VII.

Orthophosphate in Water
A. Why is orthophosphate an important molecule? -Important for diet -Basically Phosphate -Important in DNA/RNA: comprises backbone -Energy-transfer/storage: helps in storing energy and ATP--> ADP -Laundry: Helps to soften water -Fertilizers: Have an N-P-K classification

B. How does a spectrophotometer work? 1. A lens focuses light into a monochromater 2. The monochromater is similar to a prism, when white light passes through, it separates it into its different, discreet wavelengths 3. A second lens focuses one of these wavelengths through the a compartment, where the wavelength passes through the sample held in the sample cell. 4. A detector then measures the amount of light transmitted through the sample 5. The recorded amount is sent to a computer and converted into understandable data

C. What is Eutrophication?

The ecosystem's response to the addition of artificial or natural substances, such as nitrates and phosphates, through fertilizers or sewage, to an aquatic system. One example is the "bloom" or great increase of phytoplankton in a water body as a response to increased levels of nutrients. Negative environmental effects include hypoxia, the depletion of oxygen in the water, which induces reductions in specific fish and other animal populations

D. Predict /draw an absorption spectrum for a colored substance (visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum)

LAB 7 Orhtophosphate Page 13