly across short distances, with higher concentrations near the shore.
• Temperature and pH remained relatively stable, suggesting that bacterial distribution is not uniform like other water quality indicators.
• Depth influenced bacterial counts, with surface samples showing greater variation than deeper samples.

Variability in Bacterial Concentrations

These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of bacterial communities to better understand their impact on water quality and ecosystem health. Future improvements could include automated CFU counting and enhanced cleaning protocols to minimize cross-contamination.

A huge thank you to Gerald Elliot and Peter Clark for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this project. Your mentorship was instrumental in making this research possible!