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n important test that we investigated was the amount of phosphate that was present in the water. Phosphate is an important nutrient to test when it comes to water quality. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants and animals that make up the aquatic food web. They need it in order to grow, develop, and control their metabolic process. For this reason, it is always present in water in small amounts so it can support organisms. Despite its importance for growth and life, the slightest increase of it can set off a series of events that can affect most of the living organisms in the water. An unfortunate outcome of increased phosphorus is eutrophication, which can ultimately cause the death of several organisms that once resided in the area. Overall, not only is phosphorus a significant nutrient that is necessary for the growth and development of organisms, but it can also lead to their ultimate death with the slightest change.
Phosphorus comes from many sources that occur naturally in the environment. It is present in several rocks and minerals throughout the earth. They can erode or be weathered into rivers where they become present in the water. Phosphorus is also created from volcanic eruptions and forest fires. These natural sources create just enough phosphorus that is necessary for life and not over abundant to affect organisms in a negative way.
Unfortunately, humans have had a large impact on the amount of phosphorus that is present in the environment and more specifically, water. Human sewage from septic or leaking pipes has caused an increase in phosphates which can lead to eutrophication. Another human impact that can lead to an increase in phosphates is the contamination of human, animal and industrial waste. Waste contains high levels of nutrients, such as phosphorus, and can, in some cases, contain pathogens which is also a risk to the quality of water. Lastly, fertilizers are another human impact that causes an increase in phosphates in water. Fertilizers consist of high amounts of phosphates, which can leach through the soil and contaminate groundwater and/or surface water.
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Our Results
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When our class tested the amount of phosphate present in the water, we were very satisfied with our results. We tested 2 samples, and each of them came out with 0 mg/L of phosphate existing in the water. We then calculated a Q value, and it ended up being 98. In terms of water quality, any Q value that is between 91-100 means that the water quality is excellent. This means that the level of phosphate is not dangerous at all for any of the organisms living in the water. The quality of the water is ideal for plants and animals. The extremely low level of phosphorus(or phosphate?) can predict a very unlikely chance of eutrophication occurring in the water. Therefore, the water in the Chicago River is a very safe place for any living thing residing in it.
We were able to acquire these test results because the Chicago River must not have any excess source of phosphate. The low presence of phosphate in the water is most likely naturally occurring. Therefore, the river is safe from any human sources that could disrupt normal levels and cause excess phosphorus to be obtained by algae and lead to disaster.
98!
We used a phosphate testing kit to test the levels in the water. To perform the test, we had to obtain a small amount of the water in a cylinder that was given to us in the kit. Next, we added a few drops of phosphate test solution, and then added a different test solution. We shook it for 5 minutes, and then compared the color of the water that was created from the addition of the solutions to a card that obtained colors corresponding to amounts of phosphate in ppm (parts per million). The color of our water matched 0 ppm.
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