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Methods of Monitoring Pollution

Methods of Monitoring Pollution. Direct. Performed by monitoring the level of the pollutant itself Nitrates in a lake Temperature in a stream. Direct measurements. Measuring temperature in several locations along the length of a river or at different times of the year

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Methods of Monitoring Pollution

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  1. Methods of Monitoring Pollution

  2. Direct • Performed by monitoring the level of the pollutant itself • Nitrates in a lake • Temperature in a stream

  3. Direct measurements • Measuring temperature in several locations along the length of a river or at different times of the year • Take a baseline measurement and then monitor systematically to determine changes • Measuring nitrate levels/ammonia levels/ chloride levels as an indication of nutrient overload • Measuring TSS or TDS as an indication of material entering the lake or stream

  4. Indirect • Monitor the effects of the pollutants on other factors • Dissolved oxygen • BOD • Presence or absence of indicator species

  5. BOD • The measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen that is used by aerobic bacteria to break down the organic matter in a specific volume of water. • The greater the organic matter (sewage, agricultural run-off, fertilizer, etc.) the higher the BOD

  6. More BOD • If DO equals or exceeds the BOD, the system is considered healthy • If DO level is less than BOD, it is possible that there is not enough oxygen to sustain larger organisms like fish. • The process of accumulating large amount of organic matter is called eutrophication

  7. Measuring BOD • Measure DO on day 1 • again on Day 5 • samples should be kept at 20oC in the dark during that time

  8. Factors Controlling BOD and DO • A major source of DO comes from the atmosphere • Moving water is able to dissolve more oxygen • Temperature is a major factor • BOD is affected by respiration or lack there of by microorganisms and by increase in organic matter, waste and sewage

  9. Biotic index • Indirect measurement involves monitoring and measurement of organisms in the ecosystem • Indicator or index species • Species by their abundance or absence indicate the level of pollution in an ecosystem • The diversity of species can indicate the quality and overall health of the system

  10. Important indicators • Fish • Bottom fauna • Algae • Bacteria • Comparing the relative abundance of stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies to midge and sludgeworms • Comparison of diatoms to blue-green algae • Measuring coliform levels can indicate the presence of sewage dumping in the ecosystem • Overall diversity of the system is the best indicator - presence is better than absence

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