chemistry
of the Upper Nepean Catchment.
The following is a summary of factors that affect water quality.
Water may contain several ions, namely anions and cations which are toxic to humans. Hardness is the scum on water surface from significant concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions. Total dissolved solids is the measure of dissolved solids that are ionic in water. Turbidity is the presence of suspended solids in water which reduces penetration of light, resulting in a decrease concentration of oxygen. Acidity is the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water body. A pH of 5.5-7.5 (meaning slightly basic water) is preferred in water supplies. Dissolved oxygen is the measure of oxygen dissolved in aqueous solution whilst biochemical oxygen demand is the measure of oxygen used by organisms. Both of these are monitored to prevent harm caused to bacteria and organisms.
Natural Factors that affect the concentration of a range of include: The frequency of rainfall (floods and droughts), water temperature and evaporation rates. Land clearing and pollution, such as fertiliser usage and industrial waste are factors caused by human activity. Looking at figure 2 and 3, some well-known examples include increased dissolved salt concentration in the Dead Sea due to high evaporation and damaged aquatic life near the Great Barrier Reef caused by run-off from agricultural land.
Eutrophication is caused by an excess amount of nitrate and phosphate in water bodies. It is usually caused by fertiliser run off and dumping of sewage going into waterways (basically human activity). Algal bloom is the direct result of eutrophication where suffocation of aquatic life and nutrient depletion may occur. Professionals may use a colorimetric analysis to measure the absorption of light from coloured water sample using a colorimeter to determine the concentration of nitrate and phosphate present. An acid base titration can also convert nitrogen into ammonia to examine the result. It is
The following is a summary of factors that affect water quality.
Water may contain several ions, namely anions and cations which are toxic to humans. Hardness is the scum on water surface from significant concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions. Total dissolved solids is the measure of dissolved solids that are ionic in water. Turbidity is the presence of suspended solids in water which reduces penetration of light, resulting in a decrease concentration of oxygen. Acidity is the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water body. A pH of 5.5-7.5 (meaning slightly basic water) is preferred in water supplies. Dissolved oxygen is the measure of oxygen dissolved in aqueous solution whilst biochemical oxygen demand is the measure of oxygen used by organisms. Both of these are monitored to prevent harm caused to bacteria and organisms.
Natural Factors that affect the concentration of a range of include: The frequency of rainfall (floods and droughts), water temperature and evaporation rates. Land clearing and pollution, such as fertiliser usage and industrial waste are factors caused by human activity. Looking at figure 2 and 3, some well-known examples include increased dissolved salt concentration in the Dead Sea due to high evaporation and damaged aquatic life near the Great Barrier Reef caused by run-off from agricultural land.
Eutrophication is caused by an excess amount of nitrate and phosphate in water bodies. It is usually caused by fertiliser run off and dumping of sewage going into waterways (basically human activity). Algal bloom is the direct result of eutrophication where suffocation of aquatic life and nutrient depletion may occur. Professionals may use a colorimetric analysis to measure the absorption of light from coloured water sample using a colorimeter to determine the concentration of nitrate and phosphate present. An acid base titration can also convert nitrogen into ammonia to examine the result. It is