EXPERIMENT 4.

AIM: To study different water samples for the presence of living organisms.

REQUIREMENTS
Water samples
(such as pond water, river water, canal water etc.) microscope, glass slides, dropper,
methylene blue, spirit lamp, etc.

PROCEDURE
Take a clean slide and put a few drop of water
seperately from different water samples. Spread the
drops to make a thin film of water on the slide. Allow it to dry. Pass the lower side of the slide through
the flame of spirit lamp two or three times to fix the
living organisms present in water on to the slide.
Add a fevw drop of a methylene blue on the slide. Leave the slide for
two minutes. Wash the slide and
observe the slide under the microscope.

OBSERVATION
A number of types of microorganisms (such as bacteria, protozoa, diatoms, some algae,
cyanobacteria) are observed. Different types of
organisms present in water samples m
Figs. 4.2 and 4.3.
are given

CONCLUSION
Presence of large number of
microorganisms indicates the presence of organic pollutants in water
Core Experiments 35

COCCI
BACILLI VIBRIO
Sn SPIRILI

Different types of Bacterias

A B C D E F G H
A. Pleurosigma, B. Navicula, C. Amphiplura, D. Triceretium, E. Nostoc
F. Oscillatoria, G. Spirogyra, H. Asterionella, I. Gloeotricha.

Daphnia Copepod Rotifer Water strider

Fig. 4.2. Some microorganisms found in water samples collected from different water bodies.

t 1 2 3 4

6 7 8 9 10
1. Amphipod, 2. Mosquito larva, 3. Isopods, 4. Dysticus larva, 5. Dysticus, 6. Water scorpion
7. Firstinstar maytly nymph, 8. Second instar mayfly nymph, 9. and 10. Instar nymph of dragon fly

Fig. 4.3. Some Arthropods found in freshwater bodies.

36 Comprehenslve Laboratory Manual in Biology-XI

PRECAUTIONS
Shake the water well before putting the drops ofwater on the slide from it.
Pass the slide through the flame only to get it dry.

VIVA VOCE
Q.1. What is pollution ?
Ans. An undesirable change in the physical, chemical or
biological characteristics of air, water and
land that harmfully affect the human life is called
pollution.
Q.2. What are pollutants ?
Ans. Theagents pollute our air, and land called
water are pollutants.
Q.3. Define water pollution.
Ans. Itis the addition of any undesirable substance to water which make it harmful for the
organisms.
Q.4. What is biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) ?
Ans. The amount of
oxygen required by microorganisms for decomposition of organic matter present
in water is called biochemical oxygen demand.
Q.5. What does high BOD indicate?
Ans. High BOD indicates the presence of higher amount of organic matter in the water.