Featured Image Credit:ChicagoArchitecture.org
By Lindsay Edgar
At Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium, water quality isn’t just an idea – it’s a lifestyle. This spectacular aquarium houses around 32,000 animals from dolphins to Amazonian tree frogs; its variety of habitats knows no limits. Although the display of the diverse exhibits might appear seamless to an unsuspecting guest, the maintenance of each exhibit is crucial to the species that live there.
Because the characteristics of water vary around the world, the aquarium has implemented a water quality system that mimics the conditions of every environment. Whether the water is clear, salty, cold, warm, or fresh, the conditions are closely monitored to give the best home to the animals.
So, how does the aquarium keep track of all this water? First, it runs the water through a massive charcoal filter that removes any chlorine or other harsh chemicals that could be poisonous to the animals. After that, other techniques are used to capture the sneaky chemicals that made their way past the charcoal filter.
The Shedd Aquarium is able to carefully maintain its menagerie through the help of its on-site Environmental Quality Lab. A team of more than 60 volunteers and several hired Environmental Quality Technicians collect water samples from the facilities continuously. The data they’ve gathered so far has helped the aquarium take steps toward becoming more sustainable. By raising the bar in water standards for a huge facility such as this one, it is a great sign for the future of water sustainability.
Learn more about Shedd’s water quality and sustainability here