Development of an Inexpensive, Rapid Method to Measure Nitrates in Freshwater to Enhance Student Learning (Journal Article)

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Abstract: A laboratory experiment was designed and implemented in a STEM teaching laboratory at Michigan State University to engage students in an activity that not only introduced an innovative nitrate detection technique but also addressed one of the negative impacts of climate change, that is, the eutrophication of water bodies. The adverse effects of eutrophication on public health due to the presence of cyanotoxins make it crucial to monitor the trophic state of water bodies, which can be assessed by measuring the nitrate and phosphate concentrations. We developed a rapid method to measure nitrate concentrations in freshwater samples using a Hanna Instruments Checker, which was designed to measure nitrate levels in seawater. We identified the sample matrix that would maximize the accuracy of the Checker instrument for freshwater samples and validated the analytical method via ion chromatography. Students gained knowledge of other aspects of laboratory procedures, such as sample collection, sample storage, and material compatibility, which are often ignored during conventional teaching practices.