Water Quality Testing July – Oct 2025
Clarkson coordinated with Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance (FCWA), who organized Water Quality participatory science programs with volunteer community members from July – October 2025 to travel to each sample site, collect samples, and drive them to lab sites within 1-2 hours. Results were provided by labs within a few weeks. Please find attach Results of WQ, Algae and Metals tests.
Results were collected from all FCWA sampling sites:
FK1. Madam Brett Park, Beacon 5. Hopewell Beach, Hopewell Junction
FK2. Upstream of Groveville Dam, The Whites/ Rocky Glen,
Beacon 6. "Trout spot" on Phillips Rd, Stormville
FK3. Jean Van Pelt Park, Old Glenham 7. Tymor Park, Union Vale
FK4. Sarah Taylor Park, Town of Fishkill
Microplastic Sampling Fall 2025
Clarkson University PI Asher Pacht and research associates Emily Kinney and Nolan Wolff collected samples for microplastics analysis in October and December 2025. Water column (“L,” “C,” and “R”), stream bank (“SB”), and suspended sediment (“SD”) samples were collected at each site. A total of 42 samples were collected, packaged and mailed to Co-PI Baki's research lab.
All equipment was rinsed with distilled water and scrubbed thoroughly with horse hair brushes between sampling dates. On 10/22/25, clean nets and vials were used at each location, with one net being rinsed on site and reused for water column sampling. On 12/3/25, nets and vials were rinsed on site between each location. Cotton lab coats were worn during sampling to prevent plastic shedding from clothing.
Spring 2026 Plans
For future Mp sampling, the team will work to acquire additional plankton nets to have a total of 9 nets. During a Mp research trip, net samples are collected from 3 points across the water column at 3 different sites, so we will be able to use a pre-cleaned net at each site. The Clarkson team will work with partner FCWA to coordinate sampling dates more closely in Spring 2026.
Site Information:
Location Roads Vegetation Land Use
1) Sarah Taylor Park Rt. 9 nearby Vegetation on both sides with approx. 50’ clearing on one side Park
2) Hopewell Recreation Park No roads nearby Vegetation on one side Park
3) Doug Phillips Park No roads nearby Vegetation on both sides with approx. 50’ clearing on one side Park
Microplastic outreach will take place in Spring 2026. PI Pacht is in contact with K-12 teachers to find workable dates – mostly in May. As needed, the Clarkson team will collect samples in months/ on dates when participatory outreach groups are not available or feasible.