Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory

Module 7: Physicochemical Factors of Lake

7.5 Data Analysis of Physical and Chemical Factors of Lake

This is the lake in Lake Park of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas. It is a man-
made lake found at the center of the campus. Data of its physico-chemical monitoring
were listed in the table below.

Monitoring data of Man-made lake in Lake Park, DLSUD (data provided by Ms. J. Luyon of ERMaC.

Parameters Station 1 Station 2 Station 2 DAO 2016-08

(Museo) (Center) (Gourmet) (Standard Value for
Class C Bodies of
Water )
Temperature
25.9 26.6 25.9 25-31
(oC)
Light
Penetration 11 11.5 11 -
(inch)
Salinity (ppt) 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.5
TDS (g/L) 0.342 0.329 0.314 -
Conductivity
0.54 0.522 0.495 -
(microseimens)
pH 7.58 7.48 8.21 6.5-9.0
DO (mg/L) 2.48 5.05 12.01 5 mg/L
Nitrate (ppm) 9.5 9.5 10 7 mg/L
Nitrite (ppm) 3 3 3 -
Phosphate
5 5 5 5 mg/L
(ppm)
 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Physicochemical Factors of Lake

Enabling Assessment 7 Physical and Chemical Factors (Data Analysis)

Name Lorin, Kiana Patricia M. Date 11/27/2021
Teacher Professor Janette Bala CYS MEB23
Points Time Allotment 120 minutes Score

Instruction: Using the monitoring data provided by ERMaC, state your initial analysis
about the condition of lake in Lake Park, DLSUD.

The DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2016-08 specifies the standard values for
Class C Bodies of Water, which includes the Lake Park, DLSUD. After that, the Lake Park
is divided into three stations: Museum, Center, and Gourmet, with monitoring data
compared to the DAO 2016-08. According to the data collected by the ERMaC, the Lake
Park meets almost all of the parameter ranges stated in the DAO 2016-08, with the
exception of the values of its dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrates. Hypoxia is indicated by
a low DO value in Station 1 (Museo), whereas hyperoxia is indicated by a high DO value
in Station 2. (Gourmet). Nitrate levels are higher at all of the stations. Lake Park is
identified as a well-maintained body of water by ERMaC's parameter evaluation.

B. Results

Using the data from Enabling Assessment 7.5, describe the different physico-chemical
factors as affected by the site in the Lake.

Physico-Chemical Factor Observable Effects

Temperatures at the sites vary between 25.9- and 26.6-

degrees Fahrenheit. The lake is surrounded by trees,
Temperature
which may be causing temperature changes by shading
the water.

The concentrations of dissolved oxygen differed

between stations, with the Museo having 2.54 mg/L and
DO the Center having 2.04 mg/L. 5.05 mg/L, versus 12.01
mg/L for the Gourmet. Only Station 2 (Center) met the
DO level criterion set by DAO 2016-08.
 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Physicochemical Factors of Lake

The three stations have pH levels that vary from 7.48 to

8.21, which is neither too acidic nor too alkaline.
pH
Because of these pH levels, Lake Park appears to be
chemical-free.

Low salinity readings were found at the stations, ranging

Salinity from 0.2 to 0.3 ppt confirms the absence of dissolved
salts and the presence of freshwater.

C. Follow-up Questions

1. Give the importance of the following physicochemical factors in the lake and how
does it affect the biotic components.

a. Light
A variety of ecological elements, both abiotic and biotic, play a role impact
how parasitoids use their hosts The light environment is one important abiotic
factor that varies by habitat and influences a range of plant nutritional and
resistance properties, which in turn affect herbivore performance. However, how
far these bottom-up effects "cascade up" to affect higher trophic levels, as well
as the relative importance of direct and indirect solar effects on tritrophic
interactions, remain unknown. The researchers wanted to explore how the light
environment (light gap vs. shaded forest understory) and leaf type (sun vs. shade
leaves) affected the performance and parasitism incidence of two moth larval
species, Euclea delphinii and Acharia stimulea (Limacodidae).
b. Temperature

The environment's temperature has a profound impact on organisms.

Extremophilic bacteria, for example, have evolved to live in environments with
extremes of heat and cold. The majority of organisms are mesophiles, which
means they flourish in temperatures ranging from 25 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Seasonal temperature swings have a significant impact on organisms' growth
and reproduction. Seasonal temperature swings cause plants to bloom, animals
to reproduce, seeds to germinate, and mammals to hibernate.
 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Physicochemical Factors of Lake

c. Nitrate

Nitrates are naturally occurring ions that occur as part of the nitrogen cycle.
Nitrates are important because they offer fertilizer to aquatic plants and algae,
both of which are necessary for life. Nitrate is necessary for the growth and
feeding of many species in the freshwater habitat, especially plants. Any excess
nitrate in freshwater can cause an overgrowth of plants and algae, which can
clog water intakes, absorb dissolved oxygen, and block sunlight. Eutrophication
can be caused by algal scums, which can kill fish and potentially the lake itself.
d. Phosphate

Phosphorus is also essential for the growth and development of aquatic

plants and animals. Similar to nitrate, it promotes plant and animal growth, which
supplies food for other species. Phosphorus, which is found naturally as
phosphate, is an important component of the aquatic food web but is scarce in
freshwater environments. Under the correct conditions, even a modest increase
in phosphorus can trigger a chain reaction in a stream, resulting in rapid plant
growth, algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and the death of some fish,
invertebrates, and other aquatic organisms.
e. Dissolved oxygen (DO)

One of the most important indicators of water quality is dissolved oxygen

(DO). Since aquatic creatures rely on it to survive, it must be of high quality. It
determines if the water is habitable and capable of supporting living organisms.
Low DO makes it impossible for living things to thrive. The amount of oxygen in
the water that originates from the atmosphere and aquatic plants is referred to
as dissolved oxygen (DO). Because lake water is known for its quietness, it
dissolves less oxygen than moving water. This figure is a direct reflection of the
aquatic ecosystem's ability to sustain life. Hypoxia or anoxia may occur as a
result of excess organic material and microbial degradation. As a result of the
fall in DO, animals may move, decline in health, or even die.
 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Physicochemical Factors of Lake

f. pH

The number of free hydroxyl ions and hydrogen in a solution is measured

by the pH of water. The chemicals contained in the water might affect the pH of
the water. Because it can be impacted by pollutants, it is an important indicator
of whether the water is changing chemically or if it is polluted. The corrosiveness
of water is determined by the pH level in an aquatic ecosystem. Water with a
lower pH is more caustic, while water with a higher pH has less photosynthetic
activity and carbon dioxide assimilation. Most aquatic creatures live in a pH
range of 6.5 to 9.0 because excessive pH values are undesirable for biological
life things to persist in bodies of water.

2. Acquaint with the different instruments used for measuring the different physical
and chemical factors by enumerating the factors being measured, units, and
describe how they are used. Write your answers on the space provided. (10pts)

Parameter
Unit of
Instrument being Procedure
Measurement
measured
Place the light meter's tip on the water
Light Meter Conductivity microseimens
and watch the display for the result.
Slowly lower the instrument into the
Light lake on the shaded side of the boat
Secchi Disk inch
penetration until it is completely hidden. Make a
mental note of how deep it is.
Place the thermometer in the water.
Degree Allow 30-60 seconds for it to fully
Thermometer Temperature
Celsius absorb. Take note of the result
displayed on the screen.
Place the probe tip into the water while
gently swirling the lake with the water
Depth Meter Water Depth meters
depth meter. Make a note of the depth
as shown on the depth meter.
 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Physicochemical Factors of Lake

Submerge the tip of the probe in water.

Move the probe to release air bubbles
Dissolved
DO Meter mg/L and deliver the fresh sample to the
Oxygen
sensor cap. Allow the DO levels to
level out.
Submerge the pH meter in the lake
pH Meter Alkalinity pH water and activate the meter. Get a
stable reading after 2 minutes.
Total Plunge the tip half an inch into the
TDS Meter Dissolved g/L water. Take note of the result
Solids displayed on the screen.
Submerge the salinometer two-thirds
of the way beneath the lake's surface.
Salinometer Salinity ppt Make a mental note of the
measurement as it shows on the
computer screen.