WATER QUALITY TESTSWhat measurements are important to understanding water quality?

MEASUREMENTS WE’LL BE MAKING

Temperature pH Coliform Turbidity Dissolved oxygen Nitrate Phosphate Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

TEMPERATURE

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance

We will use oC. oF = (9/5 * oC) + 32 Temperature is important because it

determines the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.

The hotter the water gets, the less dissolved oxygen it can hold.

THERMAL POLLUTION

PH

A measurement of how acidic or basic the water is

pH = -log [H+] Ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic) 7 is neutral pH is affected by:1. Industrial waste2. Agricultural runoff3. Drainage from mines

COLIFORM

Bacteria found in fecal matter Can result from runoff of animal or human

waste

TURBIDITY

A measure of how cloudy/clear the water is Turbid water is caused by suspended matter

such as:1. Sand, silt, or clay particles2. Organic material 3. Microscopic organisms such as algae

Turbid water may be caused by: 1. Soil erosion2. Urban runoff3. Bottom sediment disturbances

TURBIDITY…

DISSOLVED OXYGEN

A measure of the amount of dissolved O2 in the water

Different organisms require different amounts of dissolved O2 to survive

Catfish require less dissolved oxygen than striped bass.

NITRATE AND PHOSPHATE

Nitrates and phosphates come from:1. Agricultural runoff (e.g. fertilizer)2. Industrial pollution3. Sewage

High levels can lead to the overgrowth of plants, such as algae.

Bacteria consume the algae and use up the dissolved oxygen in the water.

EUTROPHICATION

EUTROPHICATION…

Algal blooms lead to decreased dissolved oxygen in the water and can result in fish kills.

BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)

A measure of the quantity of dissolved oxygen used by bacteria as they break down organic wastes

If the BOD measurement is high this means that bacteria are consuming a lot of oxygen, leaving little dissolved oxygen for other organisms such as fish and aquatic insects

APRIL 1ST, 2010

Air 28oC (82oF) Water 18oC (64oF) pH 8 (slightly basic)

(good) Coliform Positive! Dissolved Oxygen4 ppm % Saturation 42% (poor) Nitrate 0 ppm (excellent) Phosphate 2 ppm (good) Turbidity 10 JTU (fairly clear) BOD None

MAY 25TH, 2010

Air 24oC (75oF) Water 24oC (75oF) pH 7 (neutral) (excellent) Coliform Did not test. Dissolved Oxygen2 ppm % Saturation 24% (poor) Nitrate 0 ppm (excellent) Phosphate 0 ppm (excellent) Turbidity 5 JTU (fairly clear) BOD Did not test.

AUGUST 30TH, 2010

Air 25oC (77oF) Water 28oC (82.4oF) pH 9 (basic) (poor) Coliform N/A Dissolved Oxygen1 ppm % Saturation 12% (poor) Nitrate 0 ppm (excellent) Phosphate 1.5 ppm (excellent) Turbidity 5 JTU (fairly clear) BOD

FEBRUARY 18TH, 2011

Air 20oC (68oF) Water 18oC (64oF) pH 6.5 (slightly acidic)

(very good) Coliform N/A Dissolved Oxygen1 ppm % Saturation 11% (poor) Nitrate 0 ppm (excellent) Phosphate 0.4 ppm (excellent) Turbidity 5 JTU (fairly clear) BOD N/A

MARCH 23RD, 2012 (POND)

Air 17oC (63oF) Water 18oC (64oF) pH 7 (neutral) (very

good) Coliform N/A Dissolved Oxygen3 ppm % Saturation 30% (poor) Nitrate 0 ppm (excellent) Phosphate 0 ppm (excellent) Turbidity 5 JTU (fairly clear) BOD N/A

MARCH 23RD, 2012 (STREAM)

Air 25oC (77oF) Water 18oC (64oF) pH 6.8 (slightly acidic)

(very good) Coliform Positive! Dissolved Oxygen2 ppm % Saturation 20% (poor) Nitrate 0 ppm (excellent) Phosphate 0.4 ppm (excellent) Turbidity 5 JTU (fairly clear) BOD N/A