View
215
Download
0
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution
Pure water is said to be neutral or consisting of a pH of 7
When testing pH you are not testing for the presence or absence of pH, you are testing the level of pH
Ammonia and nitrogen may find its way into waterways through fertilizer use.
Aquatic life and fish also add to ammonia and nitrogen levels.
Plants are more tolerant of ammonia than animals, and invertebrates are more tolerant than fish
The major impact of nitrates/nitrites on fresh water bodies is that of enrichment or fertilization called eutrophication.
Chlorine is most commonly used as a disinfectant in water because it is effective against a wide range of microorganisms
Kills disease producing bacteria
Chromium occurs in natural water sources at low levels
High levels of chromium may occur from runoff from electroplating, chrome, or preservatives in wood
Plants and animals do mot bioaccumulate chromium
Acute toxicity occurs in the form of skin lesions and may lead to cancer
Copper is an essential element to the human body
Large doses may cause liver damageMay accumulate in natural water
sources from sewage or industrial wastes
Cyanide is extremely toxic It may be present in water
containing waste from metal finishing
Iron is found in most natural waters and tap water (found in abundance in the earths crust)
Iron is a trace element required by both plants and animals (allows blood to transfer oxygen)
There is no real negative health affects from iron
Nitrogen occurs in natural waters as nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), ammonia (NH3), and organically bound nitrogen.
Sewage is the main source of nitrates added by humans to rivers.
Another important source is fertilizers, which can be carried into creeks by stormwater runoff.
Excessive nitrates stimulate growth of algae and other plants, which later decay and decrease the amount of oxygen in the water.
Phosphorus is another nutrient essential for plant growth
Large amounts of phosphates in water can lead to excessive algal growth
Phosphates are commonly used as fertilizers and household detergents
Is often found in natural watersSilica is found in the exoskeleton of
diatoms which are found in most natural waters
Sulfide may be found in water as a result of microorganisms decomposing plants
High concentrations create a rotten egg odor
Recommended