Report on Summer Research Internship at Nahant Marsh
Executive Summary
A summer research initiative at the Nahant Marsh Education Center in Davenport, Iowa, has yielded positive preliminary results regarding the health of one of the Midwest’s largest urban wetlands. An Iowa State University intern, Carson Ford, led a study focused on water quality, revealing the marsh’s effective natural filtration capabilities. This research, along with parallel studies on local flora and fauna, directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning water, ecosystems, and sustainable communities.
Water Quality Analysis and Contribution to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The core of the research project involved a comprehensive assessment of the marsh’s water quality, a critical component in advancing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The study aimed to verify the wetland’s role in protecting and restoring a water-related ecosystem as outlined in SDG Target 6.6.
Methodology and Key Parameters
The intern conducted weekly tests to gather data on key water quality indicators. The process involved:
- Fieldwork utilizing waders and analytical field kits for on-site measurements.
- Laboratory analysis in partnership with Augustana University for more detailed results.
- Systematic testing for multiple chemical and physical parameters.
Key indicators analyzed include:
- Phosphates
- Nitrates and Nitrites
- Chlorides
- Turbidity
- Dissolved Oxygen
Preliminary Findings
The initial analysis confirms that the marsh is performing its natural filtration function effectively, directly supporting SDG Target 6.3, which aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution. Key findings include:
- Water exiting the marsh is substantially cleaner and less polluted than the water entering it.
- A negative correlation was observed between phosphate levels and dissolved oxygen, which is consistent with a healthy, functioning wetland ecosystem.
- These results affirm the vital role of wetlands as natural “kidneys” that filter pollutants and improve regional water quality.
Urban Ecosystems and Broader SDG Implications
The location of Nahant Marsh within an urban landscape presents unique challenges and underscores the importance of the research in the context of global sustainability goals.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The study of an urban wetland surrounded by industrial and residential areas highlights the need for modern solutions to manage urban environmental pressures. This work contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by providing data that can inform strategies to protect and enhance green public spaces (Target 11.7) and make cities more resilient and sustainable.
SDG 14 & 15: Life Below Water and Life on Land
The research has direct implications for biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land): The project is a direct effort to monitor and understand an inland freshwater ecosystem, contributing to the conservation and restoration goals of Target 15.1. The broader internship program, which includes studies on prairie health, turtles, and bats, further strengthens this contribution.
- SDG 14 (Life Below Water): By demonstrating the marsh’s ability to filter land-based pollutants like nitrates and phosphates, the research shows how local wetland conservation is a critical first step in preventing downstream pollution that ultimately affects larger bodies of water, aligning with the objectives of Target 14.1.
Educational and Collaborative Impact
The internship program itself serves as a model for achieving sustainability goals through education and partnership.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): The program provides students with invaluable hands-on experience and relevant skills in environmental science, contributing to Target 4.4.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The collaboration between the Nahant Marsh Education Center, Iowa State University, and Augustana University exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.17) necessary to conduct meaningful research and advance the SDGs.
The findings from all summer research interns will be presented at a public open house on August 14, promoting community engagement and knowledge sharing.
Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- The article’s primary focus is on the water quality of Nahant Marsh. The research project led by Carson Ford directly investigates the marsh’s ability to filter pollutants, which is a core component of ensuring clean water. The text states, “His early findings show good signs for the wetlands,” and that the marsh is “filtering pollutants out correctly.”
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- The article explicitly identifies Nahant Marsh as “one of the Midwest’s largest urban wetlands” and notes it is located “in literally the middle of the city,” surrounded by factories and residential areas. The research aims to find “modern solutions” for the challenges faced by this urban ecosystem, directly connecting to the goal of making cities more sustainable and preserving green spaces within them.
SDG 15: Life on Land
- This goal is addressed through the focus on protecting and understanding a wetland ecosystem. The article mentions that the research is crucial for knowing “if the marsh is doing its correct filtration process,” which is a key ecosystem service. Furthermore, the broader internship program analyzes “prairie health to turtle and bat populations,” which relates to conserving terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss.
SDG 4: Quality Education
- The article highlights an educational initiative where a university sophomore, Carson Ford, participates in a hands-on research internship at the “Nahant Marsh Education Center.” This program provides practical experience and knowledge in environmental science, contributing to education for sustainable development. Ford’s aspiration to “make the environment a better place” reflects the impact of this educational experience.
What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution. The research project directly addresses this target by testing for pollutants like “phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides” and evaluating the marsh’s effectiveness in reducing them. The finding that “Water that goes into the marsh is way, way, way dirtier and more polluted than water [that] comes out of the marsh” demonstrates a direct contribution to this target.
- Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including wetlands. The entire article is centered on research aimed at understanding and confirming the health of the Nahant Marsh wetland. This research is a foundational step for its ongoing protection and potential restoration efforts.
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular wetlands. The research at Nahant Marsh is a clear example of efforts to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of a wetland ecosystem and its filtration services.
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity. The mention of other interns studying “turtle and bat populations” indicates that the work at the marsh includes monitoring biodiversity, which is essential for halting its loss and preventing habitat degradation.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces. Nahant Marsh, with its Education Center and public open house events, serves as an accessible green space for the community. The research helps ensure the health and longevity of this urban natural asset.
SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. The internship program described in the article is a direct mechanism for achieving this target. It provides a student with hands-on scientific skills and a deeper understanding of environmental issues, empowering him to “make the environment a better place.”
Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- The article explicitly names several water quality parameters that serve as direct indicators for Target 6.3. These are: “phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, turbidity.” The negative correlation found “between phosphate levels and dissolved oxygen” is another specific indicator of a healthy, functioning wetland.
SDG 15: Life on Land
- The article implies indicators for Target 15.5 through the mention of studies on “turtle and bat populations” and “prairie health.” The population counts and health assessments of these species serve as indicators of the overall biodiversity and health of the wetland habitat.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- An implied indicator for Target 11.7 is the existence of and public engagement with the marsh. The article mentions the “Nahant Marsh Education Center” and a public “research intern open house,” which indicates the marsh’s function as an accessible green and educational space for the community.
SDG 4: Quality Education
- An implied indicator for Target 4.7 is the existence of the research internship program itself. The number of students participating in such programs at the “Nahant Marsh Education Center” could be used as a metric to measure the provision of education for sustainable development.
Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation |
6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution.
6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including wetlands. |
Explicitly Mentioned: Levels of phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, and turbidity in the water.
Implied: The difference in pollutant concentration between water entering and leaving the marsh. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land |
15.1: Ensure the conservation and sustainable use of inland freshwater ecosystems (wetlands).
15.5: Halt the loss of biodiversity and reduce the degradation of natural habitats. |
Implied: Health and status of the wetland’s filtration function.
Implied: Population data and health assessments of turtle and bat populations; measures of prairie health. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces. | Implied: The existence of the Nahant Marsh Education Center and its public events (e.g., open house) as a measure of community access and engagement. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills for sustainable development. | Implied: The number of students participating in the research internship program at the Nahant Marsh Education Center. |
Source: wqad.com
