This week we have been working on the Coventry River Assignment as a way to introduce several key ideas and topics to our classes. Our key take aways include: -In terms of OVERALL WATER QUALITY, Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.) is our key indicator. A D.O. of 8-10 ppm (mg/L) is an appropriate level to support a high amount of aquatic life (a high biodiversity). -Phosphates, usually added from fertilizers and animal waste runoff, cause ALGAL BLOOM. Algal Bloom is a process where Algae rapidly grows, decomposes, and causes heating of water, less sunlight to reach lower into the water and as a result less plant growth and lower oxygen levels. -The sewage treatment , comprised of 3-4 stages, depending on the municipality, removes most waste and dissolved materials. Some amounts of plastics, medications, phosphates, nitrates, and other material can pass through the system which then has an impact on water systems. That said, runoff from communities, farms, and golf courses tend to be worse for a water system as there is little materials removed and little natural filtration before materials enter the water system. -Bioindicator species that thrive in high oxygen environments tend to be the best bioindicator species because they are almost non-existent in low oxygen environments. On October 15, 16, and 18 we will be doing a water and ecology study in our community which will test our practical application and understanding of these concepts in a real world setting.
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Mr. GordonMath/ Science 9 Archives
June 2019
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