The second sample, taken on the southwestern side, contained many more microorganisms than the first. Through the microscope I saw something that looked like a tulip and identified it as a stalked ciliate, which feeds on individual bacteria cells. To the left of the stalked ciliate was a bdelloid rotifer, which feeds on small plankton. There were also two carnivorous ciliates, which feed on other protozoa. To my surprise, I found a worm in the closteriopsis algae. On this sample, the pH level was 8.34.

This research made me more interested in my subject, as I saw that there were more microorganisms on the southwestern side of the lake, which the animals seemed to avoid. I postulated that the difference in the amount and types of microorganisms is due to the constant influx of effluent water on the eastern side of the lake. I decided to examine a freshwater source, Saguaro Lake, a recreation and tourist area located northeast of Fountain Hills.

Journal Entry: December 27, 2004, 10 a.m.

I have just taken four samples from Saguaro Lake, where the water temperature was 55° F. Many visitors were out in the clear water with boats. I collected one sample from the north and the northeastern sides of the lake, and two from the southeastern. In the shallows there were crawfish and many small fish, such as minnows and sunfish. The water here was clear and light blue, with mallards, golden eyes, and bufflehead ducks swimming and a great blue heron off to the side of the lake.