Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity) using a calibrated water quality meter
at 3 h intervals from dawn until dusk.
2. Develop a graph for each variable measured by plotting the level of the parame-
ter measured against time.
3. Questions to consider:
Explain the basis for any observed fluctuations. What biotic and/or abiotic
processes underlie the observed changes in water quality parameters over
time?
Do any relationships exist between the water quality parameters measured? If
so, what are they? Explain the basis for these relationships.
Laboratory Exercise #3: Land Use Influences on Water Quality
Select a series of depressional or other wetland class that exist across different land
use types. For example, crop versus pasture, urban versus park land.
1. Use available resources (topographic maps, digital orthophotographs, etc.) to
characterize the major land use types within 1 km of each wetland. Based on this
analysis, develop a series of testable hypotheses related to land use and water
quality of the wetlands. For example, how would nutrient levels or other water
quality parameters of a wetland surrounded by crop land or within a golf course
be expected to differ from systems within less disturbed landscapes?
2. What key considerations should be addressed when attempting to compare water
quality data between different wetlands?
3. Construct basic habitat maps for each wetland when on site. Also determine the
existence of any undisturbed buffer zones around each wetland.
4. Use a calibrated water quality meter and/or collect water samples in clean 1 L
bottles for later analysis to obtain water quality data from representative habitats
in each wetland. Use these data to address the hypotheses/predictions about the
differences between wetlands.
5. Questions to consider:
Do any observed differences in water quality parameters match what you
would expect based on land use types? If so, briefly explain the basis for these
differences.
If no real differences are detected, what are some reasons for this?
What internal wetland processes may influence wetland water quality and
potentially mask differences related to land use effects?
