Water Quality Indicators

Question 1

Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Answer 1

BOD is the quantity of oxygen used by decomposers for decomposition of organic matter. Water with high BOD levels=low diversity of organisms

Question 2

Fecal Coliform

Answer 2

Common bacteria found in the intestines and feces of animals and are an indicator of sewage contamination. Fecal Coliform bacteria indicate that disease-causing microorganisms or pathogens could be present. Detrimental to human health

Question 3

Temperature

Answer 3

Organisms require a certain range of water temperature for growth, reproduction, and even survival

Question 4

pH

Answer 4

Measurement of H+ ions in the water. Organisms require a certain pH for survival. pH less than 7 is acidic and has more H+ ions pH greater than 7 is basic (alkaline) has more OH- ions Neutral solutions have a pH of 7

Question 5

Turbidity

Answer 5

Turbidity affects the clarity of water. The turbidity of the water may affect how much sunlight reaches the plants for photosynthesis.

Question 6

Total Solids

Answer 6

Amount of all solid matter suspended or dissolved in water. Total solids can block sunlight.

Question 7

Nitrates

Answer 7

Form of nitrogen needed for amino acids (building blocks of proteins) high levels of nitrates can cause an increase in plant growth

Question 8

Phosphates

Answer 8

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for organisms. Small increase in phosphorus can cause a large increase in the growth of plants such as algae. Excess phosphates in the water can be an indicator of contamination

Question 9

Dissolved Oxygen

Answer 9

DO is oxygen gas molecules (O2) present in water. Water with high levels of DO are considered healthy. Low DO levels may indicate pollution