Chemistry of the Matfield River

Three classes at East Bridgewater High School examined and analyzed various aspects of the Matfield River during the 2010-2011 school year. The chemistry and environmental science classes at East Bridgewater High School collected data from the Matfield River in November 2010. The environmental science class analyzed the macroinvertebrates of the river, and the chemistry class examined the chemistry of the river. The oceanography class tested fecal coliform bacteria in water samples taken in March 2011, and also examined land use of the river’s tributaries. Although concerns were raised about the sewage treatment plant releasing waste into the Salisbury Plain River, a major tributary of the Matfield River, present analyses of these various aspects of the river showed a fairly healthy ecosystem at present. Further research is suggested to monitor the progress of the river.