Question

1. On a field trip to two local ponds, a group of students observed a difference between the two ponds in the diversity of worms and insect larvae living in the mud and debris near the edges of the ponds. Numerous factors, both biotic and abiotic, influence the distribution of aquatic organisms.The students decided that they would investigate some of the abiotic factors. 1a) List three water-quality tests that could be conducted and explain what information each test provides. Include in your answers a description of the impact of each factor on the distribution of aquatic organisms. Your answer

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Dissolved oxygen (DO) test quantifies dissolved oxygen in the water.

Impact: required for the use of oxygen (aerobic respiration) decomposition

2. Ammonia test measures the level of ammonia.

Impact: leads to algal blooms

3. Carbon dioxide test quantifies carbon dioxide .

Impact: Increased CO2 leads to decreased water pH

Decreased CO2 decreases rate of photosynthesis

Explanation:

• Dissolved oxygen is a basic water quality test that measures the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. This test is universally conducted in all settings involving the use of water either for drinking or farming. Oxygen is an important component of cellular respiration. It  is the terminal electron acceptor in the electron transport chain and is crucial for energy production to govern life processes.
• The level of algal growth is an indicator of the health of an aquatic ecosystem. Ammonia is a source of nitrates, a nitrogen source required by plants and algae for optimum growth and development. Increased levels of ammonia promote unchecked algal growth, ultimately leading to the formation of algal blooms.
• Carbon dioxide affects multiple aspects of aquatic life. Aquatic plants and algae require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Decreased or lower than optimum amounts of CO2 lead to decreased photosynthesis, ultimately causing plant death. Increased CO2 leads to the formation of excessive amounts of carbonic acid. Increased CO2 hinders normal gaseous exchange in aquatic animals and fish.