Water Quality Assignment
With your lab partner,
1) Choose one of the following water quality parameters, or one water contaminant.
Water Quality Parameters (a select few)
Dissolved Oxygen
Temperatures
pH
Ammonia
Phosphates
Nitrates/Nitrites
Water clarity/turbidity
Contaminants (a select few)
herbicides and pesticides
Mercury, and other heavy metals
VOCs
PCBs
Lead
E. coli
Pharmaceuticals
Fire Retardants
2) Prepare 5-10 minute power point presentation on your topic, giving general
information on your topic in regards to water quality. Be sure to define your topic and
answer the following questions: (Always remember to cite your sources!!!)
If you choose a water quality parameter:
1) How does this parameter influence aquatic life and human health?
2) What range is considered healthy for an ecosystem?
3) What factors can influence, or change, this parameter?
(For example: What makes pH levels increase?)
If you choose a contaminant:
1) What is the source of this contaminant? How does it get into the water?
2) Where does this contaminant go? (For example: Does it sink into the
sediment, stay in the water, or does it get stored in animal tissues?)
3) How does this contaminant affect aquatic life, wildlife, and humans? Why is
is a problem?
3) Be prepared to give your presentation by:________________________
Water Quality Parameter: __________________________
Definition/Description:
Ideal Range:
Influencing Factors:
Influence on Aquatic Life and ecosystems:
Influence on humans and human health:
Water Contaminant: _________________________________
Definition/Description:
Sources & Pathways:
Sinks (places of storage):
Influence on Aquatic Life and ecosystems:
Influence on humans and human health: