january 2011. outline overview of the water cycle chemical/physical properties water sampling macro...
TRANSCRIPT
January 2011
Envirothon - Aquatics
OutlineOverview of the water cycleChemical/Physical PropertiesWater SamplingMacro invertebratesWatershedConservation/PollutionStream buffersWetlands & Aquifers
WATER CYCLEWater covers 70% of the earth’s surface.
Water is a renewable substance – it is continuously being recycled.
3
WATER CYCLE
4
Hydrologic cycle: Continual movement of water from the atmosphere to Earth's surface through precipitation and back to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
Two hydrogen atoms attached to one oxygen atom
The chemical structure of water provides it with some very unique properties. H 2 O
5
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
Water is a very stable compound – it is difficult to break it apart into its component.
100˚C – boils and evaporates0˚C – freezes and expands 4˚C – waters density is at its highest
6
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
7
Specific heatpHConductivityUniversal Solvent – it can dissolve a large
number of different chemicals (salinity, nitrates, phosphates, etc. We test freshwater streams to determine levels of these solutes. They help us determine whether or not a stream has good water quality.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
NITRATES
8
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
PHOSPHATES
9
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
SALINITY
10
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
TEMPERATURE
11
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)0-2 mg/L: not enough oxygen to support life
2-4 mg/L: only a few kinds of fish and insects can survive
4-7 mg/L: acceptable for warm water fish
7-11 mg/L: very good for most stream fish including cold water fish
Percent Saturation (%)
Below 60%: poor; water too warm or bacteria using up DO
60-79%: acceptable for most aquatic organisms
80-100%: excellent for most aquatic organisms
112% or more: too high, may be dangerous to fish12
Water SamplingSEDIMENTATION
13
Humphreys Brook, Summer 2009
Breached Sediment Fence
Water SamplingE. COLI
14
MACRO-INVERTEBRATESIndicator of aquatic life (biodiversity)They are a link in the food chainThey are sensitive to pollutionMacro-invertebrates can be used as
indicators of water quality.
15
MACRO-INVERTEBRATES
16
Watershed Boundary
17
Tidal Bore
18
The Petitcodiac River was once known for its tidal bore being the highest in North America, over two meters
Water Conservation MethodsThree areas to conserve water: Household,
Commercial, and AgriculturalFor household: Low-flush toilets, high-
efficiency clothes washers.For Commercial: Reclamation systems (ie. Car
washes), waterless urinals, steam sterilizers.For Agricultural: Overhead irrigation, or, a
more expensive but successful measure, drip irrigation.
Point & Non-Point PollutionPoint Polution: where
wastewater/contaminants enter a waterway through discrete means, ie. Ditch or pipe.Sewage treatment plants, factories, storm
drains, etc.
Non-Point Polution: where wastewater/contaminants enter a waterway through a larger in-discrete means, ie. Agricultural field, urban runoff.Parking lots/roads/highways, agriculture, etc.
STREAM BUFFERS
21
Prevents erosion of banksProvides shade to the stream (temperature
control)Filters pollution from entering the streamSupplies shelter and food to aquatic animalsEasy way to improve water quality
STREAM BUFFERS
22
WETLANDS
23
Natural buffersActs as a sponge during large stormsNaturally filters waterSustains more life than any other ecosystemsCanada has 14% of wetlands of the world65% of coastal wetland in Atlantic Canada
have been damaged through agriculture and urban development.
Types of AquifersUnconfined and Confined
Freshwater DistributionCanada: We have 7% of the worlds’
freshwater.
Water: A Finite ResourceRate of water consumption overcomes the
rate of renewalStatistics Canada has determined freshwater
in Canada has been in decline for the last 30 years
90% of this lost freshwater has gone towards economic activity, only 9% has gone towards residential us
Hydraulic Fracturing – “fracking” process that results in the creation of fractures in rocks.
Impact on Aquatic EcosystemsThe Petitcodiac Causeway
10 million cubic meters of siltRestricted movement of fishReduced the region’s salmon catches by 100%
Biomass HarvestingReduced soil pH can result in acidifying water
source(s) nearby (Pollett River)Difficulties with erosion controlReduced shade/buffer zones for nearby
watersources
THANK YOU