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Published byRoland Bates Modified over 9 years ago
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DO level: 9.8 ppm Hardness: 110ppm CaCo 3 (this is high due to limestone aquifers, not a bad thing) Alkalinity: 122.3 ppm (also high due to limestone aquifers, not a bad thing) pH: 7.4 Nitrates: < 1ppm NO 3 Ammonia-Nitrogen: 0 ppm Phosphates: < 0.05 ppm
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Essential nutrient for plant and animal growth. Slight increases may cause: › Accelerated plant growth › Algae blooms › Low DO › Death of certain aquatic organisms Phosphates should stay below 0.1 mg/L to avoid severe impact. High levels of phosphates could be caused from: › Wastewater treatment plants › Faulty septic systems › Runoff from farms
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Also known as DO Minimum DO level needed to keep a stream healthy is 5 ppm, but 9 is optimal. › Levels that are too high can be harmful to aquatic life. Fish in waters containing excessive dissolved gases may suffer from "gas bubble disease". Natural stream purification processes require adequate oxygen levels in order to provide for aerobic life forms.
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Factors that influence the amount of the chemical: › The amount of carbon-based mineral molecules suspended in the water from the soil/bedrock through which it passed (Limestone aquifer) The optimal amount of the chemical: › At least 20 ppm CaCO 3 Factors affected by the amount of the chemical: › Buffers the streams pH preventing acids from dropping the pH of the water
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pH stands for potential hydrogen pH of water is affected by: › The bedrock and soil composition such as limestone (which neutralizes the acid) › The amount of plant growth and organic material within a body of water › Chemicals from industries, communities, and agriculture › Acid precipitation › Coal mine drainage Pure, or neutral water, has a pH of 7, anything lower than 7 is acidic, and anything higher (up to 14) is basic. pH involves synergy, when acidic water comes in contact with certain chemicals and metals, it can make them become more poisonous than normal.
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Factors that influence the amount of the chemical: › Amount of carbon-based mineral molecules suspended in the water from the soil/bedrock through which it passed (Limestone aquifer) Optimal amount of the chemical: › At least 20 ppm CaCO 3 Factors that are affected by the amount of the chemical: › Carbonate buffers the stream’s pH, negatively influences toxicity of other compounds in the water, supplies organisms living in the stream with calcium needed for nutrition
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Nitrate is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless compound. Nitrate can be expressed as either NO 3 (nitrate) or NO 3 -N (nitrate-nitrogen). Nitrate levels above the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 10mg/L NO 3 - N or 45 mg/L NO 3 may cause methemoglobinemia in infants. Low levels of nitrates occur naturally in groundwater. Proper management of fertilizers, manures, and other nitrogen sources can minimize contamination of drinking water supplies.
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Colorless gas with a strong pungent odor. Reacts with water to create a weak base. Elevated levels of ammonia causes harm to aquatic life. Fish may suffer a loss of equilibrium, hyperexcitability, increased respiratory activity and oxygen uptake, and increased heart rate. At extreme ammonia levels, fish may experience convulsions, coma, and death. Ammonia is a toxic substance in an excess amount. Sources of Ammonia: › Fertilizers › Faulty septic tanks › Cleaning products
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“Water Tests: Definitions, Purposes, and Sources.” Lehigh Earth Observatory. Web. 06 Nov. 2010. http://www.leo.lehigh.edu/projects/hydroprobe/wqdef.html http://www.water-research.net/Watershed/pH.htm http://www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/wcpdo.htm
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