Point vs Nonpoint Source Pollution Water Quality Indicators notes Date Session # Activity Page # 12/12-13 Storm water impact Point vs Nonpoint Source Pollution Water Quality Indicators notes Pollution Tolerance Index Worksheet Practice Fish Tank Water Quality Warm Up: Stream Survey Form Silently read through the Stream Data Collection Worksheet Be prepared to discuss: words you have never seen before words you have seen before, but not in a science context This is the data and evidence you will be collecting and analyzing at the creek next class period. Think about they types of activities and observations you require in order to have a successful survey for your group.

8.E.1 Understand the hydrosphere and the impact of humans on local systems and the effects of the hydrosphere on humans. 8.E.1.3 Predict the safety and potability of water supplies in North Carolina based on physical and biological factors, including: Temperature, Dissolved oxygen, pH, Nitrates and phosphates, Turbidity, Bio-indicators 8.E.1.4 Conclude that the good health of humans requires: Monitoring of the hydrosphere, Water quality standards, Methods of water treatment, Maintaining safe water quality, Stewardship

Obj: Students will brainstorm indicators of water quality, closely read text to identify types & sources of water pollution, take notes on water quality indicators and predict & measure the water quality of the…fish tank  in preparation for the creek survey!

Human impact on storm water Storm water impact on streams While watching the videos, consider: -the impact we have on storm water -the impact storm water has on our streams Storm water video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3IeS0gFH1M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h2mhn35DhM Human impact on storm water Storm water impact on streams

Two Types of Pollution One is easier to control than the other! Point Source Pollution Define Examples How can it be controlled? Read and annotate the diagram. Be prepared to discuss: The two types of water pollution and how one differs from the other Examples of each Which type is easier to control & why? Look for evidence in the text that supports your response.

Two Types of Pollution One is easier to control than the other!

Two Types of Pollution One is easier to control than the other Point Source Pollution any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship or factory smokestack. Factories and sewage treatment plants are two common types of point sources. Nonpoint Source Pollution Pollution discharged over a wide land area, not from one specific location. Non-point source pollution is contamination that occurs when rainwater, snowmelt, or irrigation washes off plowed fields, city streets, or suburban backyards. As this runoff moves across the land surface, it picks up soil particles and pollutants, such as nutrients and pesticides.

Identify each of the following as point source or nonpoint source pollution. Explain your answers. 1 2 3 4 5 6

The health of a water system is determined by the balance between physical, chemical, and biological variables. Physical variables include temperature, turbidity. Chemical variables include dissolved oxygen and other gases, pH, nitrates and phosphates. Both natural and man-made forces are constantly changing these variables. Biological variables are living organisms. Bio-indicators are living organisms that require specific conditions in order to survive. Their presence in waters, or lack of presence, is an indicator of the health of a water system.

Water Quality Indicator Notes Turbidity Description: Murkiness of water due to suspended particles Levels: Ideal = 1NTU High = 5o NTU+

Turbidity Causes: Erosion from construction urban run off disturbance of stream beds from bottom feeders/livestock increased algal growth septic system leaks decaying plant matter flooding Results: Increase temperature Decrease in DO Clogs gills in some aquatic organisms

Temperature Definition: Amount of kinetic energy Levels: Low: cannot be tolerated below 00C High: only rough fish can tolerate temperatures above 350C

Temperature Causes: Loss of shade from removal of vegetation Thermal Pollution: industry discharge seasonal temp changes Results: Decreased levels of DO increased bacterial levels, increased algae growth

pH Description: How acidic is the water Each level is a 10x difference Levels: 06 is acidic 7 is neutral 814 is basic Surface Freshwater: 6.0 9.0

pH Cause: Acid rain minerals in soils Results: Death of sensitive bio-indicators Death or damage to plants

What is the optimum freshwater pH? Rainfall: 5 – 6.5 Most freshwater systems: 7 - 8 Most aquatic organisms: 6.5 – 8.2 Slide 21. Abiotic Factors-pH The pH of rain depends on the amount of industrialization in the rainfall area. Air pollution from emissions from industry often produce carbonic, sulfuric and nitric acids which lower the pH. The water which drains a limestone area high in bicarbonates can raise the pH of the water as high as 8.5. Aquatic organisms are VERY sensitive to changes in pH.

Dissolved Oxygen Description: Oxygen gas dissolved in water O2 enters water through photosynthesis and churning water Levels: 4-5 ppm optimal to support life  

Dissolved Oxygen Cause of low levels: Increased Temp Decaying plant material Effect: Less diversity of bio-indicators fish-kills

Nitrates & Phosphates Description: Excess nutrients Level: Nitrates above 1 ppm unhealthy Phosphates above .003 ppm unhealthy

Nitrates & Phosphates Cause of high levels: Fertilizer run off Animal waste Leaking septic systems Manure pits (hog farms, etc) Result: Eutrophication – overgrowth of algae (pond scum) Low DO

EUTROPHICATION FLOW CHART Excess Nutrients  Algal Bloom (pond scum)  darkness below surface  photosynthesis stops  decomposers & other organisms use up oxygen  DEATH (gradual buildup of dying plant matter the pond becomes a meadow)

Bio-Indicators Description: Macro-invertebrates living in water that are sensitive to pollution Desired Level: Large numbers and diversity

Bio-Indicators Cause of low levels: Increased levels of pollution Result: Less diversity of organisms Fewer organisms

Different macro-invertebrates have different tolerances for pollution If you can use only one indicator, this is the one to use.

Stream testers use the number and variety of macro-invertebrates found to assess water quality. The most pollution sensitive organisms are worth more points. Organisms less sensitive to pollution, are worth less points. Practice using this tool to assess stream “health.” Your table has a group of organisms from stream A, B or C. Use the worksheet and calculate the Pollution Tolerance Index and score for your stream.

Test the fish tank water Read the directions for the test(s) in your group’s bin. Make sure you read them twice. Conduct the test(s) on your sample of tank water You will conduct those same tests at the creek next class. You will share your creek results with the class.

p. . Back to our aquatic ecosystem…..the fish tank. Indicator Result thoughts….. Temperature pH DO (dissolved Oxygen) Nitrate Phosphate Turbidity Coliform