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Water Quality Indicators

Vocabulary

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pH

Definition: measures acidity/basicity (0–14 scale)

The pH scale explained.

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Turbidity

Definition: how clean the water is - cloudiness or murkiness in water caused by suspended or dissolved particles

What is Turbidity in water?

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Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Definition: oxygen that’s dissolved in water -

Dissolved oxygen video

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Nitrates

Definition: nutrients from fertilizer which are essential for plant growth -

Nitrates in water

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Phosphates

Definition: chemical compounds containing the phosphate ion (PO₄³⁻) that are essential nutrients for life but can cause severe environmental issues when present in excessive amounts

Act as food for algae

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Temperature

Definition: affects oxygen levels and aquatic organisms

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affects water quality by decreasing dissolved oxygen (making it harder for aquatic life to breathe), increasing solubility of certain toxins, and promoting microbial growth and activity

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Bioindicators

Definition: living organisms (like macroinvertebrates) that show water health

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Video

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