How water quality can change and affect life

Water Quality

Water Quality1Indicators of Water QualityNitratesEutrophicationAlgae BloomspHTurbidityTemperatureDissolved OxygenBioindicatorsNitrates (NO3) A naturally occurring form of nitrogen found in soil.

Nitrates Nitrogen is essential to all life. Most crop plants require large quantities to sustain high yields. Causes Eutrophication Common sources of nitrate include:fertilizers and manure,animal feedlots,municipal wastewater and sludge,septic systemsNitrates

Too much nitrates in a lake or pond will cause EutrophicationEutrophicationExcessive richness of nutrients in a lake or body of water. Frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and then death of animal life from lack of oxygen.

Eutrophicationhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-tfCEpUr7M&feature=relatedb) Algal Bloom

A large occurrence of algae build-up caused by an excess of fertilizer, waste water, and storm water runoff (overabundance of nitrogen and phosphorus). Can cause the water to turn green with layers of scum.b) Algal BloomLake Chaohu, Chinasite of the sailing portion of the 2008 Olympics

http://seawayblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/qingdao-and-algae-bloom.htmlhttp://seawayblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/thick-green-waters-of-lake-chaohu.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT3gK1pr6WU&feature=related2. pHThe measurement of how acidic or basic a substance is

The scale goes from 0 to 140=high acid14=high base7=neutral

Common Substances pHSubstancepHAcid or BaseBattery Acid 0Acid Vinegar2AcidSoda Pop 3Acid Saliva 6AcidWater 7Neutral Baking Soda 9Base Soapy Water 12Base Lye13BaseLiquid Drain Cleaner 14Base

3. TurbidityIs the cloudiness, or haziness, of water caused by suspended particles and dissolved solids

3. TurbidityLow TurbidityClearCan See Through It

High TurbidityUnclearCan NOT See Through It

154. Temperaturethe degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment.

5. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is a relative measure of the amount of oxygen that is dissolved or carried in a given mediumIts important for fish and other aquatic organisms that require oxygen to live.

6. BioindicatorsAre species used to monitor the health of an environment or ecosystem

18The Relationship Between . . .Temperature

Dissolved Oxygen

Bioindicators

Temperature affects . . .The amount of oxygen that can be dissolved in the water (Dissolved Oxygen)

The temperature of the organisms within the water and their activity, rate of growth and reproduction (Bioindicator)

The rate of photosynthesis by plants in the water (Bioindicator)

The health of organisms in the water (Bioindicator)How does temperature affect the amount of dissolved oxygen in water?Water temperature and dissolved oxygen are inversely related to each other.

What does that mean?When temperature goes up the amount of dissolved oxygen goes down When temperature goes down the amount of dissolved oxygen goes up

MonthTemperature (C)Temperature (F)Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)January10.651.18.1February9.849.68.2March11.953.47April13.456.16.3May15.559.95June17.8644.6July21.971.44.1August26.679.93.1September24.876.63.7October2169.84November15595.2December12.2546.9How does temperature affect aquatic organisms growth rate and reproduction?

Growth RateAs temperature increases an organisms activity and growth rate increases.More activity = Need for more Oxygen

Growth rate will double if temperature increases by 10C (18F) within the organisms "preferred" range.

ReproductionReproductive systems are sensitive to temperature

Therefore, aquatic organisms tend to reproduce best at a particular time of year (seasonal changes)

Example: Salmon Run in Fall

How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis by plants in the water?As water temperature increases, plants tend to produce oxygen, to grow faster, and to die at a faster rate.

How does temperature affect the health of organisms in the water?Temperatures that are higher or lower than normal can make an organism more sensitive to pollutants and diseases

Organisms that are exposed to these situations are referred to as being stressedWhat factors can change the temperature of a body of water?Air TemperatureSunlightSoil ErosionThermal Pollution

Soil ErosionThe cutting down of trees along the banks of riversWhich causes the banks to wash awayMaking the water turbid & turbid water absorbs heat easily

Thermal PollutionWarm water being discharged from an electric power generating stationRain water draining off heated streets, sidewalks, or parking lotsDamming rivers and exposing water to the sun while its stationary

Water QualityGOOD: Drinking Waterhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R_vpNQ0fJc