Water Quality Assessment Questions

This lesson explores water quality and the variables used in the water quality index, including turbidity, pH, conductivity, phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, solids, temperature, FAL chloroform, and dissolved oxygen. It highlights the impact of these variables on aquatic life and water clarity, discussing methods for measuring each. The lesson is part of a project at Ohio University, funded by the NSF, and is designed to be used with a hands-on lab activity.

Who prepared and narrated the lesson on water quality?

• Sam Drup and Bet

• Brett Belin and Sam Drup

• Bet and Sam Drup

• Brett Belin and Bet

What is the range of pH typically found in Ohio's water?

• 7.0 to 9.0

• 6.5 to 8.5

• 5.0 to 7.0

• 6.0 to 8.0

Which method is more accurate for measuring pH?

• Test strips

• Colorimeters

• pH meters

• Transparency tubes

What can cause high conductivity in water?

• Low pH levels

• High turbidity

• Brine from groundwater

• Low dissolved oxygen

What is a major consequence of excess phosphates and nitrates in water?

• Higher conductivity

• Algae blooms

• Reduced turbidity

• Increased pH levels

What is the primary method to measure total suspended solids?

• Conductivity meters

• Filtration

• Colorimetry

• pH meters

Which factor does NOT affect water temperature?

• Water color

• pH level

• Shade from the shoreline

• Location

What does a high level of FAL chloroform indicate?

• Presence of algae

• Potential harmful bacteria

• High dissolved oxygen

• Low turbidity

What happens to dissolved oxygen levels as water temperature decreases?

• They remain constant

• They decrease

• They fluctuate

• They increase

What is a common cause of increased FAL chloroform in water?

• High pH levels

• Failing septic systems

• Low conductivity

• Excess nitrates