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.

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WATER CYCLE

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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

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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

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER

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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

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER

PHOSPHATES

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER

SALINITY

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER

TEMPERATURE

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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

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Humphreys Brook, Summer 2009

Breached Sediment Fence

Water SamplingE. COLI

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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.

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MACRO-INVERTEBRATES

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Watershed Boundary

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Tidal Bore

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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

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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

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WETLANDS

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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