Eli Vaillancourt

Abiotic Objectives: 1. pH- measures the hydrogen ion concentration a pH less than 7 are acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. Alkalinity- quantitative capacity of water to neutralize an acid. This is important in determining a stream's ability to neutralize acidic pollution from rainfall or wastewater. Dissolved Oxygen- a relative measure of the amount of oxygen that is dissolved or carried in a given medium

example Brook Trout like to live in waters with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5

Abiotic Objectives 2. Water Flow- the rate or speed at which water travels Water temperature- how hot or cold the water is. Water turbidity- is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by individual particles Surface Tension- contractive tendency of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force

example The water strider is denser than water but surface tension allows it to stay afloat. Largemouth Bass live in water temperature from 62 to 83 degrees

Abiotic Objectives 3. The shape of the land can affect water flow and channel shape. If a stream is high up in a steep mountain the channel will usually have a strong water flow. As opposed to a stream on nearly flat land will be much slower. Streams provide many habitats

Abiotic Objectives 4. Water Cycle!

example The Northern Red Salamander only comes out to search for prey, during or after rain.

Abiotic Objectives 5. Watersheds of PA

Abiotic Objectives 6. Streams range from a first to twelve order. 1 st being the smallest and 12 th being the largest.

Biotic Objectives 1.Identifying Aquatic animals: cards/ cards/

Biotic Objectives 2. Life cycles of animals Ex: Trout

Biotic Objectives Bull Frog

Biotic Objectives Dragonfly

Biotic Objectives Adaptations of Mudpuppy: Slimy skin- keeps it moist Tail- assists in jumping Gills- breathe underwater

Biotic Objectives Yellow Perch habitat requirements: Fresh water Low turbidity 17.6 to 25 degrees C Moderate vegetation Low water flow for laying/hatching eggs

Community Objectives 1.Aquatic and Wetland Environments: Pond Lake Stream Marsh Bog Swamp

Community Objectives 2. Functions of wetlands recycle nutrients purify water attenuate floods recharge ground water provide habitats for wildlife

Community Objectives 3. Stream from headwater to mouth

Community Objectives 4. Functional feeding groups: Mayfly nymphs are scrapers that eat algae, bacteria and fungus of rocks. Stonefly nymph is a shredder that eats decaying leaves and twigs. Dragonfly nymph is a predator that eats smaller insects, leeches, or fish.

Community Objectives 5. Food Web

Aquatic resource issues Artificial fertilizers and pesticides in crops causes intoxication of aquatic life. Factories produce many toxic and hazardous wastes which can pollute the soil, rivers and water sources if released untreated in the ecosystems. Fishing reduces the fish communities in rivers and oceans, destructive fishing techniques can also cause water pollution and damage to other aquatic life. Mining operations release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as well as heavy metals into the soil and water sources.

Aquatic resource issues Bog Turtle is endangered Eastern Massasauga is endangered Atlantic Sturgeon is threatened

Invasive Species Sea Lamprey Common Carp Red-Eared Slider

Fishing Regulations

Migratory Fish Restoration American Eel American Shad Atlantic Sturgeon

Water Quality Ammonia conductivity fecal coliform bacteria nitrate + nitrite Nitrogen dissolved oxygen pH Phosphorus suspended solids temperature turbidity

How can you protect water quality? IDENTIFY your watershed. TEST your soil before applying fertilizers or other nutrients to avoid over-application. REDUCE pesticide use. PATCH bare soil areas in your yard to prevent erosion and runoff. SWEEP, rather than hose down, sidewalks, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. USE a funnel for pouring when filling your lawn mower or other gasoline-powered tools DISPOSE of pet waste in the garbage

How can you protect water quality? MANAGE landscape projects properly. MINIMIZE lawn area and implement healthy lawn care practices. REPLACE paved surfaces, such as a garden path or driveway, with porous material. USE RAINWATER to your advantage. MAINTAIN a natural buffer zone between your landscaped area and any ponds or streams to prevent bank erosion and to filter contaminants AVOID planting trees too close to septic systems.

THE END!