|
Temperature controls the rate of all chemical reactions, affects fish growth, reproduction and immunity. Drastic temperature changes can be fatal to fish.
pH-is the measurement of the acidity or basicity of the water. The greatest concern with pH is how it affects the toxicity of substances including nitrite and ammonia. A low pH means less phytoplankton and a high pH means more phytoplankton. This means ; the more phytoplankton present the more photosynthesis occurs and thus more 02 released. Range = 0-7-14
Dissolved oxygen (D.O.) - Is one of the most important. The level of D.O. determines at what depth the aquatic organisms will inhabit. A low level (around 4 ppm) signifies anaerobic conditions and most fish will not live with the oxygen content this low.
7-9+ppm @ surface
~ 4 ppm near bottom
02 saturation occurs at 9 ppm at 68°F (20°C)
Phosphate-Enter the pond or lake from many sources including agricultural runoff and sewage. Phosphorus is primarily found in fertilizers and will promote an over abundance of algae.
0.005-0.020 ppm
never 0.100 in eutrophic water
Nitrite-Formed as an intermediate product between ammonia and nitrate in the nitrification process. Nitrite is extremely toxic to fish.
Hardness-Total hardness is defined as the concentration of Ca+2 and Mg+2 ions in water. Closely related to pH and alkalinity, sufficient hardness levels can decrease ammonia and pH toxicity. Calcium is also necessary for proper egg and fry development of fish.
Copper-In the form of CuS04, it is often used as a herbicide, however, high levels can be toxic to fish and aquatic organisms. Although, high pH and alkalinity levels will complex copper helping to reduce its toxicity.
Carbon Dioxide-Organic matter serves as a continuous source of CO2 and a level > 5 ppm affects the ability of fish to breathe 02. C02 is saturated in water at about 0.5 ppm because it is more soluble in water than oxygen. High C02 levels mean lower pH.
Range = < 5 ppm
Ammonia Present as NH3, is extremely toxic to fish. Even low levels may affect the fishðs central nervous system, reduction in obtaining 02 and also lowers resistance to disease. Ammonia is an organic waste by product and enters the water from fish and other organic material and uneaten food. Ammonia levels are pH dependent and can fluctuate during the day.
Alkalinity-Acts as a stabilizer for pH. It is known as the buffering capacity of the water. Many factors (alkalinity, pH, hardness) affect the toxicity of substances in the water.
AEROBIC
Organisms that require oxygen to live.
ANAEROBIC
Organisms that do not require oxygen to live.
BENTHIC
Associated with the lake or pond bottom.
BIOAUGMENTATION
Application of selected microorganisms to enhance the microbial populations to improve water quality.
BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)
The amount of 02 required to biologically oxidize organic water contaminants to C02. The higher the BOD, the higher the organic content of the water and the more dissolved 02 that will be used to decompose the organic material.
EPILIMNION
The layer of water above the thermocline.
EUTROPHICATION
Water column is turbid and biological activity is high at all levels. Bottom water becomes anoxic during summer stratification. Dominant fish tend to be warm water species such as minnows and bass. High in nutrient levels with an accelerated aging process.
HYPOLIMNION
The bottom most dense layer of a stratified lake. It is typicalIy the coldest layer in the summer and the warmest in the winter. It is isolated from wind mixing and too dark for plant photosynthesis to occur.
INVERTEBRATES
Animals that lack a backbone (i.e. protozoans, amaebas, planaria)
MACROPHYTES
Aquatic plants (emergent, floating leaved or submerged) that either have roots or not and can be flowering.
PERIPHYTON
Algae that is attached (i.e. stones or structures)
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
The process by which green plants convert C02 dissolved in water to sugars and 02 using sunlight for energy. Photosynthesis is essential in producing a lake food base and is an important source of 02 for lakes.
PHYTOPLANKTON
Free floating forms of algae (i.e. blue green, green, diatoms, etc.)
PLANKTON
Floating or weakly swimming organisms that move with waves or currents.
RESPIRATION
The metabolic process by which organic carbon molecules are oxidized to C02 and H20 with a net release of energy. Aerobic respiration requires and therefore consumes molecular 02 (algae, weeds, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, fish and bacteria).
THERMAL STRATIFICATION
Existence of a turbulently mixed layer of warm H20 (epilimnion) overlying a colder mass of relatively stagnant water (hypolimnion) in a water body due to cold water being denser than warm water.
THERMOCLINE
A layer of water where separating upper warmer and lighter water from the colder and heavier water.
| Water Quality Analysis Glossory Conversion Factors |
TO TOP
OF PAGE
Quality
Analysis
Factors