Organisms are sensitive to pH. Therefore, the pH has to be at a certain level in order to sustain life.
Testing for pH
Testing for pH requires a very basic procedure. It is measured by using pH paper, which changes color according to the pH level. This color is then matches to a scale, determining the pH.pH levels and What They Mean
A tolerable pH range for organisms is from 5.0 to 9.0. Fish tend to avoid pH levels that are too below or too above this range. If the pH level is too high or too low, organisms are not able to survive for an extended period of time, if able to survive at all. For example, at a pH level of 4.3, carps die out within 5 days. Also, at an unsuitable pH level, some fish eggs are able to hatch, but they tend to be deformed. Therefore, a certain pH level is very important to aquatic life, otherwise if not maintained; an ecosystem could be left completely imbalanced.Results
The results of the pH level found in the North Channel of the Chicago River are listed below:Site | pH Level |
---|---|
1 | 6 |
2 | 8 |
3 | 8 |
The results found show that the pH levels in the North Channel of the Chicago River fall well between the tolerable range of pH. Thus, these levels are acceptable in order to sustain aquatic life.
Influences
The level of pH is significantly influenced by acid rain. Human activities, such as the use of cars and industries, release nitrogen and sulfur oxides. Water from rain mix with these oxides to produce nitric and sulfuric acids. When these resultant acids fall into bodies of water, this decreases the pH level of the water, making it more acidic.In order to control air pollution, industries and cars can use special equipment to reduce the amount of pollution that goes into the air, solving acid rain problems.
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