Reasearch Opportunities at the Arcata Marsh
Introduction
Jesse Shrader is an Engineering student at HSU, he has been an active volunteer on campus since his arrival. Shrader volunteered at the CCAT house for a year, managing projects and helping lead the education programs. One of Shrader's most memorable and valuable volunteering experiences was at the Arcata Marsh.
Arcata Marsh Background
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the south end of Arcata, adjacent to the Humboldt Bay. It is the city's wastewater treatment facility; using natural treatment processes the marsh supports an ecosystem full of life. The treatment center takes the city’s sewage and separates the sludge from the effluent; the sludge is dried and composted while the wastewater continues through the system. The wastewater moves through 49 acres of oxidation ponds, three treatment marshes, and three enhancement marshes as plants and animals naturally cleanse the water. Treated wastewater is then released into the Humboldt Bay.
Internship Details
Shrader began his internship at the Arcata Marsh during the summer of 2009. He was hired to take water quality measurements throughout the treatment system. Prior to his internship, Shrader volunteered at the CCAT house for one year demonstrating his dedication and hard work. An HSU advisor was impressed with his efforts and suggested Shrader take an opportunity to work with the Arcata Marsh. With recommendations from his advisor, it was fairly easy for Shrader to step into the internship opportunity. 
Upon entering the internship there were no qualification requirements; Shrader was trained entirely on site. His personal interest in water quality drove his dedication. He devoted three months of full-time volunteer work towards the marsh. He did not receive a stipend for his work, but he gained a wealth of knowledge. His internship ended in August and led to his being hired at the marsh in September. Shrader has been working at the marsh for nearly two years. This internship has given Shrader experience in his field of interest as well as a great resource for building his resume.
From the first day of work, Shrader figured his experience was going to be interesting. His first task was to clean the wooden boardwalk crossing one of the treatment marshes. Being new to the scene he did not realize just how slippery the boardwalk was and he fell into the water splashing around to get back out. His next job was a little more scientific, for approximately one month he conducted a dye study to measure the hydraulic flow rate through the marsh system. He put dye into the water and measured the speed at which it passed through the marsh from beginning to end. 
The second project Shrader conducted involved measuring the total suspended solids (TSS) throughout the marshes system. He took samples of wastewater from pre-designated locations four times a day for approximately two weeks. In the lab Shrader filtered the solid particles out of the water. The solids were placed into a ceramic crucible and baked in an oven to remove the moisture. The weight of the solids left over gives the TSS measurement in the water. This research is very important to the marsh because there is a TSS concentration limit when discharging water into the bay. If the plant goes over the permitted TSS concentrations, which they have, the plant is fined. Part of Shraders research was to determine TSS concentration limits over a specified time period. The plant would then be able to make adjustments and meet the permit concentration limits.
Current Research Activities
Now Shrader is involved with Dr. Bob Gearheart’s research group at the marsh. Their goal is to help the operators make the best decisions regarding water quality. Currently, the operators have individual techniques for how to run the plant, Gearhart’s team is working to get everyone on the same page and strategize operator decisions. Shrader works approximately 5 hours a week, measuring ammonia and nitrate concentrations to continue formulating water quality data. He also attends weekly meetings regarding future ideas for new research in improving the efficiency of the wastewater plant.
Conclusion
Shrader plans to work with the marsh through the rest of his education here at HSU. His experience with the Arcata Marsh has been exceptional and he would recommend anyone who is interested in water quality to intern at the marsh or volunteer some time.