MEASURING WATER QUALITY

How do scientists measure water quality?

-Water samples, aerial photography, and aquatic life forms

-The health of a water body can be determined by analyzing physical, chemical and
biological factors

What chemical factors are used to measure water quality?

-Dissolved oxygen organisms used it to make oxygen. The better oxygen you have the more
organisms you have in it.
-PH the measure of certain chemicals
-NPK- Nitrogen Phosphate Potassium too many can stimulate algal growth
(eutrophication)
-Toxins= metals, pesticides, oils etc.

What physical factors are used to measure

water quality?

-Temperature dictates life forms can survive

warmer water contains less DO than cold water.
-Amount and speed of water some water is slow
moving or even stagnant obstruction and curve
paths can cause rapids.
-Substrate on bottom large sediment stir up more water increasing Dissolved Oxygen.
-Turbidity (Lack of Clarity) how much solid is being carried in the bed load

What biological factors are used to measure water quality?

-Pathogens viruses and bacteria mostly from failing septic systems, untreated human waste,
and animal waste
-Bio indicators living things that provide info about water quality