Water Pollution Lab

1. Based on the lab results, what conclusions can be drawn about each site? Which river was the most polluted? How did you arrive at your conclusion?

Thermal Pollution: is caused when factories and power plants release hot water, used to cool machines in their factories, intro surrounding water. This hot water causes a higher overall water temperature, which can lead to environmental imbalances.

Industrial or Chemical Pollution: is the discharge of toxic substances and other industrial byproducts into bodies of water

Domestic Pollution: is the flow of sewage, pesticides and other waste material from farms, roads, cities and towns into bodies of water Soil Pollution: occurs when erosion causes soil to flow into a body of water

2. Which fish species are the least tolerant of water pollution? Which species are the most tolerant? How do you arrive at your conclusion?

The fish species that are the least tolerant of water pollution are Bass. A very tolerant fish, bass can withstand low oxygen levels and a wide range of temperatures. Bass eat plankton, insect larvae, minnows, and worms. Catfish are also tolerant. Catfish have small eyes and rely on taste, smell, and hearing. They are tough fish known for their ability to survive conditions that no other fish can tolerate, like low oxygen and high carbon dioxide, acidity, and pollutant levels.Gar are fish with long, narrow bodies and bony, sharp-toothed beaks. The swim bladder of the gar is abundantly supplied with blood vessels, which allow the swim bladder to act as an extra breathing organ. This is why gar can survive periods when dissolved oxygen is low or even absent. These fish are the most tolerant because they can life in harsh conditions. The least tolerant fish are the trout because they prefer clean, cold well oxygenated waters.

3. Which invertebrates are the least tolerant of water pollution? Which species are the most tolerant? How do you arrive at your conclusion?

The least tolerant are...