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GLOBAL WATER SAMPLING PROJECT
FINAL REPORT
ON
SHARK RIVER SLOUGH
NATIONAL EVERGLADES PARK
BY
FELIX VARELA SENIOR HIGH STUDENTS
MIAMI, FL
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Period 5
MRS. CASAL
Phosphates
V. Balboa
J. Bello
C. Cano
R. Font
Background Information:
Phosphates are chemical compounds containing phosphorous. Phosphorous is vital to
human, animal, and plant life. Phosphates usually enter the water from “industrial
waste”, “sewage discharge”, and agricultural runoff”. Phosphates are plant nutrients
that stimulate the growth of algae. When too much algae is grown, this depletes the
water body of oxygen Elemental Phosphorous was discovered accidentally in 1669 by a
German chemist that was trying to make gold. Phosphates are used to make many
products. For example, phosphates are found in cola drinks, they are used in
detergents, and they are also used to preserve the moisture and taste in some foods
such as ham and shrimp. A limiting factor for plant growth is a phosphate concentration
of 0.02 parts per million (ppm).
The Everglades are located in Southern Florida. It consists of extensive Marshlands. It
has a limestone floor. In the Everglades, agricultural runoff destroys mats f composite
algae called periphyton. This algae is essential, it provides oxygen and food to small
aquatic organisms. It also helps many organisms to survive the dry season (December
until April) until rain comes again. Shark River Slough is known as the “River of Grass”.
Phosphate groups contain oxygen atoms and phosphorous. Phosphates act as a
fertilizer for algae, they make it bloom. Algae is very important for fish because it is their
food, but when the water contains excessive oxygen, it can be harmful. Thick layers of
algae can block the sunlight from reaching the bed of the creek. This kills the plants
that live at the deeper levels. Also, thick layers of algae act like a solar blanket
absorbing heat from the sun causing the levels of the dissolved oxygen to decrease.
Problem Statement:
When testing the water collected from Shark River Slough (in the Everglades) will the
phosphate results be high or low?
Hypothesis:
We hypothesize that the level of phosphates (measured in ppm) that the water
obtained from Shark River Slough contained is normal, and relatively low.
Procedures:
First, rinse the test tubes so they are clean.
Fill the test tube up to the 10 mL mark with the sample water (the water collected from
Shark River Slough).
Add 1.0mL Phosphate Acid Reagent using the pipette provided in the water test kit.
Then, cap the test tube and invert it 3 times.
Add 1 level measure of phosphate reducing reagent using the 0.1-gram spoon.
Cap again and invert until you see that the reagent is dissolved. Wait 5 minutes.
Remove the cap and place the test tube in the Nitrate-N and Phosphate Comparator
with the Axial Reader.
Match the color standards with the resulting color of the sample water tested, and
record the results as ppm total phosphate.
Data :
Level of Phosphate in Shark
River Slough Water
Phosph
ate
level in
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
12 34 56 78
Series1
TRIALS
(teams)
Conclusions:
As a group, we conducted tests on the water whish was collected from Shark River
Slough, Everglades. The purpose was to test the Phosphate levels to see whether or
not the water was at the right phosphate levels to consider it to be safe to drank by
people and animals. Our findings were that the phosphate levels in all eight trials were
the same: 1 ppm. This indicates that the water from Shark River Slough in the
Everglades is at an excellent level to be induced. One part per million is a small amount
which limits the growth of algae. As a group, we learned the importance of phosphates
and their levels in water. Phosphates are what stimulate the growth of algae. Too
much algae will led to the “depletion of the water body of oxygen”. However, algae feed
certain animals that have certain bodies of water as their habitat.
A way to keep the phosphate levels down could be to try to avoid dumping sewage and
industrial waste into lakes, rivers, and oceans. This is our plan of action.
Bibliography
http://njnie.dl.stevens-tec.edu/curriculum/waterproj/phosphate.html
www.go.grolier.com (Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia)
www.phosphates.com
www.
101.com
Nitrates
G. Desir
K. Cifuentes
E. De la Cruz
D. Sanchez
Background Information:
Nitrogen makes up a part of amino acids. The Earth’s atmosphere contains 78 percent
of nitrogen. Through the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen gas is changed into nitrates to be used
by living things. When plants and animals die, the compounds of nitrogen are
decomposed into ammonia. Some plants make use of this ammonia and the rest is
dispersed in water where microorganisms change it into nitrates and nitrites through the
nitrification process. Nitrates may remain in decomposing humus or drained from the
soil and transported to bodies of water. They may also be returned to the atmosphere
by a process called denitrification.
The Everglades is a far-ranging marshland covering parts of south Florida. It spreads
over an area of 13,000 sq km (5,000 sq mi) and averages 80 km (50 mi) wide and 15
cm (6 in) deep The Everglades lie at the edge of the tropics. Its water flow provides for
grasslands, thick forests, and various groups of animals, fish, and birds.
The Everglades was formed between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. After the latest Ice
Age, the melting glaciers caused sea levels to rise. Overflowing from Lake Okeechobee
the marshland was formed. It extends southwestward from to the shores of Florida Bay
and the Gulf of Mexico. Small streams like the Miami, Little, and New rivers on the east
and the Shark and Harney on the southwest, drain the region. Tidal bays, lakes, and
waterways, with depths from 0.3 to 2.0 m (1 to 7 ft) weave through the diverse
vegetation of the Everglades. The region lies less than 6 m (20 ft) above sea level, and
includes elevation between 2 and 3 m (7 and 10 ft).
The Everglades has a tropical savanna climate. The summers are hot and wet; the
winters are warm and dry. The average annual rainfall is more than 130 mm (50)
without including times when hurricanes pass the region or when the area may suffer
from droughts. Vegetation in the Everglades includes cypress, mangrove brush, palms,
oaks, pines and saw grass, which spread abundantly along the many islets. The
formerly abundant wildlife in the area has decreased greatly in number and variety.
However, alligators, American crocodiles, deer, birds, fish, snakes, and the endangered
Florida panther are still in large quantity.
Among the two sloughs of the Everglades National Park is the Shark River Slough, the
"river of grass." The slough is the deeper and restless center of a broad marshy river.
This "fast" flow moves at about 100 feet (30 meters) per day. Tree-islands grow on the
slough and provide waters through channels from north to south. In the park waters,
nutrients from agricultural overflow destroy algae called periphyton. Periphyton supply
food and oxygen to the small organisms. In the dry season, this alga is very necessary
because it provides the moisture that keeps many organisms alive until the rainy
season. Also the natural balance is affected when salt water goes through aquifers
when freshwater levels decrease. Due to the environmental issues the park faces, an
eastern park will be added to promote wildlife.
Problem Statement:
What is the nitrate content in the water and how desirable is the condition?
Hypothesis:
Taking in consideration the weather/environmental conditions we believe that the nitrate
content will be low and thus a fair to good condition.
Data:
TESTS
Temperature
(oC)
PH
Dissolved O2
(ppm)
DO %
Saturation
Nitrates
(ppm)
Phosphates
(ppm)
BOD (ppm)
Turbidity
Coliform
Bacteria
Bromine
Free Chlorine
Alkalinity
Trials (Teams)
1
2
26.7
26.7
oC
oC
7.77
7.83
4ppm 4
ppm
9191110% 110%
0
0
AVG.
3
26.76
oC
7.85
4
ppm
91110%
0
4
26.76
oC
7.8
4
ppm
91110%
0
5
1ppm
1ppm
1ppm
8ppm
0JTU
8ppm
0JTU
1
1
180
0
0
180
7
26.0
oC
8
26.7
oC
7.9
8
ppm
91110%
0
6
26.7
oC
7.48
4
ppm
91110%
0
8
ppm
91110%
0
4
ppm
91110%
5
1ppm
1ppm
1ppm
1ppm
1ppm
1ppm
8ppm
0JTU
8ppm
0JTU
9ppm
0JTU
8ppm
0JTU
8ppm
0JTU
4ppm
0JTU
7ppm
0JTU
0
0
180
1
.5
180
1
0
180
1
1
180
1
0
180
0
0
180
0.0625
.31
180
26.7
oC
7.75
5 ppm
91110%
.625
Bibliography:
Microsoft Works 6.0 (1987-2001). Microsoft Encyclopedia Encarta 2002. Redmond,
WA: Microsoft Corporation.
“The Everglades-sloughs” available online at:
http://www.nps.gov/ever/eco/habitats.htm
“The Everglades-environment” available online at:
http://www.nps.gov/ever/eco/h2omgmt.htm
Turbidity
J. Rodriguez
R. Eckardt
C. Rico
K. Zepeda
Background Information:
When speaking about turbidity, one refers to how clear or cloudy the water is. When
determining turbidity one looks at whether the water is transparent or opaque. If one
possesses water, which is transparent, it has a low level of turbidity as opposed to water
that is or seems to be opaque or cloudy. If the water is cloudy, the level of turbidity
increases based on how clearly one can see through it. Causes of water turbidity
include many things. Such things are natural in the water such as plankton soil and
various sediments. Pollutants in the water such as raw sewage can also cause turbidity
from neighboring cities. Items described above can enter the water system a number of
ways. Sediments in the water can be circulated by activity in the water such as boating
or by the inhabitants of the water (fish, whales, etc.). Plankton in water may occur if
there are excessive nutrients, and if sewage happens to enter the water system, it is a
result of cities releasing their waste into the water system. There will be many
suspended particles in the water if the turbidity level is high. The particles, which are
solid, block precious sunlight needed by life in the water such as the aquatic plants for
performing photosynthesis. As a result of little or no photosynthesis the plants in the
water produce less oxygen, thus reducing the dissolved oxygen levels of the water. The
plants inhabiting the water will die effortlessly and be decayed by bacteria in the water.
This will further decrease the dissolved oxygen levels of the water. The suspended
particles in the water also soak up bonus heat from sunlight, which results in much
warmer water. The fact is that warm water is not able to hold as much dissolved oxygen
as cooler water, therefore the dissolved oxygen level will drop significantly in warmer
water than colder water. These particles are also detrimental to the marine life of the
water. These particles can obstruct the gills of fish from receiving fresh oxygen and
interfere with the hunting abilities of the animals. Once these sediments settle, they can
bury life living on the bottom of the body of water and these particles can carry
pollutants throughout the water.
Problem Statement:
Is high turbidity of water detrimental to life in the water? What are respectable levels of
turbidity in water?
Hypothesis:
It is hypothesized that the higher the level of turbidity in water, it is more detrimental to
life that reside in that area of water. Respectable levels of turbidity are little or nothing,
this is because the effects of turbidity vary from added heat to pollution eventually
decreasing the dissolved oxygen levels of the water supply. Thus if there is little or no
turbidity, the water is more welcoming to life because there will be nothing to inhibit life
from prosperity.
Procedures:
There are many ways to determine the turbidity level of water. One such method is to
use a Secchi disk. The Secchi disk is used by lowering it into the water until it’s no
longer visible. Then elevated until it is seen a little and re-submerged until again it
cannot be seen. The depth that the Secchi disk cannot be seen for the second time is
documented in meters. This disk, known as the Secchi disk mainly used for waters that
have a large depth. When measuring the level of turbidity for shallow waters, a
turbidity test kit can be used. These kits include “an image at the bottom of a clear
tube” (GWSCSEP), when used the visibility of the image determines the turbidity of the
water. The level of turbidity is measured in units called the Jackson Turbidity Units,
(JTU for short).
When using a meter the data is recorded as Nephelometric Turbidity Units, (NTUs for
short).
In order to carry out the experiment you need to fill the test tube with sample water to
indicated line. Place filled tube over the card on specified area.
Looking through the tube, compare what is seen to the index card to determine turbidity
of water sample. The results are recorded in JTU.
Data:
pH
Dissolved
Oxygen
(ppm)
DO%
Saturation
7.77
7.83
7.85
7.8
7.9
7.8
7.48
4
4
4
4
8
4
8
91110%
91110%
91110%
91110%
91110%
91110%
91110%
7.
91110%
Nitrates
(ppm)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Phosphates
(ppm)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
BOD
8
8
8
8
4
8
8
Turbidity
(JTU)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Coliform
Bacteria
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
Bromine
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
Free
Chlorine
1
0
0
0.5
0
1
0
180
180
180
180
180
180
180
Alkalinity
Observations
(color, smell,
debris, etc.)
18
Water contained no visible debris. No strong foul odors were emitted. Hue of wat
green.
120
100
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
80
60
40
20
0
0
1
Visibility
Positive
0
2
0
3
0
4
0
5
0
6
0
7
0
8
Turbidity
Conclusion:
The result data showed that the quality of the water was overall good. The
different test performed came out to 95% "excellent" condition.
Considering the location of where the water samples were retrieved the water
was in better condition then what was expected. PH, DO, and BOD were all at
an excellent level.
The data provided window to other water samples worldwide. In comparison
with the water of Mill Hall Pennsylvania, Green River Wyoming, Peterborough
Ontario Canada, and Sydney Australia, the water acquired from the Shark River sleuth
has a very low level of turbidity. Most other cities that tested turbidity had around a 15 20 JTU average reading of water. The Shark River sleuth had very low levels.
Recorded at a level below 5JTU. This information seems to suggest that the water in
the Shark River Sleuth around the Everglades is in a healthy balance or for at least the
moment.
The global water sampling taught us as a group that there are many factors
that can drastically affect homeostasis in an ecosystem. Water is an
important part of the life cycle and all organisms in one way or another need
it to survive.
Facts that were learned from the results are that there might be several ways
that we can improve the quality of the water, more over, to maintain the
quality at optimum levels for to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Bibliography:
Global Water Sampling Project, available online at:
http://k12science.stevens-tech.edu/curriculum/waterproj/
References used in website:
Water Words Dictionary
USGS water resources
USGS water resources for NJ
Environmental protection agency
Information about the Everglades National Park, available online at:
http://www.gorp.com/gorp/resouce/us_Natonal_Park/fl_everg.HTM
http://www.everglades.national-park.com/
http://www.nsp.gov/ever
Dissolved Oxygen
A. Ospina
A. Hernandez
T. Nutter
D. Zambrano
Background Information:
Dissolved oxygen is the amount of gaseous oxygen dissolved in an aqueous solution.
Oxygen dissolves into the water from the atmosphere until the water is completely
saturated. Slowly the oxygen diffuses but the distribution depends on the rapid
movement of the surrounding air. Fish, plants, bacteria, and invertebrates need this
dissolved oxygen in order to breathe and to live. A higher dissolved oxygen level
indicates better water quality. Water temperature can also affect dissolved oxygen
levels. The higher the temperature, the less oxygen can de dissolved in the water.
Most aquatic organisms need a dissolved oxygen level below 3 ppm. One fish will not
survive in a dissolved oxygen level of 2 or 1 ppm. Growth and activity require a
dissolved oxygen level of 5 to 6 ppm. Cold water can hold more dissolved oxygen than
warm water. An important level of water quality is DO % saturation.
Problem Statement:
Is the dissolved oxygen level safe for certain organisms to live in?
Hypothesis:
We hypothesize that the Dissolved Oxygen levels will be in the accepted ranges for
suitable living of organisms.
Procedure:
Fill test tube (completely) with sample water.
Drop two-dissolved oxygen “Test-Tabs” into the test tube.
Remove all air bubbles from test tube, and cap.
Mix for about for about four minutes until tablets have dissolved
Wait five minutes.
Match the color of the sample (in test tube) to the dissolved oxygen color chart.
Determine the dissolved oxygen PPM.
Data:
Dissolved Oxygen PPM
8
6
4
PPM
2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Trial
Conclusions:
We found that the dissolved oxygen ppm was at an average of 5ppm. It is in acceptable
range, although ideally it should be around 8-10 ppm in order for organisms to thrive.
Nonetheless 5 ppm is a good value. Anything less than 4 ppm, and the population of
microorganisms in the water will be affected severely. There are, however, some
microorganisms that can survive low DO conditions.
The quality of the water is in fairly good state. As DO levels are concerned, it is healthy
for organisms that live in it. Overall, we can safely say that the quality is good enough to
support aquatic plant and animal life.
Compared to the findings of other groups, based on the fall and spring 2001 data, the
dissolved oxygen levels of our water sample were low. For instance, Central Mt. High in
Pennsylvania recorded 16ppm for their fall 2001 data. Our water sample’s low 5 ppm
look extremely low in comparison. However, it is within acceptable range. When
compared to Georgetown School in Guyana, our 5 ppm isn’t that far away from their 6
ppm samples from pond water.
From the water sampling project, we learned that the water is a habitat that needs to be
carefully balanced. In our dissolved oxygen test, we learned that there must be a certain
range in order for the water to support plant and animal aquatic life. We learned that our
water source is in decent condition, but not in the condition that it should ideally be in. It
is barely in acceptable conditions. Many factors can change the dissolved oxygen
levels.
We plan to inform the community of our findings through this project.
Biological Oxygen Demand
M. Masdeu,
D. Persaud,
K. Pichardo,
K. Ho,
P. Smith,
R. Ajami,
C.Llanos
Background Information:
Biological Oxygen Demand is also referred to as the Biochemical Oxygen Demand.
Biological Oxygen Demand is the amount of oxygen required by microorganism’s to
decompose the organic substances in a water sample. There are several steps involved
in determining the BOD. During the conduction of the Global Water sampling project
there were several steps involved. The first step is to obtain the amounts of water, and
dilute each volume with distilled water. Then the water is shaken to ensure that the
saturation of oxygen occurs. An oxygen meter is used to measure the concentration of
oxygen within the container. The vials are then sealed and placed in a dark location with
standard room temperature for five days or more. After the five days, the experimenters’
repeated the experiment to gather the BOD once again. The BOD was retained by
subtracting the first reading for the result by the second result of the second experiment.
Depending on the amount of water tested the results could be displayed in ppm, in
which our scenario demonstrates.
The more the Oxygen in demand is the greater the amount of organisms there are. The
least amount signifies that an episode of extinction and a low organism rate. The
Biological Oxygen Demand also relates to the dissolved Oxygen rate. The more
organisms’, the greater the demand for oxygen is since it is the basis for life and a
necessity for any organism. The dissolved oxygen rate is proportional due to the rate
that oxygen is being consumed. The temperature also affects the BOD, because of the
similarity in humans. When humans are in heat the their cardiovascular rate increases,
and the BOD is increases. Like organisms when placed under harsh temperature the
water temperature increases and the organisms consume more oxygen. The pH of the
water can also be related to the BOD Shark River water sample. The pH displayed
neutral and the water has a neutral base, which means that the water is nearly perfect.
The BOD of the water sample is ideal for living organisms and proved to be the at most
reliable through the series of tests.
During this experiment, “Global Water Sampling Project,” a series of water tests were
performed. This test in particular was conducted in Miami, Florida, and water sampling
is a difficult decision although water is in abundance. The decision was made and the
water sampling was performed from, “Shark River Slough,” a shark park extremely near
the Everglades Park. Due to the Everglades being a National Park, samples could not
be drawn. As a resort, a neighboring park, which shares the common natural water,
served as the replacement for the water observations. The Everglades is the largest all
natural endangered National Park in Florida, in which adequate water purity must be
provided. The Global Water Sampling project will serve to compare water purity from
around the world to provide a comparison in which a conclusion can be derived.
Problem Statement:
Will the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) levels of Shark River Slough prove the water
to be polluted or unpolluted?
Hypothesis:
It is hypothesized that the BOD of the water samples taken from Shark River Slough will
prove the water to be polluted with organic material. Because of the wide variety of
organisms inhabiting Shark River Slough, the BOD will be at an elevated level.
Because marine life produces waste, large amounts of bacteria would be needed to
decompose all waste material. If there is a high amount of aerobic bacteria using
dissolved oxygen (DO) to decompose the organic waste then the Biological Oxygen
Demand will be unusually high.
Procedures:
In order to determine the BOD level of a sample of water, you must first collect two
samples of water from a given water source. One of these samples must have its DO
level taken immediately and recorded. The other sample must be wrapped in
aluminum foil and stored in the dark for five days. After these five days the DO level of
this sample must be taken and recorded. The difference between the DO of the two
samples (ppm) is the BOD level of the water.
Conclusions:
The BOD levels of Snake River Slough were very high, proving that the water was
polluted and also proving the hypothesis correct. The water sources average BOD was
over 5ppm classifying it as “somewhat polluted” according to an article about BOD from
the “Global Water Sampling Project’s” web page. This is most likely a result of the large
amounts of bacteria that were found in the water that are needed to decompose the
organic waste. The bacteria use a large amount of DO to perform this task. Strangely,
the phosphate and nitrate levels of the water were low. Normally the nitrate/phosphate
levels have a direct relationship with the BOD levels. The low nitrate and phosphate
levels were inconsistent with the BOD levels. Future studies may include research and
experimentation to conclude why this relationship was inverse. Because of the elevated
BOD levels in the water, steps should be taken to help to improve the environment at
Shark river Slough by avoiding the buildup of wastes in Shark River Slough and
Everglades National Park.
Bibliography :
Global Water Sampling Project
http://k12science.stevens-tech.edu/curriculum/waterproj/bod.html
1998-2001 Water Ecosystems and Water Pollution
http://www.gpc.peachne.edu/~jaliff/water.htm
Coliform Bacteria
M. Magliano
J. Mena
M. Meneses
Background Information:
The test for coliform bacteria just like all other water tested done for this water project, is
to test for any water impurities. Water that has run-off, pollution, sewage or any other
waste, is usually infested with coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria can be present in the
water because of a virus or disease-producing bacteria that can be found in fecal
material of animals or of man. Coliform bacteria are not a disease-causing organism.
Usually when coliform bacteria are present in the water source, and visible, it is most
often seen on the surface of water or at the bottom of the water with all the sediments.
When there are coliform bacteria on the surface of the water this affects the dissolved
oxygen and biological oxygen demand levels. The dissolved oxygen comes from the
photosynthesis of plants. For plants to undergo photosynthesis they need the sunlight. If
there are coliform bacteria on the surface of the water this blocks the sunlight from
reaching the plants on the bottom of the water source. This means that there is less
dissolved oxygen and a higher biological oxygen demand.
The coliform bacteria test that took place in our experiment wasn’t that accurate. This
test only lets us know whether or not there are coliform bacteria in the water or not. If
the test results are positive we assume that this means that for every 100 mL of water
there are 200 or more colonies of coliform bacteria present. To identify whether this
water is good for drinking, swimming, boating/fishing further more accurate tests must
be done. The results for these tests are as follows: 0 colonies/ per 100 mL of water,
drinking water; 200 colonies/ per 100 mL of water, swimming water ; 1000 colonies/ per
100 mL of water, boating/fishing water. Some of the more accurate tests processes are
the multiple tube fermentation MMO-Mug, the membrane filter, and the MPN. Some
forms of disinfecting the water of coliform bacteria include the adding of chlorine, ozone
iodine, ultraviolet light, steam sterilization, or boiling.
Problem:
What level of coliform bacteria is in the water sample collected at Shark River Valley
Slough?
Hypothesis:
We hypothesize that the levels of coliform bacteria in the water sample from Shark
River Valley Slough will be normal.
Procedure:
Fill the graduated cylinder with 10ml of the collected water being tested.
Place the graduated cylinder on the indicated space of the sample card.
Compare to the other diagrams and record.
Data:
Conclusions:
The findings of the Coliform test were positive for coliform bacteria. The coliform
bacteria test is an indicator of potability. This means that the water sample that we used
in our experiment contained a high percentage of sewage water or decomposing waste.
Relating to our water source, the water in the Everglades is contaminated by over 200
colonies per one hundred milliliters of water. All the findings for each test were positive
for the bacteria. From these results, we can conclude that the water in the Everglades is
terribly infested with coliform bacteria. Also, the water is nearly impossible for drinking
and unsuitable for organisms. Our group also learned that the coliform bacteria were
present in the water because of man and organisms. Man and organisms could have
placed the bacteria in the water is because fecal coliform bacteria is found in humans
and animals in the digestive system. The bacteria help to digest their food. Most
importantly, this test can be so helpful with our society. The test can help people find out
if their water is good to drink or if it can cause serious diseases. Due to the seriousness
of the situation, we should take serious actions to help the Everglades. Many people do
not know how contaminated the water is with waste. As a community, we all should
watch what we take or have when we are near the Everglade water. Chemicals from
food or drinks can mix with the water to form coliform bacteria. Therefore, there should
be more strict regulations when visiting the Everglades. As a community, we should
write letters to our representatives. We need to receive money to filter the Everglades
water or it could be part of the restoration project already taking place. This crisis can
not only happen in the Everglades but in other places as well. All civilians should learn
to respect the rules and not liter. It will not only create a hazardous environment for
organisms but us as well.
Bibliography
Njnie.dl.stevens-tech.edu/curriculum/waterproj/
www.state. Ky.us/nrepc/water/wcpfcol.htm
wilkes.edu/~epc/coliform.htm
pH Levels
J. Motes
S. Bardina
N. Paz
J. Rojas
Background Information:
pH measures the relative acidity of the water. Neutral pH level is 7.0. Pure water has
a pH of 7.0. W ater with a pH level less than 7.0 is considered to be basic/alkaline. In
the United States, the pH of natural water is usually between 6.5 and 8.5. Fresh water
sources with a pH below 5 or above 9.5 may not be able to sustain plant or animal
species.
Industries and motor vehicles release nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides into the
environment. W hen these emissions combine with water vapor in the atmosphere,
acids are formed!
These acids accumulate in the clouds and fall to earth as acid rain or acid snow. Acid
rain damages trees, crops, and buildings, and it can make lakes and rivers so acidic
that aquatic organisms cannot survive.
Problem Statement:
What is the measure of the pH level on the Shark river Slough.
Hypothesis:
It is hypothesized that The Shark River Slough’s pH level will be mostly neutral with is a
measure of 7.
Procedures:
In order to perform this test you should use a pH test kit or a pH paper. Simply follow
the directions provided with the kit. pH must be measured immediately at the site
because changes in temperature affect pH value. pH is recorded with a number value
only, because there are no units associated with pH value. Try to take the water
sample at a location away from the bank and below the river.
Conclusions:
In doing these tests, 8 trials were performed and there was an average of 7.79 for pH
level in The Shark River Slough. This tells us that our water quality is not bad water due
to the fact that water with a pH level greater than 7.0 is considered to be basic. Another
reason why the water would not be considered bad is because in order to not be able
to sustain plant or animal species the pH level would have to be below 5 or above 9.5.
By comparing our data to the other group members we came to the conclusion that test
performed by other groups doing similar projects have come to basically the same
results, with pH level
ranging from 7.4 to 7.9. In performing this experiment as a whole we learned that in
order to truly analyze the quality of water it goes beyond the mere appearance. Actual
tests are needed to determine what kind of water is found in different areas of our city
and if this water is feasible for plant’s and animals as well as other organisms to live in.
Bibliography:
Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education/Stevens Institute of
Technology- “pH water test”- Available at:
http://k12science.stevens-tech.edu/curriculum/waterproj/ph.html
Alkalinity, Bromine and Chlorine
A. González
J. Harris
M. Latorre
A. Montaño
Background Information:
Bromine is used to determine the amount of filtered and unfiltered mercury in water
samples. The minimum-reporting limit for this reporting method is 0.04ng/l. The range of
this method is from approximately 1 part per million to the part per million range. Many
mercury compounds are highly toxic if swallowed or inhaled. There are many sources of
mercury to the atmosphere, both natural and human related. Natural sources include
oceans, volcanoes, and natural mercury deposits. Coal combustion, waste incineration,
metal processing are the dominant human-related sources to the atmosphere. In
ecosystems for which atmospheric deposition is the dominant source, resulting
concentrations of total mercury in water are very low, generally less than 10 monograms
per liter (ng/L). The challenge to scientists is to explain the series of processes that lead
to toxic or near-toxic levels of mercury in organisms near the top of the food chain
(bioaccumulation), when aqueous concentrations and source-delivery rates are so low.
Chlorine is use to disinfect water and to kill bacteria or other harmful organisms
(Cholera, typhoid, and dysentery). It makes water safe to drink. It has also saved a lot of
lives. Sometimes, chlorine can have some effects on plants. Gardeners leave the water
un-covered for 24 hours before watering.
Chlorine is added to the water depending in the amount that is needed for the water to
be treated. The dose is between 0.3 and 0.4 mg/l. However, Chlorine is added into
water in amounts that cause no harm to humans. Chlorine gives a bad taste to the
water. Higher levels of chlorine are mixed in water from lakes, rivers and reservoirs
because they need more intense disinfestations. Chlorine may react with naturally
organic substances and produce traces of trihalomethanes, THMs.
Alkalinity facts:
Alkalinity: waters capability to neutralize in acid.
Alkalinity is a buffer
A buffer is acids addition in a solution with out the changing of hydrogen ions or the pH
level.
Alkalinity is expressed in parts-per-million or milligrams- per liter of calcium carbonate
Ponds and lakes with high alkalinity levels remain more resistant to acid rain or by any
other means of contaminates in water.
Alkalinity in combination of limestone creates wonderful safe Ph levels for plant or living
life in water. When working with limestone alkalinity keeps a long-term hold in ponds
and lakes. As with any excessive amount of a substance too much alkalinity in water
creates corrosiveness and makes water undrinkable. We use alkalinity to stabilize pH
levels, such as in ponds were suitable living conditions for plant and other life range
between 6.0 to 9.0.
In swimming pools, a moderate alkalinity level needs to range between 140 m/gl. Note
if alkalinity levels are very high water samples become very corrosive and life contained
in the high-alkalized water will die, also a slower process of neutralization takes place
when alkaline levels reach higher than the recommended.
Problem Statement:
Will the alkaline, bromine and chlorine levels fall inside the normal range so the water
can be safe for organisms?
Hypothesis:
If we test water for alkaline, bromine, and chlorine then we will find out that the levels
are in the normal range for the organisms to live in a safe environment.
Procedures:
Gather all the materials
Fill the beaker with water up to the line
Dip the strip of paper provided into the water
Wait about 10 seconds until the colors appear
Take the strip of paper out of the water; do not remove excess water from the strip
Observe and record data
Bromine, Alkalinity and Chlorine Charts.
200
150
BROMINE
FREE CHLORINE
ALKALINITY
100
50
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
BROMINE
FREE CHLORINE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
ALKALINITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Conclusions:
We found that the alkalinity levels were higher than expected. The Bromine and
Chlorine levels were low. This tells us that the quality of the water is pretty good. In the
Everglades there is high alkalinity because of the limestone that there are there. The
Chlorine and Bromine levels are normal because the water seems to not be
contaminated.
We were not able to check this data with the one of the other groups because there is
no record of it in the Global water sampling project website.
We learned that our Everglades water is in a healthy condition for organisms to live
there. To keep our water safe and clean for the organisms that live there we should be
allowed to take water samples from time to time to check the condition of the water. We
also should keep our Everglades clean by not throwing garbage or any toxic waste
there.
Bibliography:
Information on Everglades available online at:
http://sofia.usgs.gov/publications/circular/1207/glossary.html
Information about water tests available online at:
www.plymouthwater.com/content/Chlorine.asp - 13k
http://www.extension.umn.edu/info-u/environment/BD312.html
http://www.wessexwater.co.uk/pdfs/chlorinefacts.pdf
http://water.nr.state.ky.us/ww/ramp/rmalk.htm
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/landrec/leachbed.htm
http://www.utextension.utk.edu/aquafish/Generalaquaculture/GAbulletins/alkalinity.
http://www.centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/globe/protocols/alklnty.htm
aaawatertesting.com