Water Quality Testing

Temperature

• Why record temperature of water?: Different species of fish thrive in different water temperatures. A safe temperature range for many fish is 24-28 degrees Celsius.

1. Observe temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit.

2. Record temperature in data log

pH

• Why test pH?: Measures acidity of water. 7.0 is neutral. >7 is alkaline (basic), <7 acidic.

1. Fill test tube with 5 ml of water (to the line)

2. Add 3 drops of Indicator Solution

3. Cap test tube and invert to mix solution

4. Match color of solution to pH color chart

5. Record pH in data log.

Ammonia Test• Why test for ammonia?: Animals release ammonia through their waste.

High levels prevent fish from respiring properly. Biological filtration helps keep levels in check.

1. Fill test tube with 5 ml of water.2. Add 8 drops from Ammonia Test Solution

Bottle (ATSB) #1.3. Add 8 drops from ATSB #2.4. Cap test tube and shake for 5 seconds.5. Wait 5 minutes for color to develop.6. Match test solution to Ammonia color chart.7. Record ammonia level in data log.

Nitrite Test

• Why test for nitrite?: Nitrite (NO2-) is made by biological filter.

Beneficial bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite. Nitrite affects fish respiration and immune system.

• Fill test tube with 5 ml of water

• Add 5 drops of Nitrite Test Solution

• Cap test tube and shake for 5 seconds

• Wait 5 minutes for color change

• Match color of solution to Nitrite color chart

• Record nitrite level in data log.

Nitrate Test• Why test for nitrate?: Nitrate (NO3

-) is produced by biological filter. Another species of bacteria convert nitrite to nitrate. High nitrate levels contribute to fish disease. Plants are able to absorb nitrates for tissue growth.

• Fill test tube with 5 ml of water• Add 10 drops from Nitrate Test Solution Bottle #1

(NTSB)• Cap test tube and invert several times to mix solution• Vigorously shake NTSB #2 for 35 seconds.• Add 10 drops from NTSB #2 to water sample• Cap test tube and shake vigorously for one minute.• Wait 5 minutes for color to develop• Match color of solution to Nitrate color chart.• Record nitrate level in data log.

Nitrogen Cycle

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Additional Notes

• Parts per million (ppm) = mg/L

• Rinse test tube with clean water after each use.

• Wear gloves and goggles

• We will be using the iPad to input/log water quality data.

• Water chemistry data will be collected by period 6

Water Chemistry Data Collection Schedule

• 4/10 (Stations 1 and 2)• 4/11 (Stations 3 and 4)• 4/16 (Stations 5 and 6)• 4/19 (Stations 7 and 8)• 4/24 (Stations 1 and 2)• 4/27 (Stations 3 and 4)• 4/30 (Stations 5 and 6)• 5/3 (Stations 7 and 8)