Having studied the data for patterns and trends, you should now be able to draw some conclusions and make predictions about the general water quality of each major body of water. Address the following in your final paragraphs:
• Is the general water quality of this body of water declining or improving? Cite evidence from the data to support your conclusion.
• Based on the most recent data, what do you predict will be the biggest environmental risk factors facing this body of water in the coming years? Consider both the data and what you have learned about the causes and effects of changes in pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.
• Relate your conclusions and predictions about different parameters of water quality with potential effect on biodiversity.
The Gulf of Mexico
ph
dead zone
surface temp
water clarity
1990
6.8
3700
58
2.4
2000
7.1
1800
58.5
2.25
2005
7.15
4400
64
2.7
2010
6.94
7300
59.3
2.15
2015
6.85
6800
61.8
1.95
Based on the data provided, it can be concluded that the general water quality of the Gulf of Mexico is declining. One important indicator is the pH level, which has consistently decreased from 6.8 in 1990 to 6.85 in 2015. This decreasing trend in pH suggests that the water in the Gulf of Mexico is becoming more acidic. Additionally, the data on dissolved oxygen levels indicate a decrease in water quality. Dissolved oxygen is necessary for the survival of aquatic organisms, and the decline in its levels from 2.4 in 1990 to 1.95 in 2015 suggests a negative impact on the biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico.
Based on the most recent data, the biggest environmental risk factors facing the Gulf of Mexico in the coming years are the dead zones and high levels of dissolved oxygen. Dead zones refer to areas where oxygen is depleted due to excessive amounts of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, entering the water. The increase in dead zones from 1800 in 2000 to 6800 in 2015 indicates a worsening condition in the Gulf of Mexico. This poses a significant threat to marine life, particularly those that rely on oxygen-rich waters.
In addition to dead zones, the data also shows a decline in water clarity, measured by turbidity. The decrease in water clarity from 2.7 in 2005 to 1.95 in 2015 indicates an increase in sediment and other particles in the water. This can be detrimental to various species that rely on clear waters for their survival, such as those that require sunlight for photosynthesis.
Considering the causes and effects of changes in pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity, it is important to recognize their potential impacts on biodiversity. The declining water quality, particularly the decreasing pH and dissolved oxygen levels, can have adverse effects on marine organisms, leading to the reduction of species diversity and abundance. Increased dead zones and decreased water clarity also contribute to the degradation of habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity in the Gulf of Mexico.
In conclusion, the general water quality of the Gulf of Mexico is declining based on the data provided. The decreasing pH, increasing dead zones, and decreasing water clarity are key indicators of this decline. In the coming years, the biggest environmental risk factors for the Gulf of Mexico will be the dead zones and low levels of dissolved oxygen, both of which pose significant threats to marine life. These changes in water quality parameters have the potential to negatively impact biodiversity, leading to reduced species diversity and abundance in the Gulf of Mexico.