April 8, 2026
EWU & Gonzaga Student Presentations
Lead Contamination in Plants at a Former Trapshooting Site in Cheney, Washington, USA
Robin Roose – Senior Geoscience Major at Eastern Washington University
Elevated levels of lead (Pb) have been identified in soil on a former trapshooting site at the EWU Prairie Restoration site in Cheney, Washington. Two plant species, Epilobium brachycarpum (willowherb, native) and Lactuca serriola (spiny lettuce, invasive), were collected and analyzed. Preliminary results indicate that Pb accumulation in the plants is proportional to soil Pb concentrations at this site.
Assessing the Impacts of Toxic Trace Metals on Macroinvertebrates in the Spokane River Watershed
Sadie Gray – Biology Graduate Student at Eastern Washington University
In this study, we are documenting secondary production of the macroinvertebrate community within the Spokane River watershed with varying levels of toxic trace metals. We hypothesize that sites with higher toxic trace metal accumulation will have lower secondary production because of reduced macroinvertebrate diversity and lower growth or survival of specific populations.
Dynamics between suspended solids and phosphorus during storm events in Spokane River tributaries
Grace Schneider – Senior Chemistry Major at Gonzaga University
Most phosphorus in Long Lake originates as non-point sources from Hangman Creek and Little Spokane River. Here, we examine the interaction between phosphorus and total suspended solids (TSS) during storm events at these tributaries. We collected high frequency samples and measured total dissolved phosphorus, total phosphorus, TSS, and turbidity. We determined a relationship between discharge and measured parameters, providing increased insight into TSS- phosphorus interactions in the Spokane River watershed.
Location: Jack and Dan’s,1226 N Hamilton St, Spokane, WA (in the back room)
Social hour from 6 – 7pm; Presentation from 7 – 8pm
