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 Great Lakes
ph
dead zone
surface temp
water clarity
1990
7.15
3500
56.3
3.8
2000
7.32
4500
58.6
3.8
2005.
7.89
6800
58.3
3.6
2010
8.01
7500
64.2
2.9
2015
8.23
8000
56.9
2.75
The data collected for the Great Lakes suggests that the general water quality of this body of water is declining. One piece of evidence to support this conclusion is the trend in the pH levels over the years. The pH levels have been increasing consistently from 1990 to 2015, which indicates a rise in acidity. This rise in acidity could have detrimental effects on the water quality and the organisms that inhabit the Great Lakes.
Another factor that indicates a decline in water quality is the increasing dead zone size. The data shows that the dead zone size has been steadily increasing from 3500 in 1990 to 8000 in 2015. Dead zones are areas of low oxygen concentration that can result in the death or displacement of marine life. The increase in dead zone size suggests that there may be an issue with nutrient pollution or other factors that are contributing to decreased oxygen levels in the water.
In terms of predictions for environmental risk factors facing the Great Lakes in the coming years, one of the biggest concerns could be the increasing acidity levels. As mentioned earlier, the pH levels have been consistently rising, indicating a more acidic environment. This can have detrimental effects on the aquatic organisms in the ecosystem, particularly those with sensitive physiology. Changes in pH can disrupt the reproductive cycles of fish and other species, and also impact the survival of various organisms at different stages of their life cycles.
Another potential environmental risk factor is the declining dissolved oxygen levels. The data shows a decrease in dissolved oxygen from 3.8 in 1990 to 2.75 in 2015. Low dissolved oxygen levels can lead to hypoxic conditions, meaning there is insufficient oxygen to support aquatic life. This can result in the death of fish and other organisms that depend on oxygen.
Additionally, the decreasing water clarity is a cause for concern. Water clarity is important for light penetration, which is essential for photosynthesis and the overall health of aquatic vegetation. Poor water clarity can restrict the growth of plants and other primary producers, which can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. It can also indicate high levels of sediment or other pollutants in the water, which can further deteriorate water quality.
The declining water quality and the potential environmental risk factors discussed above can have significant impacts on biodiversity in the Great Lakes. Changes in pH, dissolved oxygen levels, and water clarity can directly affect the survival and reproduction of various species, leading to a decline in their populations. Furthermore, these changes can disrupt the food chain, as some species may be unable to adapt to the changing conditions, while others may thrive. This can result in imbalances within the ecosystem, affecting the overall biodiversity of the Great Lakes.
In conclusion, the data suggests that the general water quality of the Great Lakes is declining. Rising pH levels, increasing dead zones, and decreasing dissolved oxygen and water clarity are all indicators of this decline. Based on the data, the biggest environmental risk factors facing the Great Lakes in the coming years are likely to be the increasing acidity levels, declining dissolved oxygen levels, and poor water clarity. These factors can have significant effects on biodiversity, impacting the survival and reproduction of various species and potentially disrupting the entire ecosystem.