Water Quality
Hailey Picciano
What is water quality?
Water quality is measured in several ways. Like dissolved oxygen, bacteria levels, the amount of salt, or the amount of materials in the water.
Why is it important?
It's important because us humans need water, that isn't contaminated. That's why filters are so popular. We need good water quality to consume since bad water quality isn't healthy for us and could lead to sickness.
Why do we test?
Water could get us very sick if water quality wasn't tested to make sure it's safe to consume. We test waters' quality to ensure healthiness and to make sure there is no un-needed bacteria in it.
PH
PH indicates the water's acidity and measures the potential activity of hydrogen ions (H+) in the water sample.
DO
The oxygen dissolved in lakes, rivers, and oceans isn't good for the organisms living in it.
Turbidity
A light is directed through the water sample and the amount of light scattered is measured.
Nitrates
Some bacteria in the water change ammonia to produce nitrites which are then converted by other bacteria to nitrates.
Temp
Temperature impacts the chemical characteristics of surface water.
Bio-indicators
A bioindicator is a living organism that gives an idea of the health of an ecosystem.
Ramifications
- Nutrient pollution is an environmental issue caused by extra nitrogen in the air and water.
- If the temperature is too high then there is a risk of the turbidity getting higher.
- For rivers/lakes we have to make sure the depth is able to get boats through.
- Low PH is especially harmful to baby fish and insects.
- Temperatures getting too low can reduce plant life and give fish diseases.