Members: Antonio Deese(SAC), Aurielle Jones(SAC) and Shaquetta Hassell (NSU)
Mentor: Mr. Jeff Wood
[Team Website]

The Pasquotank River Watershed in Northeast North Carolina is fed by multiple tributaries surrounded by varying landforms such as swamp, farmlands, and urban development. Each of these landforms contributes both negatively and positively to the waters they surround. The watershed itself provides an intermediate between spawning grounds at the headwaters and the more open waters of the Albemarle Sound which serves as a nursery area for many fish species, and home to several commercial species. The Pasquotank River Watershed begins in the Great Dismal Swamp along the Virginia, North Carolina border where acid and significant color from dissolved organic matter is contributed.

The 2011 UREOMPS Pasquotank River Watershed Team performed an assessment of the water quality in the watershed area. Assessments took place in several areas including the main channel of the river from Elizabeth City up to the Dismal Swamp Canal. Tributaries were tested on the south side of the watershed were Newbegan Creek and Knobbs Creek. The tributaries on the north side were Areneuse Creek, Mill Dam Creek, and Sawyers Creek.

Samples were taken at predetermined intervals and returned to the University for testing. Tests included dissolved oxygen, pH, salt, total dissolved solids, and conductivity. Field readings recorded were air and water temperature, wind speed and direction, and turbidity measurements using the Secchi disk.

All measurements were placed on-line and correlated to the location of the sample utilizing GoopleMaps. Readings were then be compared to the landforms around the sample and their distance away from the river to determine if any correlations can be formed. While studying the different parts of the tributaries, the tests that was done included dissolved oxygen, pH, salt, total dissolved solids, and conductivity. The field readings that were recorded included the air/water temperature, wind speed/direction, and turbidity measurements using the Secchi disk. All of the measurements were placed on-lined and correlated to the location of the sample by using GoogleMaps. After containing the readings, they were compared to the landforms around the sample and their distance away from the river to determine if any correlations can be formed.

Water shed areas are very important to people and to animals. It is a source of drinking and recreational water for many communities, and as a source of irrigation wate for farms and ranches. The health of the watershed areas, is important to preserve or, if damage occurred to repair. Large and sudden changes to a watershed, such as dumping waste, building dams, and new roads can affect the land's abillity to support healthy communities, and lead to health problem, hunger, and migration. So remember keep the watersheds areas near you safe and clean.