...WATER QUALITY AND CONTAMINATIONS PG. 1 Water Quality and Contamination Nalissa Johnson SCI207: Dependence of Man on the Environment Otishna Jacobs 16 August 2015 WATER QUALITY AND CONTAMINATIONS PG. 2 Introduction Ground water is the biggest source of drinking water available to human population around the world and is rapidly being polluted because of industrialization and increasing demands of agriculture around the world. “Ground waters frequently contain iron, manganese and ammonium above the allowed concentration levels for drinking water”(Strembal, 2004)There are a lot of dangers associated with drinking or cooking with contaminated water. Diseases, poisons, and toxins can be found in contaminated water. There is also a possible correlation between an increased cancer risk and consuming contaminated water. “Being out of sight, it is not always apparent that damage has been, or is being, done to the groundwater resources. The need to prevent groundwater pollution is important because of the very high proportion of groundwater resources that are used for potable supply.” (Helmer, 1997) The objective of the first experiment we conducted was to test the ability of soil to remove oil, vinegar, and laundry detergent from the environment before it reaches ground water. We want to know this because often we...
Words: 2708 - Pages: 11
...of our planet is covered in water, only a small percent of this water is usable freshwater. (eScience Lab 2, 2012) Most of our freshwater is frozen in glaciers at the poles, which means that it is not a viable option because melting them would disrupt the delicate balance of that ecosystem. The small percentage of fresh water that is accessible is stored underground in aquifers. These aquifers collect precipitation like rain water and water from melted snowfalls and stores it in ducts and pores, layers beneath the earth’s surface. When you think about the fact that there are over seven billion human being on this earth and countless other species that depend on freshwater to live and how little there actually is that alone is legitimate cause for alarm. In addition a lot of our technological advances, which have enabled us to feed a growing population by using chemicals to grow more crops, can threatened and potentially contaminate our freshwater supply. A good example of this as explained by Turk & Bensel 2011, is the fact that nitrogen and phosphorus are important crop nutrients, and farmers apply large amounts to cropland each year. They can enter water resources through runoff and leaching and affect water quality through eutrophication, which can result in decreased oxygen levels, fish kills, clogged pipelines, and reduced recreational opportunities. Another reason why water quality research is so important is because growing urban water demands have long clashed with...
Words: 2448 - Pages: 10
...Final Lab Report Water Quality and Contamination Rachel Hewitt SCI207: Dependence of Man on the Environment Professor Andrea Van Gunst May 16, 2016 ABSTRACT All lab experiments were conducted in Windham, New York. The first experiment regarding water quality and contamination, used vinegar, liquid detergent and vegetable oil to contaminate tap water. The results of this experiment showed that when the water was contaminated and filtered through dirt some of the contaminates remained trapped in the soil and didn’t contaminate the groundwater but some did. This experiment could help in finding safer ways to purify and filter water. The results of this experiment were that the oil separated in the water and was trapped in the soil not the groundwater. The vinegar changed the smell of the water and contaminated the soil but without any major effect on the groundwater. The liquid detergent also changed the smell of the water as well as the color but also contaminated the soil and groundwater. The next experiment that was conducted was to use products like sand, charcoal and gravel to filter contaminated water that had been treated with alum. The products were used as an aquifer. The results of this experiment were basically if you used coagulants combined with alkalinity you would be able to remove contaminants from the groundwater. The last experiment bottle water and tap water were compared and tested for levels of iron, phosphate, chloride and ammonia to figure...
Words: 3090 - Pages: 13
...Lab 5 – Weather and Climate Change Lab 5 - Demonstration 1: Modeling the Water Cycle POST LAB QUESTIONS 1. Which water cycle processes are represented in this model and by what components? Answer = evaporation, and condensation. The warm water evaporated into water vapors, that it transformed back into a liquid state during the condensation process. 2. Which processes are not represented? How could the model be altered to include these processes? Answer = surface run off, infiltration, and percolation. Its components is how the water vapor turns to gas. 3. How would the “weather” be affected if the water was at a decreased temperature? What about at an increased temperature? Answer = if it is decreased temperature the weather will be cold or stay warm within a humidity climate. And if the temperature increase the weather will be hot because we know that the water is being evaporate at that time according to the water cycle process. Experiment 1: Water Movement POST LAB QUESTIONS 1. Develop a hypothesis predicting the effect of sunlight on evaporation? Hypothesis = direct sunlight will lead up to more evaporation. The direct photons of light increases the motion of the water molecules it strikes giving them a better a chance to evaporate. 2. Based on the results of your experiment, would you reject or accept the hypothesis that you produced in question...
Words: 371 - Pages: 2
...Lab 2 – Water Quality and Contamination Experiment 1: Effects of Groundwater Contamination |Table 1: Water Observations (Smell, Color, Etc.) | |Beaker |Observations | |1 |No smell, clear, 100 ml | |2 |No smell, oil settled at the top of the water, 110 ml | |3 |Bitter scent, clear color, 100 ml | |4 |Soap smell, thick,110 ml | |5 |No smell, dark, small dirt particles at the bottom of the beaker | |6 |Dirt smell, Dark with oil spots on top, 70 ml | |7 |Bitter scent, a little dark color, 70 ml | |8 |Soap scent, extremely dark,...
Words: 1370 - Pages: 6
...Lab Report: Water Quality and Contamination Edward Minter Ashford University SCI 207: Dependence of Man on the Environment Lynn Carpenter Aug 10, 2015 Lab Report: Water Quality and Contamination Abstract The theory of common pollutants effects on groundwater was investigated and observed through the method of mirroring the wastewater treatment facilities filtration process. Groundwater quality was examined by testing contaminated elements surged into the water. The experiment study the effects of groundwater by evaluating water quality, water contamination, and quality of drinking water. Water quality is tarnished by pollutants resulting in contamination. Unfiltered ground water displayed the highest level of contamination. When groundwater is treated its quality improves. Dasani and Fiji bottled water preference was used. The data indicates groundwater quality is contaminated by common pollutants. Introduction This lab report explore vinegar, oil, and laundry detergent effects on groundwater. Considering most water contamination doesn’t just happen by itself. Water quality is a human problem because people willing or unwilling participate in the spread of pollution....
Words: 1599 - Pages: 7
...Running Head: WATER QUALITY AND CONTAMINATION 1 Water Quality and Contamination Joshua Critchfield SCI 207: Dependence of Man on the Environment Instructor: Holly Dust Date: 04/18/2016 WATER QUALITY AND CONTAMINATION 2 Introduction These experiments were conducted to analyze the quality of water and methods of water treatment. The quality of water adversely affects both the society as well as the economy. The experiments were contacted to examine the primary sources of underground water contamination. They analyzed the level of purity present in drinking water both bottled and tap water. Water quality and contamination is very essential to the society. Research reveals that underground water sources, which for long have been trusted source of income, have a significant level of contamination (Gleick, 1993). In his study, he insisted on the need to analyze the water used for human consumption. Hypothesis of experiment one: oil hypothesis: If an oil spill occurs then the chances of the groundwater contamination are greater and costly. Vinegar hypothesis: If vinegar contaminates groundwater, then there will be a strong odor. Laundry detergent hypothesis: If laundry detergent contaminates ground water, then it will seep through the...
Words: 1315 - Pages: 6
...Water Quality and Contamination Abstract In this experiment water quality and contamination of groundwater were investigated. First, I will observe the effects that many pollutants have on groundwater. I predict that in this experiment the oil and vinegar will create the largest quality of contamination to the water, while the laundry detergent will just create a bad smell to it. Considering the smells and thickness to these ingredients I think that it will cause the water quality to have a bad smell and cause the water to be very cloudy. Once filtering the contaminated water, the water will be clear and purified. Second, I will experiment water treatment and filtering. I predict that once the contaminated water is treated and filtered that it will leave me with little or no contamination in it. Then for the last experiment, I will determine the difference between bottled water and tap water to discover any contamination. I predict that the tap water will be the most contaminated and with the most chemicals in it, while the bottled waters; Dasani and Fiji will be completely filtered and free of any chemicals. Introduction There were three different steps to this investigation to determine the final hypothesis. The first experiment was the effects of groundwater contamination, second was water treatment and third was drinking water quality. There are a variety of portable sampling devices available for the collection of groundwater, however, each application has different...
Words: 296 - Pages: 2
...Assessment of Microbial quality of different vegetables in various markets Comparison of internal and external surface contamination of vegetables The mean microbial counts of both external and internal parts of the vegetable samples showed overall high contamination for total coliform (TC), faecal coliform (FC) and yeast count (YC). The mean FC levels of all the crops (external and internal surface combined) exceed the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Food (ICSMF, 1974) recommended level of 1.0 x 105 fecal coliforms per gram fresh weight. This observation has been reported in Ghana and elsewhere (Obeng, 2007; Mensah et al., 2001). In this study, the contamination of external surface of vegetables was significantly higher than the internal contamination. The total means of the internal microbial counts (TC and FC) of the vegetable samples are high and comparable with counts observed in some non-vegetable foods such as milk and meat (Agbodaze et al. 2005; CDC, 2003; Aning, 2002). The sources of contamination of vegetables includes Soil, irrigation water, green or inadequately composted manure, air (dust), wild and domestic animals, insects, human handling. harvesting, transporting containers, transporting vehicles, wholesale facilities, washing and rinsing water, improper storage, cross contamination and improper ambient temperature (Beuchat, 1996). The only non-bacterial quality indicator investigated was yeast contamination, and the levels of...
Words: 4399 - Pages: 18
...Water Quality and Contamination SCI 207: Dependence of man on the environment Instructor: Marc Hnytka Date: September, 2014 Water Quality and Contamination Abstract The correlation between water quality and contamination was examined through using different substances in the water along how these substances effected the water quality. Different levels of contamination is seen through the process of different acids (vinegar) oils (cooking oil) and fragrances (laundry detergent) in three different water models. When these contaminants are filtered naturally through the earth (charcoal, gravel, sand, etc.) the outcome is a purified water from each containment sample. This overall theory suggest that natural filtration will take place if the eco-system is not overwhelmed by these contaminants. Introduction Water quality is important when providing sufficient ecological balance for drinking purposes, vegetation and more particularly fish species. The most important resource used in America, such as growing crop, is produced consistently through the provision of monitoring the quantity of water sources along with the quality of what the water contains. There are certain minerals and contaminates that can harm us as humans and also the eco-system. For example, oil spillage from drilling, nuclear plants, and use of GMO’s to grow food can have a major impact on the water quality and soil. An article states that “When water from rain and melting snow runs off roofs and...
Words: 2213 - Pages: 9
...Final Lab Report (Water Quality and Contamination) Student’s Name Course Name Institution Instructors Name Date of Submission Final Lab Report Abstract Establishing water quality was done by analyzing the chemical, physical and biological characteristics. This process helped determine safe water for human consumption in public in addition to making sure that humans are not affected by chemicals or disease causing organisms. This was done by analyzing 3 water samples which entailed Tap water, Fiji® bottled water and Dasani® bottled water. The goal of this research was to establish the effects of ground water contamination. This research necessitated hypothesizing on the capability of oil, vinegar and laundry detergent to pollute ground water in view of soil as a contributing filter of oil. Arising from the results obtained from the data analysis and observations from the experiments, conclusive evidence about bottled water was deduced and further research consideration is brought to light. Introduction Water quality was established by analyzing various characteristics which entail chemical, physical and biological. There are benchmarks of water quality set for every of these classes of characteristics. The benchmarks for water quality are advanced by (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency (2004) and (WHO) World Health Organization (2011). The quality of water taken in public was determined in the view of these benchmarks. Water quality research is significant due to...
Words: 1234 - Pages: 5
...Sources of water can be springs, wells, rivers, lakes, boreholes and streams. A water source should consistently yield a quantity of water sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the consumer. Streams and rivers Streams and rivers offer more reliable yields but may be susceptible to pollution and exhibit variable quality. The risk and extent of pollution depends on the catchment and the activities being undertaken on it. Small streams often exhibit variable quality because of the activities of man and animals within the catchment. The quality of surface waters may show a strong seasonal variability. Turbidity may be highest following periods of heavy rainfall. Water treatment will require a minimum of filtration and disinfection and should be designed for the worst expected raw water quality. A small reservoir or tank installed at the source can provide a period of settlement and reduce the variability in water quality. 2.2.3 Source protection Streams and rivers Pollution and natural variations in water quality are the main problems associated with stream and river sources that need to be considered when siting and constructing an intake. Water may be pumped directly from the stream or river or it may be collected from the ground in the...
Words: 820 - Pages: 4
...Science Table of Contents Lab 2 Water Quality and Contamination 21 Water Quality and Contamination Concepts to Explore • Usable water • Ground water contaminates • Ground water • Water treatment • Surface water • Drinking water quality Figure 1: At any given moment, 97% of the planet’s water is in the oceans. Only a small fraction of the remaining freshwater is usable by humans, underscoring the importance of treating our water supplies with care. Introduction It is no secret that water is one of the most valuable resources on planet Earth. Every plant and animal requires water to survive, not only for drinking, but also for food production, shelter creation and many other necessities. Water has also played a major role in transforming the earth’s surface into the varied topography we see today. While more than 70% of our planet is covered in water, only a small percent of this water is usable freshwater. The other 99% of the water is composed primarily of salt water, with a small percentage being composed of 23 Water Quality and Contamination glaciers. Due to the high costs involved in transforming salt water into freshwater, the Earth’s population survives off the less than 1% of freshwater available. Humans obtain freshwater from either surface water or groundwater. Surface water is the water that collects on the ground as a result of precipitation. The water that does not evaporate back into the atmosphere...
Words: 4071 - Pages: 17
...consume water that is of low quality, with the chief reason for such low standards in water quality being contamination by pollutants that originate from various sources. Rural areas in most underdeveloped and developing countries do not have piped water and they rely mostly on wells or boreholes, rivers, springs, and rain water for their domestic consumption. Human activities such as intensive farming that use a lot of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides, mining, and industrial run off are the primary sources of water pollutants and contaminants. According to Li L, Li CS, and Wichelns’ (2016) study established that rural areas in Tra Vinh Province of Vietnam experience seasonal fluctuations of water quality annually. L, Li CS, and Wichelns (2016) observed that during the wet monsoon season in the Mekong Delta, the inhabitants have access to abundant rainwater that they collect for both domestic and commercial applications. However, during the dry season they are faced with acute shortages of clean and safe drinking water often opting for canal or groundwater that is usually contaminated and unsafe for human consumption. L, Li CS, and Wichelns (2016) observed that during the wet season, inhabitants of the Mekong Delta were unwilling to purchase clean and safe bottled drinking water from vendors compared to the dry season when demand for the same was extremely high. A study carried out by Trevett, Carter, and Tyrrel (2004) in rural Honduras to investigate water quality deterioration...
Words: 725 - Pages: 3
...Effects of Water Pollution on Aquatic Ecosystems written by: Sean Fears•edited by: Niki Fears•updated: 1/12/2009 Whether the compounds being added to our watersheds are natural or foreign, they have an effect if the flora and fauna are not adapted to them. Find out some of the ways in which water pollution effects and causes changes in aquatic ecosystems! * Most affected Water pollution can come as a result of natural or unnatural compounds being added to a watersource. These can sway the balance of an ecosystem resulting in danger to natural wildlife of aquatic environments. Some animals and plants are highly susceptible to the effects of water pollution: * Amphibians tend to be very pollution sensitive due to the fact that they absorb chemicals in the water through their skins; this is one reason why many amphibian populations are in distress today. * With addition of detergents to the eco-system, insects that normally have the ability to walk on water will be unable to. * Younger animals also have a greater sensitivity to chemical compounds, especially those that mimic organic compounds, since they are still undergoing the physiological changes associated with maturation. These effects can range from physiological effects such as suffocation and thinning of eggshells to the alteration of neurochemistry. That is why one water-quality monitoring technique involves a survey of macroinvertebrates in the stream; if animals with narrow requirements are present...
Words: 1882 - Pages: 8
