The Chesapeake Bay
ph
dead zone
surface temp
water clarity
1990
6.7
1020
46.5
2.4
2000
6.72
4060
51.3
2.35
2005
6.75
4095
45.4
2.7
2010
6.9
3090
51.8
2.15
2015
6.97
2050
46.1
1.95
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.
Based on the data provided, the general water quality of the Chesapeake Bay appears to be declining over the years. One indicator of this decline is the decrease in pH levels. In 1990, the pH was recorded at 6.7, but by 2015, it had increased to 6.97. This increase indicates a decrease in water quality because a pH below 7 is considered acidic, and aquatic organisms generally thrive in slightly alkaline conditions. The gradual increase in acidity suggests a decline in the health of the ecosystem.
Another indicator of declining water quality is the increase in the dead zone size. Dead zones are areas of water with low oxygen levels, often caused by excessive nutrients from agricultural and urban runoff. In 1990, the dead zone in the Chesapeake Bay had a surface area of 1,020 square kilometers. However, by 2015, it had significantly expanded to 2,050 square kilometers. This indicates a worsening of hypoxic conditions, which can have detrimental effects on marine life.
Looking at the most recent data, the biggest environmental risk factors facing the Chesapeake Bay in the coming years are likely to be related to nutrient pollution and associated dead zones. The increase in the dead zone size between 1990 and 2015 suggests that nutrient runoff into the bay is not being sufficiently controlled. High nutrient levels promote the growth of algae blooms, which deplete oxygen levels when they die and decompose. This lack of oxygen negatively impacts fish, crabs, and other organisms, affecting the overall biodiversity of the bay.
Additionally, the decreasing water clarity is another concern for the Chesapeake Bay. In 1990, the water clarity was recorded at 2.4 meters, but by 2015, it had decreased to 1.95 meters. Reduced water clarity can limit light penetration, hindering the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation vital to the bay's ecosystem. This decline can further impact species that rely on these plants for food and habitat.
The changes in water quality parameters are likely to have significant effects on biodiversity in the Chesapeake Bay. The decline in water clarity and increase in dead zones can result in a loss of habitat for many species. Reduced oxygen levels and increased acidity can negatively impact the survival and behavior of aquatic organisms. Changes in temperature can also affect the distribution and abundance of various species, potentially leading to shifts in the bay's biodiversity.
Overall, the data suggests that the general water quality of the Chesapeake Bay is declining, with increasing acidity, expanding dead zones, and decreasing water clarity. The potential environmental risk factors in the coming years include nutrient pollution, dead zones, and associated effects on biodiversity. Efforts should be made to reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.