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BIOL 2406 – Environmental Biology

Water Quality and Use
25 pts.

Background information:

Water quality is a measure of water’s suitability to be used for a specific purpose, such
as swimming, farming or power generation. Water that is considered unsuitable for one
purpose may be perfectly acceptable for another. Quality is a statement of the physical,
biological, and chemical characteristics of water and measurable levels of various
parameters. It is important to know that water quality can be adversely impacted by
both natural and man-made factors. Regular monitoring of water sources can help
identify developing problems in need of correction.

Procedure:
1. Watch the PBS Iowa video: Types of Pollutants that affect water quality
2. Read the information on this worksheet to learn about water quality parameters.
Use the information from the video and the lab worksheet to answer the
questions.
3. We will not test water samples this summer term.

I – Water Parameters

A. pH

Acidity of water is the quantitative capacity of water to be neutralized by a base to a set

pH. pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the solution is, determined by the relative
amount of free hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions in water. The scale runs from 0 to 14,
with 7 representing the neutral states where hydrogen and hydroxide ions are in
equilibrium. Solutions that are acidic have readings on the pH scale that are less than 7.

The acidity of water can increase through the decay of natural substances, which
results in the formation of carbonic acid. Another factor that can lower water’s pH is
acid rain. It is also important to consider acidity in relation to other chemicals, nutrients
and metals that may be present in water. The water’s pH can have an impact on how
soluble another substance may be in water. For example, heavy metals such as
aluminum, copper, or chromium can dissolve more easily in acidic water. The toxicity of
these metals increases as they are more soluble, so acidic water can contribute to the
harmful effects of the metals.
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B – Temperature

Temperature is the property of a body that determines the transfer of heat to or from
other bodies. In the context of water quality, temperature can provide an indication of
the living conditions for aquatic plants and animals. Warm temperatures are generally
considered beneficial for growth of aquatic populations. However, after a certain point,
temperature can have the opposite effect, and may contribute to a decline in the
biological diversity. Additionally, temperature also has an impact on dissolved oxygen
levels.

C – Conductivity (Dissolved solids)

Conductivity is the capacity of a substance to carry electricity. When measured, it is

expressed as millieSiemens or microSiemens. This variable is a measurement of the
amount of dissolved salts in a given liquid and is inversely proportional to the
concentration of dissolved solids. Therefore, the higher the concentration of solids, the
greater the conductivity.

The increased presence of total dissolved solids as expressed by electric conductivity

may be an indicator of natural or man-made pollutants. Conductivity can be impacted
by carbonates from limestone, man-made pollutants such as sewage treatment plants,
septic systems or agricultural run-off. High concentration of dissolved solids can lower
water quality and cause problems for individual organisms. On the other hand, low
concentrations may limit the growth of aquatic life.

D– Dissolved oxygen

The concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in water is extremely important. Dissolved

oxygen is essential to the growth and development of aquatic life. Without oxygen,
water can become toxic due to the anaerobic decaying of organic matter. DO levels
can help indicate the relative health of a body of water. If DO levels are normal or high,
the water is a good environment for a variety of aquatic life. If DO levels are low, it may
indicate the presence of pollutants in the water. Some aquatic life can exist in water
with a wide range of DO, but other cannot survive in low DO environment.

DO fluctuate if there is significant plant life. Since there is less photosynthetic activity at
night, plants and animals consume the oxygen in the water, but little oxygen is
produced. That makes morning DO levels lower than the rest of the day. While DO
levels are associated to photosynthesis, not all comes from this process. A large
source of DO comes from the mixing of atmospheric oxygen with water. Water
turbulence increases this process. Other factors that affect DO levels are temperature
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and runoff water. Oxygen dissolves more easily in cold water. Runoff brings organic
matter and pollutants that increase decomposition. Decomposers consume oxygen in
the process.

E – Hardness

Hardness is the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in water expressed in

terms of calcium carbonate. Historically, water hardness was defined by the capacity of
water to precipitate soap. Hardness can have a favorable influence on aquatic life for a
variety of reasons. Comparatively high levels of hardness can help to reduce the
impact of toxic metals by contributing to the formation of precipitates that cannot be
absorbed by aquatic organisms. Hard water usually has high alkalinity. Hardness can
be unfavorable if it upsets the osmoregulation process in fish.

Table 1: General guidelines for classification are (based on presence of calcium carbonate):

Measurement Hardness
0 to 60 mg/L soft
61 to 120mg/L moderately hard
121 to 180 mg/L hard
more than 180mg/L very hard

F – Nitrates

Nitrate is formed in water mainly through rainfall, decomposition of organic matter, and
run off from man-made pollutants such as sewage wastes and fertilizers. Almost all
surface waters have some measurable level of nitrate, and a moderate amount is
considered beneficial. However, large amounts of nitrate can lead to eutrophication that
may result in decreased dissolved oxygen levels. This is because high levels of nitrates
will nourish aquatic plant and animal life to the point that it becomes overgrown. It can
lead to algal blooms that cover the surface of the water, hindering the ability of sunlight
to enter the water. This slows down photosynthesis beneath the water’s surface,
thereby, reducing the available oxygen. Low oxygen levels combined with the amount
of oxygen required by aerobic bacteria to decompose organic matter can have a
negative impact on aquatic life.

In drinking water a 10mg/L limit of nitrates has been imposed. Excessive amounts of
nitrates can contribute to infant death and adult illness.
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G – Phosphates

Phosphate stimulates growth of plankton and aquatic plants which provide food for
larger organisms such as fish and zooplankton. Phosphates are widely introduced into
the environment from such sources as agricultural fertilizers, cleaning and laundering
products, boiler water conditioners, and drinking water treatment aids. Phosphates are
not toxic to people or animals unless they are present in very high levels.

Growth that is stimulated by phosphate can improve overall water quality, since it leads
to an increase in aquatic plant and animal populations. However, at high levels,
phosphate may cause excessive growth of algal blooms and other plant life, blocking
sunlight from penetrating. This situation will cause the same eutrophication scenario as
in excessive concentration of nitrates.

Part I Questions (8 points)

1. List the four groups of pollutants mentioned in the video.

Sediments, nutrients, toxic chemicals, and pathogens are the four groups mentioned in the video.

2. How are sediments detrimental to water?

Sediments are detrimental to water because when they are washed into waterways, they can
block sunlight influencing what types of vegetation and species can live there. Sediments can be
a carrier for other pollutants like toxic chemicals. Sediments also fill in waterways affecting
transportation and recreation.

3. What are the common causes of low water pH?

Common causes of low water pH are nutrients when they get washed into waterways.
These nutrients make the water turn green and then you get algae blooms.
When these algae die they then decompose and take up all the oxygen in the water.

4. Which factors increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in water?

Dissolved oxygen comes from the mixing of atmospheric oxygen with water. Other factors
that affect DO levels are temperature and runoff water.

5. What are the sources of the nitrates and phosphates that enrich our bodies of water?
Some sources of the nitrates and phosphates that enrich our bodies of water are that they
stimulate growth for plankton and aquatic plants making food for organisms such as fish and
zooplankton.
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6. What causes blue baby syndrome?

Too much nitrogen in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Their blood can’t carry
enough oxygen due to nitrates.

7. What are some chemicals not traditionally tracked in our water ways?
Caffeine, over-the-counter drugs, anti-biotics, and disinfectants are some chemicals not
traditionally tracked.

8. How do pathogens end up in our bodies of water?

Pathogens can come from human sewage and raw animal waste. They end up in our bodies of
water because they are disease-causing bacteria and viruses that do not eliminated during
treatment.

II – Water Use Analysis – (12 points)

Water is one of our least expensive utilities. Many times we take for granted the
importance of this resource not realizing that it is a scarce resource in many parts
of the world. As the population grows and water demand increases, we will reach
a point where water supplies will not be enough for everyone.

In this exercise you will make an analysis of your current water use, and you will design
a plan to conserve water in your home.

Use the table below to list typical daily activities that take place in your house that
involve using water. Include the amount of times each activity listed occurs in a
typical day.
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Typical Daily Activities Times Per Day Each

Requiring Water Use in Activity Typically Occurs
Your House
Brushing teeth 8x
Shower 4x
Washing dishes 1x
Flushing toilet 20x
Washing Machine 1x per week

(4-person household)

Think about ways that you waste water at home and design a water conservation plan.
Add rows to the table if you need more space.

Activity Action
Brushing teeth Make sure water is turned off when
brushing teeth.
Showering Limit everyone’s time in the shower to 5
minutes.
Washing dishes Make sure the dishwasher is a water-
conserving dishwasher.
Flushing toilet Make toilet water efficient.
Washing Machine Only clean clothes when load is full.