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Water Contamination Lab Report

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Water Contamination Lab Report
Water Quality and Contamination

Melody McBride

SCI-207 Dependence of man on the environment

Robin Glenn

September 28, 2014

Abstract

The lab was conducted at the McBride residence. For this experiment vegetable oil, vinegar and liquid detergent was use to contaminate the water. Testing of how ground water is affected by different contaminants was the bases of the experiment. The results were interesting in that when vinegar is filtered through dirt it came out fairly clean, it also changed the scent. This shows that maybe we can find a way to find a safer choice on how we filter and purify water. The use of sand, charcoal and gravel was used as an aquifer to exact the water. Bleach was used to sterilize the contaminated water and the process. For the last lab, tap, Dasani and Fiji water were tested with ammonia, chloride, iron and phosphate to determine which water is better for humans to drink. The results were that the vinegar changed the scent and the laundry detergent changed
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Every being relies and require water in order to survive. The earth is composed of more than 70% water; most of it is not usable water. The increase of population has increased the demand for crops and livestock from the agricultural industry, which resulted in the increase of contamination within the waterways. In this lab, we will explore water quality and contamination. The USGS has conducted water quality test and provided water managers and policymakers with technically sound and unbiased data and reports for more than 100 years. The objective is to minimize contamination of drinking water, bodies of water and also fruits and vegetables. To do this there needs to be heavy monitoring and managing certain practices such as the agricultural industry. The USGS measures ground water on regular bases to detect changes that may be produced by short and long term changes in precipitation, droughts and

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