Question

Dan took three samples of water from the creek behind his house once a month for the last six months. He tested the water and reported the results in the following data table. Water Quality Indicator Test Results Dissolved oxygen Dissolved oxygen levels in the last three months decreased rapidly. Fecal coliform Fecal coliform ranges from a low of 89 colonies per liter to 102 colonies per liter over the six-month period. Nitrates Nitrate levels ranged from 6 to 7 mg/L. Phosphates Phosphate levels were between 0.01 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L. pH The average pH was 6.9. Turbidity The water was clear in the first few months, but it became increasingly cloudy over time. Which water-quality indicators would be of concern in this situation? Explain your response. Be sure to discuss any implications these water-quality indicators could have on the environment and human health

Answer 1

Firstly, any fecal matter is cause for concern. the opaqueness of the water means little as dirt and debris are often kicked up in streams of moving water. the ph of the sample is normal, and decreases in the O2 concentration can be atributed to the impurities presently growing in the water.

Answer 2

Answer: The matter of concern in the test for the water quality is the Total fecal coli form range of bacteria.

This is a matter of concern as there should be no coli form bacteria present the 100 ml of the water which is being tested. Coli form bacteria shows fecal contamination that can cause infection and water borne disease.

The turbidity in the water can be seen due to dissolved oxygen and other gases in it. This is not harmful to the human population.

Rest of these two the other test are under the permissible range.