WQI TEST Flashcards
(24 cards)
What are two types of solids tested in a Total Solids Lab?
1) Suspended solids- will not pass through a filter
2) Disolved solids- will pass through a filter
Name a suspended solid and a disolved solid.
Suspend- Leafs and dirt
Disolved-Salt
How do high amounts of suspended solids affect the creek?
It causes low oxygen, fewer plants, warmer habitat, and reduced habitat.
What are things that may cause the weight of total solids to be high?
Erosion or Runnoff
What is Disolved Oxygen? (DO)
The measure of oxygen within a body of water.
What are sources of Disolved Oxygen?
Aquatic plants and the Atmosphere (Riffles)
What may cause a low Disolved Oxygen score?
Dead things, runoff, and the warming of water
What was our Disolved Oxygen Result?
1
What is Coliform Bacteria and what does the test indicate?
It comes from poop and coliform itself is not harmful however it is often found with harmful bacteria. It is normal to have high amounts of it in rivers. We scored positive
What is pH?
pH is the measure of the acidity within water.
Low= Acetic (1-6)
Middle=7
High= Alkaline ({Soapy}8-14)
What may affect pH?
Runoff (Chemicals) and Acid Rain (Pollution & Volcanos)
What did we score for pH?
7.625 (3.4)
What is Bio Oxygen Demand (BOD)?
BOD is the amount of disolved oxygen used by bacteria to break down organic matter. A high BOD indicates a lack of oxygen.
What causes a high BOD?
Dead organisms
What does temperare change indicate?
Runoff, Erosion, sedimentation, removed streamside vegetation, AND THERMAL POLUTION, AND LOW DYSOLVED OXYEGEN. (We scored a 4)
What are Phosphates and what do high levels indicate?
A nutrient needed for plant and animal growth. To many phosphates lead to Alge Booms.
Where do phosphates come from?
Runoff from lawns and farms, fertilizers, and soil and erosion.
What did we score on phosphates?
4
What are Nitrates and what dose high levels indicate?
Nitrates are used to build protein. High levels mean low oxygen and dead organisms.
What score did we get for Nitrates?
1.9
What is Turbidity and what does high amounts cause?
Turbidity is the water’s clarity. High amounts mean low oxegen, less plants, warmer water, and reduced habitat.
What is High Nitrate levels caused by?
Increased decomposition, sewage, and fertilizer.
Where does turbidity come from?
Erosion
What did we score for Turbidity?
4
