How do living organisms help purify water?

Why will you get a smaller volume at the end of a experiment than what you started with?

It is okay to taste your water at the end of an experiment? Why or why not?

http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/default.asp?lang=En&n=06F1403C-1

Whether you taste the water depends upon what you added to it.

If you don't know, do not taste it!

Thank You.

You're welcome.

To get the answer to the first question, "How do living organisms help purify water?", you can start by researching the different ways in which living organisms contribute to water purification. Here is a general explanation:

Living organisms, such as bacteria and aquatic plants, play a crucial role in helping purify water through various natural processes. Some ways in which they contribute to water purification include:

1. Biological filtration: Certain bacteria and microorganisms can break down organic matter in the water, converting harmful substances into simpler compounds that are less polluting.
2. Nutrient removal: Aquatic plants, such as water lilies and reeds, can absorb excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, preventing their accumulation in the water and indirectly reducing the growth of harmful algae.
3. Oxygenation: Underwater plants produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, which helps maintain a healthy balance of dissolved oxygen levels in the water, essential for the survival of many species.
4. Decomposition: Dead organisms in the water are broken down by decomposers like bacteria and fungi, releasing essential nutrients back into the water.

Now, let's move on to the second question, "Why will you get a smaller volume at the end of an experiment than what you started with?"

When conducting experiments, it is common to end up with a smaller volume of liquid than you started with. This happens due to various reasons, including:

1. Evaporation: If the experiment requires heating or exposing the liquid to air, evaporation can occur. Water molecules can escape into the atmosphere as vapor, leading to a decrease in volume.
2. Filtration: Some experiments may involve filtering the liquid to separate solid particles or impurities. This filtration process can result in the loss of some liquid volume.
3. Chemical reactions: Certain reactions may cause the formation of gases, such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen gas, which can escape from the liquid, causing a decrease in overall volume.
4. Displacement: In some experiments, other materials or substances may be added, causing the liquid volume to be displaced, resulting in a lower final volume.

Finally, moving on to the third question, "Is it okay to taste your water at the end of an experiment? Why or why not?"

It is generally not recommended to taste water directly at the end of an experiment without considering certain factors. Here's why:

1. Contamination: Depending on the nature of the experiment, the water may have come into contact with various substances, chemicals, or contaminants that could be harmful if ingested. Tasting the water without proper knowledge of its composition can pose health risks.
2. Residual chemicals: Some experiments involve the use of chemicals or reagents that may not be completely removed from the water, even after the experiment is over. Ingesting these residual chemicals could be hazardous.
3. Experimental conditions: Even if the water appears clear and free from visible impurities, there may be certain microscopic or dissolved substances that are not detectable by taste alone but could still be harmful.

To ensure water safety after an experiment, it is best to consult relevant guidelines, lab protocols, or experts who can provide specific instructions about the suitability of tasting the water in question.