Ever wondered how rivers flow underground? Our friends at Crawford Hydrology Laboratory are bringing science to life with eco-friendly dye tracing! This special dye turns the river a brilliant green while helping scientists study water flow, completely safe for people, wildlife, and the environment. It’s science and magic all in one!
Who is CHL?
Crawford Hydrology Lab (CHL) is an environmental consulting group and research center at Western Kentucky University. Founded in the late 1970s by Dr. Nicholas Crawford, a pioneer of dye tracing, the lab played a key role in restoring Lost River Cave in the 1990s and developing its iconic cave tour.
What is dye tracing?
Dye tracing is a method of investigating the movement of groundwater. Dye trace investigations can be designed to solve environmental issues involving the origin, destination, routing, and velocity of groundwater flow.
What dye was used today?
Green 8 Dye used in small amounts to sustain water coloration for about 48 hours, is commonly found in everyday products like soaps and medications. There’s a good chance you’ve encountered this dye in your daily life!
Is the dye harmful to organisms living in the water?
The Green 8 Dye, used in small, controlled amounts, poses no harm to human health and is carefully selected for detection at minimal concentrations. In flowing streams, the dye is diluted quickly, ensuring only short-term exposure. Studies show no evidence that short-term exposure to Green 8 Dye harms aquatic wildlife.
