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This paper discusses the proposed quantitative analyses of phosphate along selected sites of the Yangtze River (the Shanghai tributary). Phosphates are major nutrients in the eco-system; consequently, excessive phosphates result in algal bloom that changes dissolved oxygen levels in the aquatic system. The research initiative identifies five sites selected for their differences in population densities and land utilization. Samples from each site will be analyzed for phosphate content to ascertain if there are correlations between population densities and land utilization with respect to phosphate content. Samples were acquired from sparsely populated environments, industrial environments, and densely populated area. The samples were en-route to the United States; consequently, analyses of the sample started early February and have been performed for phosphates during February which are included in this paper. The early research projects of this nature / type during the freshman year of the student college-years motivates and increases the student's interest in science and engineering disciplines and encourages them to pursue further education in these fields. This paper will focus on the Preliminary Phosphate Study (FIA) and discuss the results of the experiments and the detection conditions performed. Future work would involve measurement of other nutrients such as nitrate and potassium levels and comparisons made to see if there is correlation between the nutrients and the sites tested so far in this work. Also future paper would discuss and present how this type of early research study increases interest, teamwork, leadership abilities in the freshman minority and international students. Background: The study presented in this paper discusses the research performed by an international student dealing with the data collected from his hometown, while studying science and engineering at a College in the USA, performing the research under the direction and guidance of the faculty at the college in the USA. The research project involves an international student from China, studying the amount of phosphates and any other toxic material in Zhejiang River (within 10-20 miles of Shanghai, China) and its environmental impact on rural and urban areas, and any other possible unforeseen and unexpected impacts. Food and its availability is of major concern in various regions of the world, especially in the underdeveloped communities. Furthermore if the water is used downstream for farming, there might be additional concerns. This also impacts the quality and life of aquatic creatures (especially fish) and wildlife. The water samples are taken at various locations of the river. They are then shipped to the college in the USA. The laboratory experiments are performed to analyze each sample at this college. The laboratory results are analyzed and conclusions are drawn based on the data from the lab experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]